The Ultimate Zucchini Pad Thai – A Light & Satisfying Meal! 🥒🍜 – Enjoy all the bold, tangy, and nutty flavors of traditional Pad Thai with a healthy twist! This low-carb, gluten-free dish features fresh zucchini noodles tossed in a savory, homemade sauce with crunchy peanuts and tender protein. Quick, easy, and packed with nutrients—perfect for a guilt-free weeknight dinner! ✅💚
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free dark soy sauce (or regular dark soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce (or regular soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
For the Noodles and Stir-Fry:
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz protein of your choice, thinly sliced (chicken, shrimp, tofu, beef)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped into 1-inch pieces (can substitute regular broccoli florets or bok choy)
- Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, red pepper flakes, lime wedges
Equipment:
- Spiralizer
- Large skillet or wok
- Small bowl for sauce
- Cutting board
- Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly.
- Using a spiralizer, create noodles from the zucchini. You can discard the core.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free dark soy sauce, gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and white pepper (if using). Set aside.
3. Cook the Protein and Garlic:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sliced protein and cook until it’s cooked through. Remove the protein from the skillet and set aside.
4. Scramble the Egg:
- Pour the lightly beaten egg into the same skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the egg is set and slightly scrambled. Remove the egg from the skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the Chinese Broccoli:
- Add the chopped Chinese broccoli (or your chosen substitute) to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and slightly tender-crisp. You may need to add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and cover it briefly to help it steam if it’s too dry.
6. Add the Zucchini Noodles and Sauce:
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the zucchini noodles and broccoli.
7. Toss and Cook:
- Gently toss everything together to coat the zucchini noodles and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini noodles are slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become watery.
8. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked protein and scrambled egg to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
9. Serve and Garnish:
- Divide the Zucchini Noodle Pad See Ew between two serving plates.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, red pepper flakes (if desired), and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately!
Tips and Variations:
- Prevent Watery Zucchini: You can lightly salt the zucchini noodles after spiralizing and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then, gently squeeze out any excess water before cooking. This will help prevent them from becoming too watery in the stir-fry.
- Protein Options: Feel free to use any protein you prefer or have on hand. Marinating the protein beforehand can add extra flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of white pepper or add chili garlic sauce to the sauce for more heat.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the oyster sauce with a vegan oyster sauce alternative or increase the amount of soy sauce and brown sugar to taste. Use tofu as your protein and skip the egg, or use a plant-based egg substitute.
- Serving Immediately: Zucchini noodles are best eaten immediately after cooking, as they can release more water over time.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Zucchini Noodle Pad See Ew!