Tasty Tuesday: Diva-licious Pad Thai

Spicy-Sassy Pad Thai

Happy Tasty Tuesday Fit Diva
After taking a break from work and cooking and creating for a short weekend getaway with my sweetie, I came back fully refreshed and ready to create again.  By the way…It is ok to step away from the grind! In the past I would feel guilty. NOW..I get IT!  Like totally get IT.  You truly come back with batteries recharged and new energy just flows instead of being forced. Anyway, back on track. haha
So, this past Sunday evening (when I love to cook) I re-created a Diva-licious version of the OH So wonderful Asian dish Pad Thai.
YUM Right?!?!?!
Your thinking…soooooo many carbs from the noodles and lots of fat and sugar!  YES!
So that is why I re-created this awesome dish to become Fit Diva approved for an anytime meal.

What Changed?

A few things that were altered:

• Instead of using ALL pasta noodles. I did half of the real deal and the other half with zoodles.  It totally tasted AWESOME. Even had my man on board with this one!
•  Cut out a lot of sugar.  Used a very little bit of coconut sugar and Monk Fruit sugar.

WHAT the HECK is Monk fruit?  Next weeks blog will have full description, but in a nutshell, a natural way to add some sweetness with any calories or artificial crap.
You can find it at: Publix, Whole Foods some Super Target.

• Sambal or chilli paste is a great way to add spice without too much heat.

  

  Publix, Whole Foods

• Lastly, you can use fresh squeezed limes OR buy glass bottled organic lime juice.  Do NOT use the plastic lime that has “lime juice” in it. Its filled with lots of extra chemicals.

Diva-licious Recipe

The list looks long, I know I know.  I am all about quick and easy.  Even though it looks like a lot of steps, It took me 15-20 minutes to make.  Not bad for a first time too!
Enjoy

Sassy-Spicy Pad Thai

This classic takeout is good for a reason. Sweet, salty, crunchy and noodles!  Here is a fit friendly version that allows you to enjoy all the flavor on a diva-licious level by reducing the sugars, fats and carbs.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 oz of brown rice noodles (pad thai)
• 4 oz zoodles (2 medium zucchini)
• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon monk fruit sugar
• 2-3 tbsp sambal oelek
• 1 ½ tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp safflower oil, divided
• 3 chicken breast (12 oz) cut into bite size pieces
• 1 clove garlic minced or 1 tbsp minced garlic in jar
• 1 small red bell pepper cut into thin slices
• 1 egg & 1 egg white

Topping: ¼ cup sliced green onion, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped peanuts

DIRECTIONS:

Noodles & Zoodles:

• Simmer pad thai noodles as it says on box.
• Next, either spiral up 2 med zucchini or buy it already freshly spiraled.
• Blot off excess water & place zoodles in a saute pan with little olive oil.  Saute on high for 4-5 minutes and then set aside.

Sauce & chicken:

• In a small bowl whisk together: lime, soy sauce, sugars, sambal & fish sauce. Set aside.
• In a large saute pan, heat ½ the safflower oil on medium heat and add chicken.
• Brown for 4-6 min then add garlic.  Keep stirring and add red pepper.  Cook until chicken is fully cooked and peppers are soft.  Remove and set into a large bowl and cover.
• Add remaining oil to large pan on med-low heat.
• Add eggs. Continue to keep stirring to break up curdled egg 2-3 min. Once cooked, remove from pan and add to chicken bowl.
• Now, add your sauce mix to warm pan and simmer for 2-3 min.
• Add your noodles and zoodles to coat.
• Add sliced green onions.
• Add chicken and egg mix and coat all.
• Once on the plate, sprinkle chopped cilantro and peanuts.
• Serves 3-4

Enjoy Bella Diva!

Next week: All about Monk fruit and Stevia. Until then…
Get creative and play in the kitchen.  Food should be fun
Ciao
PS for video..ask and I will send!