Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe : A Healthy and Delicious Twist

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai recipe is a creative and healthy take on the traditional Thai dish, Pad Thai. Instead of using rice noodles, this recipe uses spaghetti squash, which is a nutritious and low-carb alternative. The result is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s packed with vegetables and protein, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy twist.

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti Squash:

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)

For the Pad Thai:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, julienned
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe Equipment:

  • Baking sheet
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Spatula
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Detailed Instructions Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe:

1.Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
  • Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  • Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the strands of squash into a bowl.

2 Make the Pad Thai Sauce:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside.

3.Prepare the Pad Thai:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
  • Add bell pepper and carrots, cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
  • Add the spaghetti squash strands and bean sprouts to the skillet, pour the Pad Thai sauce over the mixture, and toss everything to combine.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

4.Serve:

  • Serve the Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai hot, garnished with chopped green onions, peanuts, and fresh cilantro.
  • Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Serve with Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai:

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai can be served on its own as a complete meal. For a more substantial meal, you can pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A light cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup would also complement the flavors nicely.

What Does Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Taste Like?

This dish has a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. The spaghetti squash provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, while the Pad Thai sauce offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. The vegetables add a nice crunch, and the scrambled eggs give a rich, creamy texture. The peanuts and fresh herbs on top bring additional layers of flavor and freshness.

How Healthy is This Recipe?

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai is a healthy alternative to traditional Pad Thai. Here’s why:

  • Low in Carbs: Spaghetti squash is much lower in carbohydrates compared to rice noodles.
  • High in Fiber: It is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion.
  • Packed with Vegetables: This dish includes a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Protein-Rich: The eggs and peanuts add protein, making it a well-rounded meal.e

Pro Tips for the Perfect Recipe

1.Even Roasting: Make sure to roast the spaghetti squash evenly to get perfect strands.
2.Pre-Mix Sauce: Having the Pad Thai sauce pre-mixed ensures even coating and flavor distribution.
3.Veggie Prep: Julienne vegetables for a better texture and even cooking.
4.Avoid Overcooking: Do not overcook the spaghetti squash; it should be tender but not mushy.

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe Variations:

  • Chicken Pad Thai: Add cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein.
  • Vegetarian Pad Thai: Skip the fish sauce and add tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Seafood Pad Thai: Include shrimp or prawns for a seafood twist.
  • Spicy Pad Thai: Increase the amount of sriracha or add chili flakes for a spicier dish.

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe Conclusion:

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional Pad Thai. It’s packed with vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

5 FAQs About Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

1 Can I make Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can prepare the spaghetti squash and the sauce ahead of time. Combine and heat just before serving.

2.Can I use other vegetables?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini.

3.Is Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai gluten-free?

  • Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, it is gluten-free.

4.How do I store leftovers?

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.

5.Can I freeze Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai?

  • Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the spaghetti squash can become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories290
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 16g 25%
    • Saturated Fat 3g 15%
  • Cholesterol 70mg 24%
  • Sodium 800mg 34%
  • Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
    • Dietary Fiber 7g 29%
    • Sugars 12g
  • Protein 10g 20%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

    Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe

    Recipe by aliCourse: Side Dishes
    Servings

    5

    servings
    Prep time

    10

    minutes
    Cooking time

    25

    minutes
    Calories

    290

    kcal

    Ingredients

    • – 1 large spaghetti squash

    • – 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • – Salt and pepper to taste

    • – 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

    • – 2 tablespoons fish sauce

    • – 2 tablespoons lime juice

    • – 2 tablespoons peanut butter

    • – 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

    • – 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

    • – 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)

    • – 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • – 3 cloves garlic, minced

    • – 1 small onion, chopped

    • – 1 bell pepper, julienned

    • – 2 carrots, julienned

    • – 1 cup bean sprouts

    • – 2 eggs, lightly beaten

    • – 1/2 cup chopped green onions

    • – 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

    • – Fresh cilantro, for garnish

    • – Lime wedges, for serving

    Directions

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
    • Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
    • Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
    • Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
    • Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the strands of squash into a bowl.
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside*
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
    • Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
    • Add bell pepper and carrots, cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
    • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
    • Add the spaghetti squash strands and bean sprouts to the skillet, pour the Pad Thai sauce over the mixture, and toss everything to combine.
    • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
    • Serve the Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai hot, garnished with chopped green onions, peanuts, and fresh cilantro.
    • Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

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