Name: Low Carb Spicy Pad Thai with Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tsp Sesame Oil, Or Olive Oil; 8 oz Tofu, Squeezed, Cubed (or use your favorite protein); 1 package Slaw Mix, or: 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1 shredded carrot; 1 cup Chopped Veggies like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Snap Peas,; 1/3 cup Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce; 2 Tbsp Chopped Peanuts; 1 med Lime, Sliced; 2 Tbsp Sriracha Sauce, Optional

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If you’re looking for an EASY, veggie version of your favorite spicy Pad Thai, this is it! And my Low Carb Spicy Pad Thai with Tofu comes together in just 20 minutes!

Low Carb Pad Thai

What makes it low carb*? Instead of noodles, I subbed slaw mix (or you can use shredded cabbage and carrots).

And, if you want noodles, add them (just be sure to precook them or use ready-made)! I told you it was EASY!

*To clarify, I do not advocate low carb eating as a weight loss tool (or any type of eating as a weight loss tool). I practice non-restrictive eating daily. There is a difference between choosing to eat the foods that make you feel good physically, and restricted eating in the hopes of weight loss. If you have any questions or would like to chat more about this concept, please feel free to send me an email!

Super Simple Pad Thai

I tried to keep this recipe super simple and used the things I had on hand. However, I think you could get really creative depending on the veggies YOU have available; so feel free to get crazy!

Some other veggies that would be great to use:

Zucchini
Sugar Snap Peas
Edamame
Bok Choy
Baby Corn
Red Peppers

How to Make Thai Peanut Sauce

Well, first off, I used bottled sauce! I wanted this recipe to be super easy so I grabbed a bottle of Thai Peanut sauce from the store.

If you’re looking for made-from-scratch sauce, here’s a recipe from my archives for Thai Chicken with Coconut Peanut Sauce.

There is no shame in my game here friends, when it comes to easy and delicious, and I can take a shortcut now and again, I do!

I used my favorite bottled spicy peanut sauce (see below, San-J Thai Peanut), but you could easily make your own peanut sauce from just a few ingredients in your pantry, and make it spicier or less spicy for your taste.

The key for me is the peanut flavor with the bite of citrus from fresh limes.

I like extra lime juice in my Pad Thai, and of course the crunchy peanuts to top off the dish. Don’t skip this step!

What Type of Tofu is Best?

Save yourself another step and buy Pressed Tofu! Pressing tofu is not hard, but it’s an extra step, and when I’m looking for easy, the last thing I want to do is add more work.

SO, buy pressed tofu and don’t look back! Well, except to PAT yourself on the back because you’re one smart, efficient cookie.

How to Press Tofu

If you aren’t able to find pressed tofu, follow these steps:

Remove the tofu block from it’s packaging, draining the water that is in the package.
Line a plate with 2-3 paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Place the block of tofu onto the paper towels.
Placing another couple of paper towels or kitchen towel on top of the block, place a heavy pan on top of it.
Let the block sit for about 10-15 minutes.
You’ll notice that a lot of liquid will have been removed after that time.
You can replace the towels and turn the block and do this again if you want even more liquid removed. The more liquid that is removed the better.
Otherwise, it’s ready to cut, cube, marinate, etc.

Can I Use Another Protein Instead of Tofu?

If you’re not a tofu fan (really, get on board friend, it’s soooo versatile!) you can easily leave it out or add your favorite protein: chicken, shrimp, beef, pork.

I hope you get a chance to try my Low Carb Spicy Pad Thai with Tofu and you love it as much as I do!

Low Carb Spicy Pad Thai with Tofu

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

If you're looking for an EASY, veggie version of your favorite spicy Pad Thai, this is it! And my Low Carb Spicy Pad Thai with Tofu comes together in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients

2 tsp Sesame Oil, Or Olive Oil
8 oz Tofu, Squeezed, Cubed (or use your favorite protein)
1 package Slaw Mix, or: 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1 shredded carrot
1 cup Chopped Veggies like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Snap Peas,
1/3 cup Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce
2 Tbsp Chopped Peanuts
1 med Lime, Sliced
2 Tbsp Sriracha Sauce, Optional

Instructions

In a large saute pan, heat oil over med high heat.
When hot, add your protein and cook (if using tofu, just brown it up a bit; if using raw meat, make sure to cook completely)
When the tofu is browned, add the veggies and slaw mix and cook until just starting to soften, you want these to be a bit crunchy so don't cook too long.
Stir in the Peanut Sauce and heat through.
Remove from heat and squeeze in the lime juice.
Plate each serving and then top with chopped peanuts and hot sauce if using.
Grab your chopsticks or utensil of choice and ENJOY!

Nutrition Information

Yield 2 Serving Size 1 grams
Amount Per Serving Calories 661Total Fat 38gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 29gCholesterol 4mgSodium 1329mgCarbohydrates 65gFiber 21gSugar 36gProtein 29g

Nutrition calculation is offered as a courtesy and no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. The data provided are a product of online nutrition calculators and should be considered an estimate only. I am not a registered dietician nor a certified nutritionist. For more accurate information, or if you have dietary restrictions, please consult a trusted professional. A Healthy Makeover strongly supports Intuitive Eating, body trust, and Health at Every Size.