Keto Pad Thai
If you’re craving a deliciously satisfying dish that’s both low-carb and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Keto Pad Thai. This recipe brings the classic taste of Thai cuisine to your kitchen while keeping it keto-friendly. Packed with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and the unique texture of Shirataki noodles, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Keto Pad Thai is not only a delightful twist on a beloved classic but also incredibly simple to make. You’ll love the following:
– Quick Preparation: With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
– Flavor Explosion: The combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness makes each bite irresistible.
– Healthy Ingredients: Using Shirataki noodles significantly cuts down on carbs while offering a satisfying texture.
Ingredient Checklist
To whip up this Keto Pad Thai, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 package Shirataki noodles, 14 ounces: A low-carb alternative to traditional noodles.
- 1 tablespoon oil: For sautéing the ingredients.
- 1/2 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for flavor.
- 1/2 pound chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces: Juicy protein source.
- 2 large eggs: For added richness and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts: Fresh crunch.
- 1/4 block firm tofu, chopped into small pieces (100 grams): A great plant-based protein option.
- 3 stalks green onions: For garnish and flavor.
- 3 tablespoons peanuts, chopped: Adds a nice crunch.
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup: For a hint of sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar substitute: To mimic the classic Pad Thai flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: Essential for authentic taste.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For seasoning.
Tools of the Trade
Before you get started, make sure you have these handy tools:
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for evenly cooking all ingredients.
- Spatula: For stirring and flipping.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Keto Pad Thai: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this Keto Pad Thai is a breeze! Follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Shirataki Noodles
Rinse the Shirataki noodles under cold water for a few minutes. Drain and set aside. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the chicken thighs and cook until they are no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the chicken and onion mixture to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked. Combine with the chicken.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Add the prepared Shirataki noodles to the skillet. Stir everything together, coating the noodles with the flavors of the chicken and eggs.
Step 5: Incorporate the Vegetables
Add the bean sprouts and tofu to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 6: Season the Dish
In a small bowl, mix the sugar-free ketchup, brown sugar substitute, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this sauce over the stir-fry and toss everything to combine thoroughly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts. Serve hot and enjoy your Keto Pad Thai!
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
To make this dish even healthier, consider the following tweaks:
- Use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu if you prefer a different protein.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar substitute.
Mistakes That Ruin Keto Pad Thai
While making Keto Pad Thai is straightforward, here are common pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the rinsing of Shirataki noodles can lead to an undesirable texture and flavor.
- Overcooking the vegetables will result in loss of crunch and freshness.
- Using regular ketchup instead of sugar-free can spike the carb count.
- Not properly seasoning the dish may lead to bland flavors.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Keto Pad Thai is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture of the Shirataki noodles may change slightly after refrigeration, so be sure to stir well before serving.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and replace it with additional tofu or your favorite plant-based protein to keep it vegetarian.
What can I substitute for the fish sauce?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use a combination of soy sauce and a dash of lime juice for a similar umami flavor.
Are Shirataki noodles healthy?
Yes! Shirataki noodles are low in calories and carbs, making them an excellent choice for a keto diet. They are also gluten-free and made from konjac yam.
How can I spice up my Keto Pad Thai?
For a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture before tossing it with the noodles.
Next Up in Your Queue
If you enjoyed making this Keto Pad Thai, you might also like:
- Everything Stir Fry Sauce for a versatile sauce option.
- Shrimp Fried Rice for another easy and delicious meal.
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve mastered your very own Keto Pad Thai, gather your loved ones around the table and serve this vibrant dish. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s bound to impress everyone, whether they’re following a keto lifestyle or not. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family!
Keto Pad Thai
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Shirataki Noodles. Rinse the Shirataki noodles under cold water for a few minutes. Drain and set aside. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken. In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the chicken thighs and cook until they are no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Scramble the Eggs. Push the chicken and onion mixture to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked. Combine with the chicken.
- Step 4: Add the Noodles. Add the prepared Shirataki noodles to the skillet. Stir everything together, coating the noodles with the flavors of the chicken and eggs.
- Step 5: Incorporate the Vegetables. Add the bean sprouts and tofu to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Season the Dish. In a small bowl, mix the sugar-free ketchup, brown sugar substitute, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this sauce over the stir-fry and toss everything to combine thoroughly.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts. Serve hot and enjoy your Keto Pad Thai!
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with additional tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste by reducing the amount of brown sugar substitute.
