Chicken Pad Thai

Advanced & Core Plan

Serves: 4 (we served a family of 5)

This is a favorite restaurant dish that is typically loaded up with sugar and starchy noodles.  Here is an advanced plan version using zucchini sliced and cut into strips for “noodles”.

Although it looks like a lot of ingredients and steps, it if very easy.  The ingredients are all “staple” items you should have on hand.  The stir fry portion is very quick and easy and the sauce just requires adding and stirring.  This one is worth it and is great for leftovers.

 
Zucchini Ribbons
Slice zucchini longways with a mandolin or thin slicer.  Stack 2-3 strips at a time and slice into “ribbons”.  Put in a bowl and set aside.  (NOTE:  save the end pieces that couldn’t be sliced for another use)

Peanut Sauce
3 garlic cloves, grated
2 inches fresh ginger, grated
1-2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce (check ingredients – look for ones made with anchovies)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup organic peanut butter OR freshly ground roasted peanuts
1/2 cup liquid aminos or tamari
3 tablespoons brown rice vinegar
1/2 to 1 cup whole coconut milk
Optional:
1/4 cup fresh lime juice or 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (to be discarded before serving)

Mix all ingredients except stock/coconut milk and transfer to a saucepan. Gradually mix in coconut milk, whisking thoroughly.  Heat on low-medium until warm and keep simmering, stirring frequently.

NOTE:  For a peanut soup, the mixture can be thinned with more coconut milk or a little organic chicken stock.

Chicken & Vegetable Mixture

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 pound organic chicken, cut into chunks
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup liquid aminos or tamari
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
1 organic red bell pepper cut into strips
1 head broccoli florets, chopped

Optional:

handful fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for garnish
3 green onions, thinly sliced
6 ounces fresh bean sprouts (about 2 cups), rinsed and drained
Substitute any vegetables you want instead of the broccoli

PAD THAI PREPARATION

In a large non-toxic skillet, heat oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add chicken, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper; cook, without stirring for 3-5 minutes or until underside of chicken is browned.  Stir and continue cooking until chicken is almost done. Move chicken to the edge of the pan and add the eggs and cook, stirring, until just set, about 20 seconds. Add broccoli and red peppers, cover and let vegetables cook.  Keep warm.

Pour the peanut sauce over the zucchini ribbons.  (this can be a meal on it’s own)  Add the zucchini/peanut mixture to the pan with the chicken and vegetables and serve immediately.  Garnish as desired.