SIMPLE HEALTHY swap – pad thai reimagined
Here’s a fresh take on a beloved Thai classic: a healthy pasta dish recreating the flavors of pad Thai. Made with peanut sauce that can be tailored to your preferred level of heat, this recipe offers a satisfying alternative for those aiming for a healthier lifestyle.
Cravings for Thai cuisine often strike, and my go-to indulgence has always been Pad Thai. That blend of spicy peanut sauce and noodles never fails to hot the spot. I prefer to find healthy pasta alternatives, this recipe shows you one way I do that!
key ingredient – Palmini noodles
Palmini noodles, come from hearts of palm, full of dietary fiber, significantly reducing their net carb count. Due to this abundance of fiber, Palmini stands out as one of the most compatible pasta options for a healthy lifestyle. It tastes good, pairs well with just about any pasta concoction and you feel good eating it.
While there are various alternatives to low-carb pasta, I personally find Palmini to be so convenient and flavorful. This recipe takes is quick and easy, perfect for busy moms or working girls!
Ingredients
1 package Palmini Noodles
1/2 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup cucumbers, chopped
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Peanuts
Lime wedges
Cooked chicken or preferred protein
Instructions
Rinse the Palmini noodles under cold water and drain them well.
In a pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green onions for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the Palmini noodles to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
Pour in 1 cup of peanut sauce (recipe link for homemade peanut sauce) and mix well, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
Allow the noodles and sauce to heat through for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once heated, transfer the Palmini Thai noodles with peanut sauce to serving bowls.
Top the noodles with chopped cucumbers, fresh cilantro, peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Add cooked chicken or your preferred protein on top if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Palmini Thai noodles with peanut sauce!
Recipe Swaps & Prep Tips
Recipe Variations
Here are some tweaks to tailor your dish to everyone’s tastes:
Protein Preference – I love using chicken thighs, as they have the most flavor! You can also use chicken breast or feel free to incorporate your preferred protein, such as shrimp, tofu, or beef, to cater to your taste preferences.
Peanut-Free Option: For those with peanut allergies or if you simply prefer to avoid peanuts, you can easily make this dish peanut-free. Substitute peanut butter in the peanut sauce with almond butter or sunflower butter. Both alternatives offer a deliciously nutty flavor that complements the Thai-inspired dish perfectly. This ensures that everyone at the table can indulge in this flavorful meal worry-free. Simply follow the same steps for making the sauce, replacing peanut butter with your chosen alternative, and enjoy the equally delectable result!
Efficient Prep Strategies
Maximize efficiency in the kitchen with these handy prep tips:
Serve Hot – These peanut noodles are best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan. As the dish sits, the noodles may absorb some of the peanut sauce, potentially altering the texture and flavor. For optimal taste and consistency, serve immediately after preparation.
Sauce Reserve – To prevent the noodles from becoming overly dry as leftovers, consider reserving a portion of the peanut sauce. Store it separately and add it to any remaining noodles when reheating to refresh the dish and maintain its creamy texture.
Make-Ahead Considerations:
While it’s preferable to prepare and serve the peanut noodles immediately, you can still plan ahead by prepping the components separately. Prepare the sauce in advance, and your chicken can be made ahead. When ready to enjoy, simply heat the Palmini noodles and toss them with the sauce for a quick and convenient meal.
For longer storage, the sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring you have a flavorful base ready whenever cravings strike. Just remember to cook the Palmini noodles fresh for the best taste and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 package Palmini Noodles
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 1 cup cucumbers chopped
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Cooked chicken or preferred protein
Instructions
- Rinse the Palmini noodles under cold water and drain them well.
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green onions for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Palmini noodles to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in 1 cup of peanut sauce (the recipe link for homemade peanut sauce below) and mix well, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Allow the noodles and sauce to heat through for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once heated, transfer the Palmini Thai noodles with peanut sauce to serving bowls.
- Top the noodles with chopped cucumbers, fresh cilantro, peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Add cooked chicken or your preferred protein on top if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Palmini Thai noodles with peanut sauce!
Notes
- Protein Preference – I love using chicken thighs, as they have the most flavor! You can also use chicken breast or feel free to incorporate your preferred protein, such as shrimp, tofu, or beef, to cater to your taste preferences.
- Peanut-Free Option: For those with peanut allergies or if you simply prefer to avoid peanuts, you can easily make this dish peanut-free. Substitute peanut butter in the peanut sauce with almond butter or sunflower butter. Both alternatives offer a deliciously nutty flavor that complements the Thai-inspired dish perfectly. This ensures that everyone at the table can indulge in this flavorful meal worry-free. Simply follow the same steps for making the sauce, replacing peanut butter with your chosen alternative, and enjoy the equally delectable result!
- Serve Hot – These peanut noodles are best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan. As the dish sits, the noodles may absorb some of the peanut sauce, potentially altering the texture and flavor. For optimal taste and consistency, serve immediately after preparation.
- Sauce Reserve – To prevent the noodles from becoming overly dry as leftovers, consider reserving a portion of the peanut sauce. Store it separately and add it to any remaining noodles when reheating to refresh the dish and maintain its creamy texture.
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