Quick Zesty Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
A light, fresh, and flavorful Pad Thai made with spiralized zucchini noodles and a tangy tamarind-lime sauce, ready in just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts, rinsed
- A small handful fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Juice of 1 medium lime
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili paste (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Wash and dry zucchinis. Spiralize or julienne peel to create noodles. Set aside on paper towels to absorb excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
- In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and Sriracha until smooth. Adjust sweetness or heat as desired (2 minutes).
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Push garlic and shallot to one side of the pan. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the pan and pour the sauce over them. Toss or stir-fry gently for 2-3 minutes until noodles are warmed through and coated but still slightly crunchy. Avoid overcooking.
- Stir in sliced green onions and bean sprouts; cook for another 30 seconds to combine flavors without wilting.
- Serve immediately topped with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro. Optionally, add lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Do not overcook zucchini noodles to avoid sogginess. Drain noodles well before cooking. Toast peanuts lightly for extra crunch and flavor. Prep all ingredients before cooking for best results. For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari and replace eggs with scrambled tofu or omit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 9
Keywords: zucchini noodles, pad thai, quick dinner, healthy, low carb, gluten-free, vegetarian option, tamarind sauce