Best 6 Pad Thai Lower Fat Version Recipes

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Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that is typically made with rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and sour sauce. While this dish is delicious, it can also be high in fat and calories. If you are looking for a healthier version of Pad Thai, there are several ways to reduce the fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. In this article, we will provide you with a recipe for a lower-fat version of Pad Thai that is just as delicious as the traditional dish. The recipe uses reduced-fat peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, and lean protein, such as chicken or tofu. We will also provide tips on how to make Pad Thai even healthier, such as using whole wheat noodles and adding more vegetables.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

PAD THAI - LOWER FAT VERSION



Pad Thai - Lower Fat Version image

I got this from Chatelaine, a Canadian magazine. This is a lower fat version, but not low on taste! This is really yummy and the fat content is cut by omitting oil, adding lots of vegetables and cutting out fat laden peanuts.

Provided by Cathy17

Categories     Meat

Time 25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 (10 ounce) can undiluted chicken broth, can use low sodium
1/2 lb rice noodles (about 1/2 pkg)
3 cups boiled water, for noodles
1 egg
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fish or 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 -2 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon hot red chili pepper flakes (optional)
6 garlic cloves (I use minced garlic)
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 red peppers (cored and seeded, sliced in thin strips) or 2 orange peppers (cored and seeded, sliced in thin strips)
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh coriander
1/2 cup coarsely chopped mint leaf (optional)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in strips
1/2 lb peeled and deveined uncooked shrimp, fresh
2 cups bean sprouts
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Steps:

  • Place noodles in a large bowl.
  • Cover completely with boiling water, soak, stirring occasionally, until noodles are just tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Drain well and set aside.
  • Whisk egg in a small bowl, then stir in sugar, fish or oyster sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, chili-garlic sauce and chili flakes.
  • Set aside.
  • Boil broth over high heat, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, about 6 minutes.
  • Pour reduced chicken broth into a large, non-stick skillet, add garlic, chicken and shrimp.
  • Stir frequently until shrimp start to turn pink and chicken starts to turn white.
  • Stir in egg mixture, then add drained noodles.
  • Stir to evenly coat.
  • If noodles begin to stick, reduce heat to medium.
  • Add green onions, peppers, coriander, mint and bean sprouts.
  • Continue stirring until noodles are heated through, from 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add chopped peanuts if you want, but they will increase fat content for this lowfat recipe.
  • Spoon into bowls and serve with lime.
  • Note: You can substitute frozen pre-cooked shrimp for the fresh.

LIGHTENED-UP PAD THAI



Lightened-Up Pad Thai image

This low calorie version of the classic has all the flavor and is super fresh tasting. We used clever ribbons of vegetables to cut back on the noodles, dropping some calories and adding nutrients.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces dried pad thai rice noodles
1 medium carrot
1 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fish sauce, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha, plus more for serving if desired
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled, tails removed, deveined and halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cups bean sprouts
3 green scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces, thick pieces halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted unsalted peanuts

Steps:

  • Soak the rice noodles in a bowl of warm water until pliable but not too soft, about 30 minutes. Drain.
  • Run a vegetable peeler along the length of the carrot and zucchini to create noodle-like ribbons. Keep the two separate and set aside.
  • Mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, oyster sauce and Sriracha in a small bowl. Remove 1 teaspoon of the sauce and toss with the shrimp, let sit at room temperature.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Scatter the shrimp in one layer in the skillet. Sear for 1 minute, then remove to a plate.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, red pepper slices, carrot ribbons and soaked noodles; stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup water; stir until the noodles have softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the zucchini ribbons, bean sprouts, scallions and reserved shrimp. Stir-fry for another minute. If the noodles look too dry, add a little more water.
  • Divide evenly among four plates. Sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with lime wedges, Sriracha and fish sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calorie, Fat 8 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 70 milligrams, Sodium 900 milligrams, Carbohydrate 59 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 15 grams, Sugar 8 grams

COCONUT PAD THAI



Coconut Pad Thai image

Provided by Roxanne Klein

Categories     No-Cook     Low Fat     Vegetarian     Coconut     Basil     Bell Pepper     Carrot     Cabbage     Cilantro     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 26

Almond-chile Sauce
1/2 cup raw almond butter*
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced serrano chile with seeds
1 to 2 tablespoons water
Tamarind vinaigrette
1/2 7-ounce block tamarind with seeds**
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
Pad thai
1 cup (packed) very thinly sliced Napa cabbage
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
2 large young Thai coconuts (also called white coconuts), outside husk cut away, cracked open with hammer, drained
1 1/2 cups matchstick-size strips peeled carrots (from 2 large)
1 cup matchstick-size strips red bell pepper
1 cup mung bean sprouts
1/2 cup matchstick-size strips seeded English hothouse cucumber
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil
Fresh cilantro sprigs

Steps:

  • For almond-chile sauce:
  • Combine all ingredients except water in blender or processor. Puree until smooth. Thin with water by tablespoonfuls, as desired. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
  • For tamarind vinaigrette:
  • Combine tamarind and enough hot water to cover in medium bowl. Let stand until pulp softens, breaking apart occasionally with fork, about 1 hour. Using slotted spoon, transfer tamarind pulp to sieve set over bowl. Press pulp through sieve, leaving seeds behind. Measure 6 tablespoons pulp into medium bowl (discard remaining pulp). Whisk in remaining 4 ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
  • For pad thai:
  • Combine cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice in small bowl; toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and let stand 30 minutes.
  • Using small heavy knife, pry large pieces of soft coconut meat out of shells. Slice coconut very thinly into 2- to 3-inch-long strips.
  • Combine carrots, red bell pepper, bean sprouts, cucumber, and basil in large bowl. Toss with just enough almond-chile sauce to coat lightly.
  • Arrange 1/4 of cabbage mixture on each of 4 plates. Top with coconut and mixed vegetables. Drizzle tamarind vinaigrette and more almond-chile sauce over, if desired. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.
  • *Available at natural foods stores. **Tamarind is a legume with large brown seedpods. The pulp is used in Indian, Thai, Caribbean, and Latin American cooking. The pulp is sold in block form and is available at Indian markets.

CLASSIC PAD THAI



Classic Pad Thai image

This recipe is a perfect example of Thai cooking for beginners. Once mastered, you'll forget stopping for take-out and make this easy stir-fry a weeknight staple.

Provided by Heinz

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Heinzitup.com

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

8 ounces medium width rice vermicelli noodles
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ pound ground chicken
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
½ pound peeled, deveined raw shrimp
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons freshly grated gingerroot
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
¼ cup lime juice
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 ½ cups bean sprouts
3 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh coriander or parsley leaves
chopped peanuts

Steps:

  • Cover noodles with boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes; drain well and reserve.
  • Heat half the oil in a wok or deep skillet set over high heat. Crumble in chicken and add hot sauce; stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned. Reserve on a platter.
  • Add remaining oil and peppers to pan; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, broth, ketchup, lime juice, sugar and fish sauce. Bring to a boil. Add noodles and reserved meat; toss mixture to combine. Heat through.
  • Add sprouts and toss gently. Sprinkle with onions, coriander and peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 553 calories, Carbohydrate 70.2 g, Cholesterol 103.6 mg, Fat 18.2 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 30.3 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 1298.1 mg, Sugar 15.2 g

MY FAVORITE PAD THAI



My Favorite Pad Thai image

This is from Hot Sour Salty Sweet, my favorite cookbook :) It's a culinary journey cookbook, which are the best reads!! The trick to wok cooking is to prep everything in little bowls so that you can quickly and easily add ingredients without trouble. This looks like a harder recipe than it actually is. All the effort is in the prep and then it's just tossing things into the wok til it seems done :)

Provided by Abi Fae

Categories     Thai

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 ounces pork, boneless, thinly sliced and 1 . 5 inches long
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon tamarind pulp, dissolved in 2-3 T warm water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce
3 eggs, large
3 tablespoons peanut oil
2 -3 garlic cloves, minced
3 ounces tofu, cut into narrow strips
1/2 lb vermicelli rice noodles, soaked in warm water 20 min and drained
1/2 lb bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
3 scallions, cut into 1 . 5 inch lengths
1 tablespoon dried shrimp
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
2 -4 tablespoons coriander leaves (optional)

Steps:

  • Set out condiments: chile-vinegar sauce recipe#425009, 1/2 cucumber - sliced, lettuce leaves, 1 lime cut into wedges, salted radish (just dice radish and lightly sprinkle with salt), a small bowl of sugar, and a small bowl of cayenne pepper.
  • Place the pork in a bowl and add the sugar (if using chicken or beef, add the sugar to the soy sauce mix instead).
  • In a small bowl, mix the tamarind (feel free to strain it if you don't like the chunks. I like the pieces in it though), soy sauce, and fish sauce.
  • In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
  • Place all the bowls within reach. Place a large wok over high heat. Add about 1 1/2 T of the oil. Once hot, add the garlic and fry until the color changes (about 15 seconds). Toss in the pork and fry until it has all changed color. About 1 minute if it is cut thin.
  • Add the tofu and press it against the hot sides of the wok to scorch it a little. 10-20 seconds.
  • Pour in the egg mixture and let it cook until it starts to set (about a minute). Break up the egg with your spatula and set it all onto a plate and set it aside.
  • Add the other 1 1/2 T oil to the wok and toss in the drained noodles and stir fry, pressing them against the side of the wok to slightly sear them. After about a minute they soften quite a bit.
  • Move the noodles to the side of the wok and toss in most of the bean sprouts (leave some as garnish) and scallions. Stir fry until heated (about 20 seconds) but not wilted. Add the dried shrimp and salted radish (optional). Add the soy sauce mixture.
  • Stir for about another half minute and then add the meat-egg mixture back inches Once it is gently mixed, turn it onto a platter or individual plates.
  • Sprinkle some of the chopped peanuts onto the noodles and leave teh rest as a condiment.
  • Add the coriander leaves.
  • Everyone makes little portions with the various condiments. You can wrap bits in the lettuce leaves or just eat it from your plate. It's fun to play with the condiments as they change the flavor so much.
  • I enjoy this with a side of cucumbers, quick pickled in mint and lime and rice vinegar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 552.4, Fat 44.1, SaturatedFat 7.4, Cholesterol 151.4, Sodium 1135.2, Carbohydrate 20.2, Fiber 6.1, Sugar 7.6, Protein 26.2

NICOLA'S PAD THAI



Nicola's Pad Thai image

The result of loving pad Thai and endless tweaks to the ingredients lead me to this amazing dish.

Provided by Nicole

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegan     Side Dishes

Time 8h30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 29

2 cups pad Thai rice noodles, soaked in water overnight and drained
½ cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons peanut butter
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon tamarind paste
1 teaspoon hot chile paste
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
⅓ cup chopped broccoli
⅓ cup chopped carrots
⅓ cup snow peas, trimmed
⅓ cup sliced water chestnuts, drained
⅓ cup baby corn, drained
⅓ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
⅓ cup sliced zucchini
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped peanuts for topping
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 pinch paprika for garnish

Steps:

  • Soak uncooked noodles in 8 cups of water until soft, 8 hours or overnight.
  • Drain rice noodles and set aside.
  • Whisk together vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, peanut butter, 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, onion powder, tamarind paste, hot chile paste, garlic powder, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, ground coriander, ground ginger, salt, and ground black pepper in a saucepan.
  • Heat sauce over medium heat until it bubbles; reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat.
  • Cook and stir broccoli, carrots, snow peas, water chestnuts, baby corn, mushrooms, and zucchini in the wok until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the drained noodles and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to vegetables. Cook and stir until noodles are heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove the wok from heat and pour the sauce over vegetables and rice noodles.
  • Toss to fully coat the vegetables and rice noodles with sauce.
  • Garnish with peanuts, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519.6 calories, Carbohydrate 70.9 g, Fat 24.2 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 467.3 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

Tips:

  • Use low-fat ingredients. This recipe uses low-fat coconut milk, tofu, and peanut butter. You can also use brown rice noodles instead of regular white rice noodles to reduce the fat content even more.
  • Don't add too much oil. This recipe only uses 1 tablespoon of oil to stir-fry the vegetables. You can use even less oil if you want to reduce the fat content even more.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This recipe uses bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts. You can also add other vegetables that you like, such as broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini.
  • Don't overcook the noodles. The noodles should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles will be mushy and will not hold the sauce well.
  • Serve with fresh herbs. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, and mint, add a lot of flavor to pad thai. Be sure to add them just before serving so that they stay fresh.

Conclusion:

This lower-fat version of pad thai is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or tofu. So next time you are craving pad thai, try this lower-fat version. You won't be disappointed!

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