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Fresh Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai Recipe Easy Homemade Peanut Lime Sauce

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A light and flavorful Pad Thai made with zucchini noodles and a tangy homemade peanut lime sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized (about 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or 1 tablespoon rice vinegar as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2–3 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly. Spiralize or julienne peel to create noodles. Place noodles in a colander, sprinkle with salt, toss gently, and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, tamarind paste, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time to thin sauce to a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded carrots and scallions, stirring for about 2 minutes until tender but crisp. Add optional protein if using and cook until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss gently with veggies and protein, cooking 2-3 minutes until warmed but still firm. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
  5. Pour peanut lime sauce over skillet contents. Toss thoroughly to coat noodles and veggies evenly. Cook 1-2 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
  6. Transfer Pad Thai to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Salt zucchini noodles and let them sit to draw out moisture to prevent sogginess. Use medium heat for sautéing and avoid overcrowding the pan. Adjust sauce thickness by adding water slowly. For nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zucchini noodles, Pad Thai, peanut lime sauce, healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian option, quick dinner

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/fresh-zucchini-noodle-pad-thai-recipe-easy-homemade-peanut-lime-sauce/