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
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
Course: Side Dishes5
servings10
minutes25
minutes290
kcalIngredients
– 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.