Several weeks ago I shared a post about Zucchini Noodles (click here to see it) and I included this photo of these Thai Peanut Zoodles and everyone was asking for the recipe, to today’s the day! How many of you have Spiralizers now? It’s been one of my most favorite kitchen gadgets lately. It lets you easily adapt so many traditional pasta recipes to lighter versions. This particular recipe is simply a lightened version of one of our most popular Our Best Bites recipes: Thai Peanut Noodles. I just made a few simple tweaks and swaps and cut down the calories to just over 200 calories per serving!
Lightening up a classic
One of the ways I’m cutting back on calories here is by using some powdered peanut butter. I use PB2, which you can find in some grocery stores and health food stores, but I just order mine from Amazon. Powdered peanut butter has a fraction of the calories and fat as normal peanut butter, but in this recipe, I still feel like you need some regular peanut butter, for both taste and texture. I found that by combining the two and using a little regular peanut butter and a little powdered, you get the best of both worlds.
I’m also cutting back on liquids from our traditional Thai Peanut Noodles, because zucchini noodles provide extra liquid to thin the sauce. So don’t be concerned at the thickness of the sauce, it becomes the perfect consistency when tossed with the noodles. I also suggest using granulated chicken bullion here so you don’t have to open a whole can of broth for just a couple of tablespoons.
how to make thai peanut zoodles
Fresh garlic and ginger add quick flavor and our Lime Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the perfect compliment here. (One of our few flavors available on Amazon– and the price recently dropped!)
I do suggest you use my tip in my Zoodle post about extracting liquid from your zucchini noodles first. This sauce will get particularly watery if you don’t. You’ll also want to use the biggest skillet you have. The noodles will cook better if they can spread out so the heat can distribute evenly and moisture can evaporate. If you crowd them in a small pan, they will end up boiling. To be honest, the photo below is actually from a different recipe- you’ll want to use a skillet bigger than that!
Top them with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
These work great as a vegetarian main dish, or along side your favorite grilled meat as a side. You get all of the bright, fresh flavors of the original, but with a fraction of the calories!
Thai Peanut Zoodles
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini about 12 ounces each
- kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons PB2 powdered peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil I recommend our Lime Olive Oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- 2 teaspoons fresh minced ginger
- 2 green onions chopped
- handful of cilantro to taste about 1/4 cup, more if desired
- lime wedges
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Run your zucchini through a Spiralizer to form noodles. Place zucchini in a large mesh strainer over a bowl or the sink and toss with a sprinkling of kosher salt (I eyeball it, about 1/4 teaspoon should be fine). Let sit for 30-60 minutes, till much of the liquid is extracted. Press zucchini with a few paper towels to absorb any excess.
- Place chicken broth, powdered peanut butter, regular peanut butter, honey, and soy sauce in a very small sauce pan and whisk to combine. Set aside for a moment.
- Heat an extra large skillet to medium high heat and add olive oil. Add garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant. Add zucchini noodles and toss often with tongs for 2-3 minutes.
- While zucchini is cooking, turn heat on peanut butter sauce. Heat until simmering, constantly stirring, until hot and bubbly. Mixture should thicken within a minute or so. Set aside. When noodles are tender-crisp, add peanut sauce and toss to combine. Add green onions and cilantro and toss well. Serve immediately and squeeze a fresh lime wedge over each serving. Top with nuts and additional green onions and cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
If you’re interested in delicious lighter fare, make sure to check out our brand new book, 400 Calories or Less, is available now!
Questions & Reviews
Can you substitute peanut butter for the powdered peanut butter? I just don’t have any and want to make this for dinner tonight!
Absolutely!
This was delicious and I will make it again. I also didn’t drain the zoodles, but I just drained some of the liquid after I cooked them. Also, I used some lime zest since I don’t have lime olive oil and some sliced mushrooms, too. Yum!
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I made this today and was really yummy. I didn’t drain the zucchini, and it still wasn’t too watery. This is definitely going to be added to my lunch rotation. I added some cut up chicken breast and a little Sriracha sauce for spice. Thanks!
Sounds delicious! I think I need to get a zoodle maker.
Look delicious! Just to clear up any confusion though, this is recipe is not vegetarian because it contains chicken broth.
Yes, just sub vegetable broth to make vegetarian.
Looks delicious!
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Walmart carries that brand of powdered peanut butter.
We got a ton of kohlrabi in our winter CSA. I’ve been using that in my Thai peanut salad. Really good!
Inspired by your zoodle posts, I had mentioned I wanted a spiralizer to my family. My mom happened to be in Ross where she spotted a Vegetti, and picked that up. I love it! It doesn’t do as many things as the Spiralizer, but I can make 2 sizes of Zoodles, and for $10 it was well worth it. I just bought some more for friends on Amazon for $12. I’m currently having zoodles for lunch.
As for PB2, you might want to check your Costco to see if they have it; I live in AZ and ours has been carrying it for a while. A giant container, of course. 😉
This looks SO GOOD! Can’t wait to try.
We love zoodles, but get stuck coming up with a side dish to go with them. Any ideas for a side dish to go with this? Thanks!
Last night we had my parents over and I used your tips for cooking zoodles in addition to regular pasta. The zoodles were a huge hit! Even my dad, who is anti-healthy, loved them and wanted more. He’s planning where to grow zucchini in their flower beds now. 🙂