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Easy Creamy Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai Recipe with Peanut Sauce for Perfect Low-Carb Dinner

Creamy Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai - featured image

A quick and easy low-carb twist on classic Pad Thai using spiralized zucchini noodles and a creamy peanut sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized (about 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 12 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • Optional toppings and add-ins:
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha
  • Shrimp, tofu, or chicken (for extra protein)

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim both ends of each zucchini. Using a spiralizer, create long, thin noodles totaling about 4 cups. Pat dry with paper towels if excess moisture is present. (10 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1–2 cloves minced garlic. Gradually add ¼ cup warm water until sauce is creamy and pourable. Adjust thickness as needed. (5 minutes)
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté gently for 2–3 minutes until warmed and slightly tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking. (3 minutes)
  4. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles in the skillet. Toss carefully to coat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water if sauce is too thick. Cook together for 1–2 minutes until heated through. (2 minutes)
  5. Transfer noodles to plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro or green onions, and red pepper flakes or sriracha if desired. Add cooked protein if using. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat zucchini noodles dry before cooking to avoid sogginess. Cook noodles quickly over medium heat to keep texture firm. Adjust peanut sauce thickness with warm water. Cook any added protein separately and add at the end. Store peanut sauce separately from noodles if meal prepping to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, low-carb, Pad Thai, peanut sauce, quick dinner, healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian option