Craving Pad Thai but worried about the calorie count? This recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of your favorite Thai street food without the guilt! We've swapped out heavy ingredients for lighter, healthier alternatives, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget the greasy takeout – this recipe uses fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. We've even included tips and tricks to help you customize your Pad Thai to your liking.
Ready to ditch the takeout and embrace a healthier, homemade version of this classic dish? This step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage of creating a delicious and healthy Pad Thai that's both satisfying and good for you. Let's get cooking!
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Cheese grater
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Broccoli slaw
- Chicken
- Carrots: 1 1/2 cups shredded
- Purple cabbage
- Green cabbage
- Red bell pepper
- Green onions
- Garlic cloves
- Eggs: 3
- Ginger paste: 1 tablespoon
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice: 3 tablespoons
- Coconut aminos: 1/4 cup
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or less)
- Peanut butter: 1/4 cup
- Sea salt
- Avocado oil: 1-2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil: optional, 1 tablespoon
- Rice noodles: 8.8 oz
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prep & Marinate
- Chop and prepare all vegetables (broccoli slaw, carrots, cabbage, red bell pepper, green onions, garlic).
- Cut chicken into small cubes.
- Make the sauce by combining peanut butter, coconut aminos, lime juice, crushed red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, avocado/sesame oil, and ginger paste.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Chicken and Veggies
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Add broccoli slaw and sauté until slightly softened.
- Add the remaining vegetables (carrots, cabbage, red pepper, green onions) to the skillet.
- Add minced garlic.
- Cover and cook for a few minutes to allow vegetables to soften.
- Stir and cook until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 3. Combine Noodles and Sauce
- Add cooked rice noodles.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Mix well.
- Stir in most of the green onions, reserving some for garnish.
Step 4. Serve & Garnish
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining green onions, crushed peanuts (optional), sesame seeds (optional), and cilantro (optional).
Read more: Vegan Pad Thai: Easy Restaurant-Quality Recipe at Home
Tips
- Use the finger guard on your food processor.
- Cook only the amount of noodles needed for the current meal. Leftover noodles don't reheat well.
- Prep vegetables ahead of time to save time.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice noodles instead of regular rice noodles?
Yes! Brown rice noodles add a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
2. What can I substitute for fish sauce if I'm vegetarian?
Soy sauce or tamari are great substitutes, adding a similar savory depth.
3. How can I make this Pad Thai even healthier?
Increase the vegetables! Add extra broccoli, carrots, or bean sprouts for added nutrients.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade Pad Thai! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish while making mindful food choices. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!