Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this Soy-Free Zoodle Pad See Ew post may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
I know, know. It’s shocking isn’t it? This isn’t a dessert or snack recipe! And there isn’t any chocolate in sight! So unlike me, right? Well, something you may not know about me is how much of a sucker I am for Thai food.
It all started in college, when I tried pad thai for the first time. I was hooked. It honestly became a bit of a bad habit, though. Where I went to college and grad school, in Fort Collins, Colorado, I found a favorite Thai place and ordered from there almost weekly. What can I say? The food was amazing and they delivered. How could I not get it all the time? I haven’t gotten as adventurous as I’d like with the cuisine, but what I have tried, I’ve loved!
Where I live now in California only has two Thai places, so I’ve tried to add some variety by trying new dishes. One of the new dishes I’ve tried was pad see ew, and I completely fell in love. It’s rich, slightly sweet, with a little zing, and utterly delicious. However, it’s absolutely loaded with soy. For some reason, I didn’t realize this until after I ate the delicious dish. But either way, traditional pad see ew is not something I can frequently have as a result of all the soy, thanks to my interstitial cystitis. Soy is one of those foods my body (particularly my bladder) really doesn’t handle well. But because pad see ew is now one of my favorite foods, I knew I had to come up with my own version, sans soy. So, I developed with Soy-Free Zoodle Pad See Ew recipe!
Zoodle Pad See Ew
So why did I use zoodles, you ask? Does my bladder, for some reason, not like rice noodles? Nope! It’s simply because I wanted to! I have really been enjoying using zoodles lately, and have been wanting to come up with a recipe featuring them. I already have a couple using sweet potato noodles, so it was about time I created a recipe using zucchini noodles!
While I’m not about that low-carb life (it’s just not for me), I am all about getting more veggies in. And zoodles are a great way to do that! In fact, zucchini is one of my absolute favorite veggies. When I was in college and not order Thai food or other take out, I often prepped zucchini and other squash for busy weeks. It’s easy, versatile, and tastes amazing! It’s high in fiber, water content, and vitamin C, among other vital nutrients.
Traditional pad see ew uses Chinese broccoli, but I chose to go a more accessible route and use traditional broccoli. Part of this is because it’s what I could find in my local store. And part of it is because that’s what my local Thai place uses and I think it adds a nice, fresh crunch to the dish. Plus, it makes this zoodle pad see ew recipe much more filling and nutritious! Broccoli contains vitamin A and K, as well as carotenoids and calcium, which help with vitamin D absorption, eye health, and bone health, respectively. Broccoli is also relatively high in protein when compared to other vegetables, and is high in soluble fiber. Both of these things help you stay full after a meal!
I added chicken to this dish to add some extra lean protein, but if meat isn’t your thing, I understand. You could easily make this a vegetarian dish by either leaving the meat out or subbing in your plant-based protein of choice. To make it vegan, simply do that and leave out the chicken and the egg, but pad see ew does usually have egg in it as well.
Whether you make this a plant-based dish or leave it as is, I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It takes a little more work than my usual snack recipes, but it’s worth it. This Soy-Free Zoodle Pad See Ew recipe is as healthy and nutritious as it is delicious and would make the perfect lunch or dinner for any occasion! Enjoy!
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Servings |
servings
|
- 1 head brocolli chopped (approx 3.5 cups)
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into strips (approx 1 large chicken breast)
- 10-12 oz zoodles (approx 2 large handfuls)
- 3 1/2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp + 3 tsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy-free oyster sauce see below
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 + 1/4 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp in the pan, 1/4 tsp for sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced (approx 1/2 tsp)
- 2 large eggs beaten
Ingredients
|
|
- In a small mixing bowl, combine coconut aminos, maple syrup, oyster sauce, apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp of the sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Chop broccoli head into florets and chicken into small strips.
- In a large wok or skillet (I used cast iron), heat 1 tsp of sesame oil over medium-low heat.
- Add chicken and broccoli florets to skillet and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring so that all sides of the chicken strips begin to cook.
- Push the chicken and broccoli to one side of the pan, or create a hole in the middle, and pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Begin scrambling.
- Once eggs are scrambled, but not overcooked, add zoodles to the pan.
- Pour sauce over the contents of the pan and carefully stir until fully combined.
- Allow the pan to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until zoodles are cooked through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
There may be some excess liquid at the bottom of the pan, but that's okay! If you don't want that, allow pan to simmer longer, and continuously stir contents of the pan.
Looks really yummy and healthy. I really like the idea of adding maple syrup in it. And I love it how you tell every detail about the things you added in it.
Thank you so much! Traditional pad see ew uses dark soy sauce, which has a ton of sugar in it. I wanted to add sweetness to get the right flavor, but not too much!
simply yummy. would love to try this soon.
I hope you get to! Thank you!
Believe it or not, I’ve never tried Thai food before! I just never been interested in trying it, but after seeing this post and how yummy this looks, the next time I go out for food, I’m searching for a nice Thai restaurant!
I know it’s not for everyone, but I just adore Thai food! Pad Thai is always a good option too! And Gyoza for a side! And Golden Bags if they have them!
that look yummy thank for the share ♥
Thanks for checking it out!
I’m really trying a health kick at the moment & this seems fresh & flavorful…. can’t wait to try!
#theviralcollective
http://Www.thrifdeedubai.com
It’s definitely a great option for a health kick! I hope you love it as much as I do!
This looks amazing. I just bought a zoodle spiralizer and have been looking for recipes. I’m going to make this plant based with seitan. I love that this recipe is also very budget friendly and healthy!
you’re so sweet thank you! I’m sure seitan would be great! And have fun with that spiralizer! Sweet potato noodles are super fun to cook with too (although I’m not sure about in this recipe!)
This looks so yummy! And I love that you can really play with a recipe like this and make it a little different every time. Zoodles are so delicious and versatile 😍. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I love making recipes that are easy for others to make and do what they want with! That way everyone can enjoy!
I love thai food but have never made it myself, I wonder if I can sneak zucchini noodles past my husband without him knowing, haha
haha I’m not sure about that. But I definitely think it’s worth a shot!
This looks so yummy (minus the chicken for me)! I think my kids would even eat this!
I think you and your kids will love it! And if chicken isn’t your thing, you can definitely leave it out!
That looks so yummy and you’re a good photographer too. Keep it up!
Thank you so much! That means a lot!
I didn’t know that there was such a thing as Chinese brocolli, so I definitely learned something new here! I love zoodles, and this recipe looks like something my family would love as well. Might have to add it to the menu this week!
haha Yay! I’m glad I could teach someone something! I hope you guys enjoy!