Name: Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 14 oz Shirataki Noodles; 7 oz Chicken (diced); 2 Eggs (beaten); 3 Spring Onions (finely chopped); 1/4 cup Peanuts (unsalted, roasted, divided); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 1/2 tbsp Fish Sauce; 1 tbsp Low Carb Sugar Substitute (such as Erythritol); 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 3 tbsp Lemon Juice; 3 tbsp Sesame Oil (divided)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you have a love for the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine but want to keep things light and healthy, this Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe is an absolute game changer. It delivers all the savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes you expect from traditional Pad Thai but swaps out the carb-heavy noodles for delicate shirataki noodles. The result is a dish bursting with texture from tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fresh spring onions, all woven together with a fantastic balance of flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner or a casual weeknight treat, this Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw diced pale pink chicken pieces placed on brown parchment paper on a wooden table with a rough texture. There are two fresh green onions lying diagonally next to the chicken, a whole yellow lemon nearby, and a garlic bulb with a white papery skin close to the bottom left corner. Two white eggs rest on the table to the right of the chicken. A small white bowl filled with thick white yogurt sits near the top right. Two small white dishes contain dark soy sauce and some white coarse salt respectively, along with some peanuts scattered loosely on the table near the bottom right. The background is a white marbled textured wall. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing a specific taste, aroma, or texture that makes the dish unforgettable. From the nutty crunch of peanuts to the zing of lemon juice and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes, every element is carefully chosen to recreate that authentic Pad Thai experience without the carbs.

Shirataki Noodles: These low-carb noodles provide the perfect base with a light and slightly chewy texture that soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
Chicken (diced): Lean protein that cooks quickly and adds heartiness to the dish.
Eggs (beaten): Adds richness and a lovely silkiness when scrambled in the pan.
Spring Onions (finely chopped): Freshness and a mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness.
Peanuts (unsalted, roasted): Bring a crunchy texture and nutty depth to every mouthful.
Garlic (minced): Essential aromatic that boosts the overall flavor profile with its pungent warmth.
Fish Sauce: The salty, umami-packed seasoning classic to any Pad Thai recipe.
Low Carb Sugar Substitute: Adds the subtle sweetness that balances the savory and sour notes without raising carb counts.
Red Pepper Flakes: A dash of fiery heat to enliven the dish and leave your taste buds buzzing.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors with a fresh and zesty tang.
Sesame Oil: A fragrant oil that adds a toasty aroma and luxurious mouthfeel.

How to Make Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil, then cook the shirataki noodles for just 2 minutes. This brief boiling removes any excess water and neutralizes their natural aroma. After draining, these noodles are ready to soak up the flavors later on while maintaining their satisfying bite.

Step 2: Crisp the Noodles

Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the noodles and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become lightly crispy and golden. This step adds a lovely texture contrast to your dish and prevents the noodles from becoming soggy. Once crisped, set them aside for the next stage.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Aromatics

In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil and cook the diced chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Then throw in the roasted peanuts (saving some for garnish) and minced garlic, stirring everything together for an additional minute. The garlic releases its wonderful fragrance while the peanuts impart a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Pour the beaten eggs into the pan with your chicken mixture. Stir continuously to scramble the eggs evenly and incorporate them into the other ingredients. This creates a lovely creamy texture that binds the dish together.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Time to bring everything together! Add the crisped noodles back to the pan, then season with fish sauce, red pepper flakes, and your low carb sugar substitute. Toss everything well so each strand of noodle is coated with that signature Pad Thai flavor. This step is where the dish really comes alive with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and savory.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Divide the Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe onto serving plates. Drizzle each serving with the fresh lemon juice for a pop of brightness that uplifts the entire dish. Garnish generously with the chopped spring onions and remaining peanuts for a fresh finish and extra texture. Serve it hot and watch it disappear fast!

How to Serve Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe

The dish is served in a white oval bowl filled with light beige shredded noodles mixed with pieces of cooked white meat, topped with chopped green onions and whole peanuts. Two lemon wedges are placed on the right side of the bowl. A decorative red and white spoon stands at the back of the bowl. The bowl rests on brown paper over a wooden surface, with a white marbled wall in the background and a garlic bulb to the upper right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this dish to the next level. Chopped spring onions add a crunch and fresh lift, while unsalted roasted peanuts bring nuttiness and contrasting texture. For a hint of green vibrancy, feel free to sprinkle some fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side. These little additions brighten every bite and make your Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

While this dish stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with light sides will round out the meal. A crisp cucumber salad or a small bowl of steamed greens dressed with sesame oil complements the flavors and keeps the meal fresh and balanced. For an extra protein boost, try grilled shrimp or tofu on the side if you want to mix things up.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or elevate weeknight dinners, try serving the Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or lettuce cups. This not only adds a colorful presentation but also introduces a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the warm, saucy noodles. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chili oil over the top for an extra flavor kick that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because shirataki noodles don’t breakdown as quickly as wheat noodles, the texture remains pleasant, making it a great option for make-ahead meals or packed lunches.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, it’s best to do so without the fresh garnishes like peanuts and spring onions, which can lose their texture when frozen. Store the cooked noodles and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm your Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a bit more sesame oil to prevent the noodles from sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as pan reheating preserves the texture and flavor much better. Toss the dish slightly while warming to refresh its delicious aroma and taste.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, beef, or even pork cubes depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.

Are shirataki noodles the only low-carb option?

Shirataki noodles are great for low-carb needs, but you could also try spiralized zucchini or kelp noodles as alternatives if you want a different texture or flavor profile. Just keep in mind the moisture content varies.

Is fish sauce essential for this recipe?

Fish sauce provides an authentic umami depth to Pad Thai. If you’re allergic or don’t have it on hand, a mix of soy sauce and a little anchovy paste can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How spicy is this Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your taste. For milder palates, reduce the flakes or omit them entirely; for spice lovers, feel free to add more!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh, replace fish sauce with a vegan soy-based alternative, and skip the eggs or use a scrambled tofu substitute. The dish will still be bursting with flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Pad Thai Recipe is one of those dishes that brilliantly combines flavor, texture, and nutrition without any fuss. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress with minimal effort. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try—you just might find your new favorite way to enjoy Pad Thai without the carb overload.