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Healthy Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai Recipe Easy 15 Minute Dinner

healthy zucchini noodle pad thai - featured image

A quick, healthy, and flavorful zucchini noodle Pad Thai that is ready in 15 minutes, perfect for light dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized (about 4 cups)
  • 8 ounces chicken breast or tofu, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, extra chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Spiralize the zucchinis to create about 4 cups of noodles. Set aside on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and lime juice. Adjust sweetness or heat as needed.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken or tofu and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove and set aside with protein.
  5. Add garlic, red bell pepper, carrot, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp and fragrant.
  6. Add zucchini noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss gently but quickly for 1-2 minutes until noodles are warmed through but still firm.
  7. Return cooked protein and eggs to the pan. Toss all ingredients together to combine evenly and heat through for another minute.
  8. Transfer to plates and garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and extra lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook zucchini noodles to avoid sogginess. Pat dry noodles after spiralizing to remove excess moisture. Use a hot pan for crisp veggies. Adjust sauce sweetness and heat to taste. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For vegan, replace eggs with scrambled tofu and fish sauce with soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, pad thai, healthy dinner, low carb, gluten free, quick recipe, vegetarian option, stir fry