Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai – A Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish!

Who doesn’t love the comforting flavors of Pad Thai? This unique twist using spaghetti squash adds a healthy element to this classic dish, making it a perfect option for a nutritious and delicious meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until fork-tender.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bell pepper, carrot, and garlic, and cook until softened.
• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Pour over vegetables in skillet.
• Scoop out spaghetti squash into the skillet and mix well with the vegetables and sauce. Push mixture to one side of the skillet and crack eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs and mix into the squash mixture.
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Enjoy this delicious and healthy twist on Pad Thai!

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use regular spaghetti instead of spaghetti squash?

A: While regular spaghetti can be used as a substitute, using spaghetti squash adds a unique texture and healthier element to the dish.

• Q: Can I omit the peanuts for a nut-free version?

A: Yes, you can omit the chopped peanuts if you have a nut allergy or prefer not to include them in the dish.

• Q: Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version?

A: Yes, you can use tamari as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce in this recipe.

• Q: How can I make this dish vegan?

A: You can omit the eggs and honey from the recipe to make it vegan-friendly.

• Q: Can I add tofu or chicken for extra protein?

A: Yes, you can add tofu or chicken to this dish for added protein and flavor.

Helpful tips:

• For added heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• Try adding some bean sprouts or snow peas for extra crunch and freshness.
• Experiment with different vegetables like snap peas or broccoli to customize the dish to your liking.
• Use gluten-free noodles as a substitute if you prefer a more traditional Pad Thai flavor.
• Top with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick of flavor.

Expert Secrets:

• To enhance the umami flavor, add a dash of fish sauce to the sauce mixture.
• For a more authentic Pad Thai taste, stir in a tablespoon of tamarind paste to the sauce.
• To achieve perfectly scrambled eggs, cook them separately and then mix into the squash mixture at the end.
• To avoid a watery texture, make sure to thoroughly drain the spaghetti squash after cooking and scraping out the strands.
• For a richer flavor, toast the chopped peanuts in a dry skillet before adding them as a garnish.

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