Whole 30 approved

Dinner Party Ready Pad Thai

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If you’re ever in charge of bringing a healthy dish for a large group dinner that will also make you look like a culinary master…this is your dish! I personally make this pad thai as often as I can and anytime I want to feel like a real chef. And the best part is you can whatever protein you’re in the mood for - shrimp, tofu, chicken, steak…this dish tastes amazing with any option.

What You’ll Need For Recipe:

  • Protein of choice: 1lb of shrimp (uncooked), 1.5 lbs chicken, 1 lb steak, 1 block extra firm tofu

  • 1 shallot, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3-4 green onions, chopped

  • 1/2 cup cilantro, diced

  • 1/2 cup cashews or peanuts, chopped

  • Choice of noodles (spaghetti works best, about 1 box, or for GF use spiralized sweet potatoes, about 3 large)

  • 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil

  • 2 eggs

  • Salt and pepper

What You’ll Need For The Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup cashew butter (peanut or almond butter also works)

  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos

  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional if you have)

  • 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 juiced lime (use fresh lime for better taste)

How to Make:

  1. First, make the sauce by combining all of the sauce ingredients in a jar with a lid that you can shake or a bowl and whisk well. Mix until you get a creamy consistency. Set aside.

  2. Chop shallot, garlic, green onions, cilantro and cashews. Set aside.

  3. (If using spiralized sweet potato) Spiralize your sweet potatoes. Once finished, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in 2 tbsp sesame oil. Once hot, add the sweet potato noodles. Toss with oil and season with a big pinch of salt and pepper (about 1/2 tsp each). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not too soft, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from pan and place on a plate.

  4. (If using regular noodles) bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook spaghetti al dente, strain and set aside in a large bowl.

  5. In the same pan over medium heat, add in 1-2 tbsp of sesame oil. Add in shallot and garlic to saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  6. Next, add your protein to the pan and cook fully. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Either remove protein when cooked or move to the side of the pan.

  7. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble until the eggs are cooked through.

  8. Add back into the pan the protein, if removed, your noodles, and mix in the sauce.

  9. Toss to mix and then serve. Top with green onions, cilantro and crushed cashews or peanuts.