Quick Answer
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai is a healthy twist on the classic dish, using spaghetti squash instead of rice noodles. The recipe includes a flavorful chili almond sauce and a variety of sautéed vegetables. With its low calorie and low carb content, this dish is a delicious and nutritious alternative for those looking to enjoy a lighter version of Pad Thai.
Introduction
Are you looking for a healthier twist on the classic Pad Thai? Look no further! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai – a delicious and nutritious alternative that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals.
Spaghetti squash is the star of this dish. With its low calorie and low carb content, it’s an excellent substitute for traditional rice noodles. Not only does spaghetti squash provide a lighter option, but it also adds a unique texture to the dish. It absorbs all those wonderful flavors from the sauce while still maintaining its firmness.
The key ingredients in our Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai include chicken breast cooked to perfection, sautéed vegetables like ginger-infused yellow onions and vibrant red bell peppers, matchstick carrots adding crunchiness throughout each bite; green onions lending their freshness; cilantro providing aromatic notes; lime wedges offering tangy bursts of flavor when squeezed over everything – not forgetting chopped salted almonds if desired!
With these incredible flavors combined with spaghetti squash as our base ingredient instead of regular noodles or rice sticks found in traditional recipes—this healthy version promises satisfaction without sacrificing taste or nutrition value.
Recipe Overview
Looking for a healthier twist on the classic Pad Thai? Look no further than our Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai recipe. This delicious dish swaps out traditional rice noodles for spaghetti squash, making it low in calories and carbs while still packed with flavor.
The key steps to creating this mouthwatering meal involve cooking the spaghetti squash until tender and then mixing it with a homemade chili almond sauce. The unique element of this recipe lies in the flavorful sauce that combines creamy almond butter, tangy lime juice, savory tamari or coconut aminos, zesty ginger and garlic, sweet maple syrup, and spicy sambal oelek or crushed red pepper.
By using spaghetti squash instead of rice noodles as your base ingredient, you’ll enjoy all the familiar flavors of Pad Thai without any guilt. Plus, since spaghetti squash has a firmer texture compared to regular noodles when cooked properly – which we will guide you through step by step – it absorbs all those delectable flavors from the sauce beautifully.
So get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai! It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that offers both health benefits and incredible taste satisfaction. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish together.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai:
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Note: For added color and flavor variation, you can use a mix of different colored bell peppers.
Optional Vegetarian/Vegan Substitute:
- Instead of chicken breast, you can use tofu or tempeh as a protein alternative.
For the Chili Almond Sauce:
- Juice from one lime
- Tamari sauce or coconut aminos for gluten-free option (3 tablespoons)
- Note: If using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, ensure it is labeled gluten-free if necessary. Alternatively, you may also substitute with low-sodium soy sauce.
- Natural almond butter (4 tablespoons)
- Tip: Look for unsweetened varieties without any additives like sugar or hydrogenated oils
- Maple syrup (2 teaspoons)
- Sambal oelek or crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Minced garlic cloves (two large ones)
Additional Garnishes and Toppings:
To enhance both presentation and flavors, consider adding these optional garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Chopped salted almonds
Feel free to adjust quantities based on your personal preferences.
Instructions
1. Preparing the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Place both halves on a baking sheet, cut side down.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before using a fork to scrape out strands of “spaghetti” into a bowl.
2. Making the Chili Almond Sauce:
Ingredients needed:
- ¼ cup almond butter
- Juice of one lime
- 3 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional ingredients for extra heat:
- Sambal oelek or crushed red pepper
Steps:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together almond butter, lime juice, tamari/coconut amino acids, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
- If you prefer some spice in your Pad Thai sauce, add sambal oelek or crushed red pepper according to taste preference.
3. Sauteing Vegetables & Assembling Pad Thai:
Ingredients needed:
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- Ginger slices
- For vegetables sautéing:
- Yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- Red bell pepper (julienned)
- Matchstick carrots
Steps:
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet/wok. Add thinly sliced yellow onions, julienned red bell peppers, and matchstick carrots. Stir-fry them until they are cooked but still retain their crunchiness.
- Add shredded chicken breasts followed by adding chili almond sauce prepared earlier. Stir everything together so that all veggies and chicken are coated with the sauce.
- Add cooked spaghetti squash strands to the skillet/wok. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout.
4. Serving & Garnishing:
- Transfer the Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai onto serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
- Optional: Sprinkle some chopped salted almonds on top for added crunchiness.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize your Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai by adding other vegetables like bean sprouts or snow peas.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
- Adjust spice levels according to personal preference by increasing/decreasing sambal oelek/crushed red pepper in chili almond sauce.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure you reheat it properly before consuming again.
Now that you have mastered this healthy twist on traditional Pad Thai using spaghetti squash, you can enjoy its delicious flavors guilt-free!
Serving and Garnishing
When it comes to serving Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai, there are a few key elements that can take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Here’s how you can serve and garnish this delicious meal:
1. Plating:
- Start by arranging the cooked spaghetti squash on individual plates or in a large serving platter.
- Make sure to separate the strands of spaghetti squash using a fork for an authentic noodle-like appearance.
2. Sauce Distribution:
- Pour the chili almond sauce evenly over the plated spaghetti squash.
- Use tongs or two forks to gently toss and coat each strand with the flavorful sauce.
3. Vegetable Placement:
- Next, distribute sautéed vegetables such as ginger, yellow onion, red bell pepper, and matchstick carrots throughout the plate(s).
- Ensure even distribution so every bite is packed with vibrant colors and flavors.
4. Protein Addition (Optional):
- If desired, add slices of cooked chicken breast onto each plate for added protein and texture.
5. Garnishes:
To elevate both presentation and taste further consider adding these garnishes:
- Green Onions: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions across all servings; they will provide freshness while enhancing visual appeal.
- Cilantro Leaves: Add some whole cilantro leaves on top which not only adds color but also brings out additional flavor notes.
- Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges alongside each portion allowing diners to squeeze fresh juice over their pad thai just before eating. This citrusy touch brightens up the overall taste profile.
- Chopped Almonds (Optional): For extra crunchiness, sprinkle some chopped salted almonds on top. This addition provides contrasting textures making every mouthful exciting.
By following these tips, you’ll create visually appealing dishes bursting with enticing aromas. The combination of colorful vegetables, zesty lime wedges, and crunchy almonds will make your Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Enjoy!
Additional Spaghetti Squash Recipes
Spaghetti squash is not only a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta, but it’s also incredibly versatile. If you enjoyed the Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai recipe, here are a few more creative ways to incorporate this nutritious ingredient into your meals:
1. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara:
This twist on the classic Italian dish replaces spaghetti noodles with tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. Tossed in a creamy sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley – this low-carb version will satisfy all your carbonara cravings.
For the full recipe and instructions for making Spaghetti Squash Carbonara visit [URL].
2. Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Spaghetti Squash:
Looking for an easy yet impressive vegetarian main course? Look no further! This cheesy spinach stuffed spaghetti squash combines sautéed garlic spinach with ricotta cheese and mozzarella before being baked until golden brown perfection.
To get step-by-step guidance on how to make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Spaghetti Squash click [URL].
3. Spaghetti Lasagna Boats:
If you love lasagna but want something lighter without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction, then these hearty “lasagna boats” are perfect for you! Roasted halves of spaghetti squash serve as edible bowls that hold layers of rich marinara sauce mixed with ground beef (or turkey), gooey melted cheeses like mozzarella & parmesan, and topped off generously sprinkled basil leaves.
Find out how simple it is by following our detailed guide at [URL].
These recipes just scratch the surface when it comes to exploring what can be done with spaghetti squash in various dishes. Whether you’re looking for healthier alternatives or simply wanting new flavors in your cooking repertoire, spaghetti squash has got you covered!
Feel free to explore other exciting spaghetti squash recipes on [URL] and get creative in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic dish. By substituting spaghetti squash for rice noodles, you can enjoy all the flavors of Pad Thai while reducing your calorie and carb intake.
Throughout this blog post, we have highlighted the benefits of using spaghetti squash as well as provided an overview of the recipe itself. The chili almond sauce adds a unique kick to this already flavorful dish.
We encourage you to give Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai a try in your own kitchen! Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a satisfying meal that will leave both your taste buds and waistline happy.
Don’t stop at just one recipe though – experiment with other dishes featuring spaghetti squash! Its versatility allows it to be used in various recipes such as carbonara or lasagna. You’ll be amazed by how easily it adapts to different flavors and cuisines.
Thank you for visiting Brood today! We hope that this Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai recipe has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. Remember, there are plenty more mouthwatering recipes waiting for you here on our website – so don’t hesitate explore further!
Happy cooking!