Low-carb pad Thai with spiralized zucchini noodles
Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
Low-carb pad Thai with spiralized zucchini noodles
★4.4(21)
A lighter pad Thai using zucchini noodles instead of rice noodles, tossed in a tangy-sweet pad Thai sauce with shrimp, egg, and peanuts.
15m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Spiralized zucchini makes a surprisingly convincing noodle substitute in this lighter pad Thai. The classic tangy-sweet sauce tastes just as good on zoodles.
Thai cooking achieves a remarkable balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in every dish. This recipe brings those layered flavors to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Whisk fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, and 1 tbsp brown sugar into a pad Thai sauce.
- 2
Stir-fry shrimp in oil over high heat for 2 minutes per side. Remove. Scramble eggs in the same wok.
- 3
Add zucchini noodles and stir-fry 1-2 minutes—just enough to warm them without making them soft.
- 4
Return shrimp and egg. Pour in pad Thai sauce and toss to coat.
- 5
Serve topped with crushed peanuts, green onions, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Zucchini noodlesShirataki noodles
Zero-carb, different texture
Tamarind paste2 tbsp ketchup + 1 tbsp lime juice
Quick substitute
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Salt and drain the zucchini noodles for 15 minutes before cooking to remove excess water.
Don't overcook the zoodles—they should still have a slight crunch.
Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for variety.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Refrigerate for up to 1 day (zoodles will soften).
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (180mg) · 4 servings
Calories260
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein26g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat14g
Fiber720mg
Sugar3g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a spiralizer?
- A julienne peeler or mandoline also works for cutting zucchini into noodles.
- Can I mix regular and zucchini noodles?
- Yes, a 50/50 blend is a great transitional option.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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