Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai: A Low-Carb Takeout Favorite

Craving the bold and flavorful taste of Pad Thai but following a low-carb or keto diet? This Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai recipe is the perfect solution. It swaps traditional rice noodles for spaghetti squash, creating a deliciously healthy and satisfying meal. You will love the combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory, tangy sauce.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

For the Pad Thai Base:

• Spaghetti Squash (1 large or 2 medium): Use this as the low-carb noodle replacement for this recipe.
• Olive Oil (¼ cup, divided): You will use this for roasting the squash and cooking the other ingredients.
• Green Onions (6, finely chopped): The white and green parts should be divided.
• Garlic (2 cloves): You should crush these.
• Carrots (1 cup): Shredded carrots add sweetness and color.
• Eggs (4): Whisk these before cooking.
• Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Slice the chicken thinly.
• Tapioca Starch (2 tbsp): This helps the chicken get a crispy coating.
• Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Use this to season the chicken.

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

• Coconut Aminos or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (⅓ cup): This provides a savory, salty base.
• Fresh Lime Juice (3 tbsp): This adds the essential tangy flavor.
• Coconut Sugar (¼ cup): A low-carb sweetener for the sauce.
• Chili Garlic Paste (1-2 tbsp): Adjust this to your desired level of spice.
• Apple Cider Vinegar or Rice Wine Vinegar (1 tbsp): This adds another layer of tangy flavor.

For Toppings:

• Cilantro: Finely chop this for a fresh garnish.
• Limes: Limes are perfect for serving.
• Bean Sprouts & Peanuts: These are optional toppings.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

This recipe uses a few simple cooking methods to create a flavorful and healthy meal.

Preparing the Spaghetti Squash

First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Next, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle a touch of olive oil on the inside of each half, then place them facedown on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. After that, bake the squash for 40-50 minutes, or until you can easily pierce it with a fork.

Making the Pad Thai Base

While the squash bakes, you can start preparing the other ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet or wok. Now, cook the white parts of the green onions, crushed garlic, and carrots over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Afterward, push the vegetables to the side and add your whisked eggs. Scramble the eggs for 2-3 minutes, until they are cooked through. Finally, mix the eggs with the vegetables and remove everything from the skillet, setting it aside on a plate.

Cooking the Chicken and Sauce

Toss the thinly sliced chicken with the tapioca starch and pepper in a zip-top bag to coat it evenly. Next, add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the same skillet and cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, or until it is cooked through. In the meantime, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Once the chicken is finished cooking, add the sauce to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to warm and thicken slightly.

Finishing the Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

When the spaghetti squash is ready, use a fork to shred the inside of the halves into noodle-like strands. You can choose one of two ways to serve this meal. One option is to divide the chicken, sauce, vegetables, and eggs evenly into each spaghetti squash half. Alternatively, you can remove all the squash noodles from the shells and toss everything together in the skillet. Serve the dish with fresh cilantro, limes, bean sprouts, and peanuts.

Tips for the Perfect Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

• Low-Carb Sweetener: For an even lower carb count, you can use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol instead of coconut sugar.
• Crispy Chicken: The tapioca starch helps create a nice, crispy coating on the chicken, so you should not skip this step.
• Serving Options: Serving the Pad Thai in the spaghetti squash shell makes for a beautiful presentation. On the other hand, tossing everything together is great for a more traditional feel.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai recipe is a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your takeout cravings without all the carbs. The combination of savory, tangy sauce and tender ingredients is truly a delight. As a result, this low-carb version of a classic is a perfect addition to your keto recipe rotation.