Craving the bold, addictive flavors of Pad Thai but want something lighter, fresher, and ready in under 20 minutes? Welcome to your new favorite weeknight kitchen hack. We're swapping traditional rice noodles for spiralized zucchini, creating a low-carb, gluten-free dish that's bursting with all the sweet, sour, salty, and savory notes you love. This version is incredibly quick to make and delivers on flavor without weighing you down.
The secret to achieving that authentic Thai taste with a gentle, approachable warmth is our Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce. Traditional Pad Thai heat can sometimes be overwhelming, but our Mild sauce provides the perfect 'subtle sting.' Its flavorful base of roasted garlic, carrot, and tomato blends seamlessly into the sauce, adding a layer of complexity and just the right amount of warmth that complements, rather than overpowers, the fresh zucchini noodles, crisp veggies, and scrambled egg. It’s a dish the whole family can enjoy, creating a gateway to exploring global cuisines together.
Ingredients
- 4 Medium Zucchini - Spiralized into noodles (about 6-7 cups of zoodles).
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt - For salting the zoodles.
- 2 Large Eggs - Lightly beaten.
- 1 cup Protein of Choice - e.g., cooked shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cubed firm tofu.
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil - Divided.
- 3 cloves Garlic - Minced.
- 3 Scallions - White and green parts separated and sliced.
- 1 cup Bean Sprouts
- 1 Carrot - Julienned or grated.
- 3 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Fish Sauce - Or soy sauce/tamari for a vegetarian version.
- 1-2 tbsp Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce
- 1 tbsp Coconut Aminos or Brown Sugar - For sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Peanuts - Crushed, for garnish.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro - Chopped, for garnish.
- For serving Lime Wedges
Instructions
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Prep the Zucchini Noodles
Place the spiralized zucchini in a colander set over a bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. After sitting, use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the zoodles firmly to remove as much water as possible. This is the most important step to prevent a watery dish!
Proper moisture removal ensures your Pad Thai stays crisp, not soggy. -
Make the Pad Thai Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce, and coconut aminos (or brown sugar) until well combined. Taste and adjust if desired—you want a balance of sour, salty, sweet, and mild spice.
Our Mild sauce adds complex flavor without overwhelming heat. -
Stir-Fry Aromatics and Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. If using raw protein like shrimp or tofu, add it now and cook until done. If using pre-cooked protein, add it at the end.
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Scramble the Egg
Push the aromatics to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them quickly until just set. Break them up with your spatula.
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Combine and Toss
Add the well-drained zucchini noodles, carrot, and pre-cooked protein (if using) to the wok. Pour the sauce over everything. Using tongs, toss and stir-fry vigorously for just 2-3 minutes, until the zoodles are heated through but still have a bit of crunch. Do not overcook! Stir in the bean sprouts and green parts of the scallions right at the end.
Quick, high-heat tossing ensures perfect texture and flavor distribution. -
Serve Immediately
Divide the Pad Thai among bowls. Garnish generously with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.
Pro Tips
- Squeeze Those Zoodles! Do not skip the salting and squeezing step. This is the #1 rule for non-soggy zucchini noodles.
- Prep is Key: Have all your ingredients chopped, sauces mixed, and garnishes ready before you start cooking. The stir-fry process is very fast.
- High Heat, Quick Hands: Work over high heat and toss everything quickly. Zoodles only need to be warmed through.
- Customize the Heat: The Mild sauce makes this family-friendly. For more heat, serve with our Scorpion Gourmet Original or Extra Hot sauce on the table for individuals to add.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use firm tofu as the protein and substitute soy sauce or tamari for the fish sauce. Omit the egg or use a vegan egg substitute.
- Nut-Free: Replace the peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Peanut Version: Whisk 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter into the sauce for an even richer, creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own. For a more substantial spread, serve it with a simple side of cucumber salad or fresh summer rolls. The classic garnishes of lime, peanuts, and cilantro are essential for adding fresh, bright, and crunchy elements that complete the experience.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai is proof that healthy eating can be incredibly exciting and flavorful. It showcases how our Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce is more than just a hot sauce—it's a versatile flavor-booster, perfect for adding a gentle warmth and complex base notes to dishes where balance is key. It's the ideal pantry staple for creating light, bright, and delicious meals that bring the world of flavor right to your table.
