This low carb and grain-free recipe is better than takeout pad thai. Fresh cucumber noodles and bean sprouts blend with traditional Thai spices and chicken.
Thai food has always been my favorite takeout, and it was time I learned to make it myself with a healthy spin. Typically, I'm a curry and Thom Kha girl, but I do love an occasional Pad Thai, especially if it is as fresh as this recipe!

Better than take out Pad Thai- and Healthier too!
Here is my clean eating take on a take-out staple.
- cucumber spirals instead of rice noodles
- fish sauce and fresh ground sea salt instead of soy sauce
- no tomatoes
- few to no chilies to reduce the nightshades
- all of the deliciousness!
I swear, this might actually be better than takeout! It was so fresh and so savory.
Adjusting to your own personal dietary needs
After a while, I learned I can handle some red chili flakes and added those in for spice. It's still fewer chilies than typical take out, and it works for me.
However, the red chili flakes are completely optional and the better than take out Pad Thai is delicious with or without them.

The best thing is this Pad Thai recipe is quick.
I was a little scared it would take me forever to make Pad Thai, but it takes less than 30 min from start to finish.
I barely had any time to take pictures during the meal prep because it went so fast! 🙂 And I can attest that it typically takes longer than that for delivery to arrive.
Next time I'm craving Thai food and thinking about dialing the local delivery man, I'll spend 30 minutes on this healthy and low carb version instead. My gut will thank me, and so will yours! 🙂

Better than take out pad thai low carb
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp lemon juice juice of one very juicy lemon
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (use coconut aminos and extra salt or soy sauce for vegan option)
- 1/4 tsp chili flake (optional- this is technically a night shade so remove if you are 100% nightshade free)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups julienned carrots and broccoli half of a fresh pack of broccoli slaw
- 4 cups mung bean sprouts
- 3 cucumbers, spiralized
- 1/2 peanuts lightly toasted and salted
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 2 tbsp cilantro coarsely chopped plus extra for garnish
- 5 green onions, diced
- 2 Chicken breasts, thinly sliced/cubed (replace with tofu for vegan option)
Instructions
Directions:
- heat oil in saute pan on the stove top
- salt and pepper chicken, add to pan and stir occasionally until just under golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Set on paper towel to dry and set aside.
- Add carrots and broccoli to the same pan with the existing oil. Stir fry ~2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the onion, reserving some of the diced green tips for garnish. Add garlic, bean sprouts, and cilantro. Stir fry ~2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push the mixture to the side and add eggs. Scramble until firm and then mix with the other vegetables
- Add sauce (lemon, fish sauce, chili flake and salt), chicken and cucumber noodles. Mix well and cook 5 minutes for flavors to meld and everything to warm.
- Plate. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and toasted peanuts.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
This nutrition information does not tell the whole story of food's nutritional value! Make sure to use your gut intuition on what your body needs, eat your veggies and get 30 plants a week for optimal gut health. This nutritional data is calculated based on above values and standard brands. This information may vary.





This looks really good! I am going to try this!
I looove it! Cucumber noodles are my favorite 🙂 Let me know how you guys like it 🙂
Hi! Excited to try this recipe! Is that 1/2 cup peanuts? It just says 1/2 peanuts....?? Thank you for sharing your amazing recipes! ❤️
Yes, 1/2 cup!! I'll update that!
Thanks for the recipe! 🙂 Looks yummy!
I just wanted to point out though that this recipe as it stands it not nightshade free if it calls for chili flakes. But I plan to make this sans red chili, to make it nightshade free.
You are right. I've made it with and without the chili flakes and it's delicious either way. I found I'm ok with a few chili flakes and I still benefit from the removal of tomatoes and the large quantity of chilies. I added a note to make that more clear in the recipe. Hope you enjoy!