by Christine Pesta
I love Thai food. One of my favorite “go-to” take-out meals has always been a Pad Thai and some spring rolls. Trying to find a vegan Pad Thai has been a different story. While I’ve come across it at a restaurant or two, it has not always been convenient or budget-friendly. I am not also usually inclined to make it myself. To my mind, it’s a treat that you buy for yourself after a hard day’s work, when you just don’t feel like cooking.
Then one day, I saw Trader Joe’s Vegetable Pad Thai. This is a frozen meal, which intrigued me even more. I thought, if it was any good, I could stock up and always have one to pop in the microwave on those days when I just wanted something quick and easy. I wouldn’t even have to stop anywhere after that hard day’s work – I could just head straight home. put my feet up, and enjoy!
While many packaged foods and meals contain a higher amount of calories and sodium, as well as preservatives, which for many are of concern, if you don’t over indulge with such meals, they can come in handy in a pinch.
That is why I was very pleased with Trader Joe’s Vegetable Pad Thai. Although one shouldn’t expect what you might get from a restaurant, the flavors and textures present are enough to satisfy most people’s cravings.
At first glance, you see the noodles and tofu across the top of the meal. Once mixed through, tons of bean sprouts and green onions, and bits of cashew are also present, as well as the sauce that helps define the dish, which is spicy, flavorful, but not too hot.
It may not look like a lot for some, but it is quite filling and can serve as a decent sized meal. For those who are interested in dietary information, the meal comes in at 400 calories, with 900mg of sodium, 64g of carbohydrate, 10g of protein, 4g dietary fiber, an 0mg of cholesterol for a 10.5 ounce (300g) serving.
Preparation is super-easy. The instructions to microwave it call for simply peeling back a corner of the film covering the container, stirring it after two minutes cook time, then replacing the film and cooking for another two to three minutes. Personally, I just peel the corner back and pop it in for five minutes, skipping the stop-and-stir part and, at least in my microwave oven, it comes out fine.
The price also can’t be beat. If you’re looking for budget-friendly, this Pad Thai will cost you less than $3.50 (at least in the United States at this time of publishing). The average price for a Pad Thai at most restaurants is anywhere from $6.00 to $10.00.
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Pad Thai may not be to everyone’s taste. You might want to make a bigger meal of it by adding more veggies or spring rolls, I can say that if I can’t get to a restaurant or make it myself, Trader Joe’s has got me covered if I’m craving Pad Thai.
