
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on the classic Pad Thai that brings together the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with a healthy spin! This Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai is a delightful mix of tender spaghetti squash strands, succulent shrimp, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy, savory sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish combines traditional Pad Thai elements with a nutritious base for a meal that's both satisfying and colorful. Did you know that Pad Thai was popularized in Thailand during World War II as part of a national campaign to promote Thai nationalism and boost the economy? Now, you can enjoy this iconic dish in a lighter form!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash (1 medium)
- Peanut oil (2 tablespoons)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1/2 pound)
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced (1/2 pound)
- Eggs (2, beaten)
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves)
- Carrots, julienned (1 cup)
- Bean sprouts (1 cup)
- Green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)
- Cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup)
- Peanuts, crushed (1/4 cup)
- Lime, cut into wedges (1)
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Tamarind paste (1 tablespoon)
- Fish sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes to create the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and shrimp, cooking until both are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Push the chicken and shrimp to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped green onions, julienned carrots, and bean sprouts to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Toss the spaghetti squash strands into the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 50 minutes • Calories: 350 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 25g • Protein: 30g • Sodium: 800mg • Sugar: 5g