Pad Thai Sweet Potato Noodles is the perfect easy 30 minute one pan meal! Best of all, this recipe is packed with all the traditional flavors of Pad Thai you love in a grain free and meatless version using spiralized sweet potato “noodles”. With video!
One of our favorite take-out dishes I make most often at home is Pad Thai. We usually rotate between this classic restaurant Pad Thai as well as this lightened up version using zucchini noodles.
And our latest favorite is this Pad Thai using spiralized sweet potato noodles. Have you tried spiralizing sweet potato noodles? They are delicious and a great way to sneak some extra veggies for the family.
This grain free version is not only is it healthier than our local Thai restaurant. Making it at home means I get to customize it with the ingredients we have on hand.
You simply swap out the traditional rice noodles for spiralized sweet potato noodles instead. They are super easy to make and all you need is a julienne peeler if you don’t have a fancy spiralizer.
If you’ve got picky eaters and are trying to get them to eat more veggies, this easy one pan dish is as great way to start. Everyone loved this Sweet Potato Pad Thai Noodles and you can bet it’s going on our regular dinner rotation.
How do you make these Pad Thai Sweet Potato Noodles
This recipe starts off with the familiar sweet, spicy, salty and sour flavor-bomb sauce.
Next come the veggies. I tossed in some carrots, bell pepper, red cabbage, bean sprouts, cilantro and chopped peanuts. The best part about making this copy-cat restaurant dish at home is that you can use any veggies or nuts you like.
If you’re looking for a meatless version, feel free to leave out the chicken and shrimp.
Pad Thai sauce is my favorite and this recipe makes a generous amount to coat the noodles with still enough leftover. Feel free to cut down the ratio if you prefer less sauce.
Pad Thai Sweet Potato Noodles is the perfect easy 30 minute one pan meal! Best of all, this recipe is packed with all the traditional flavors of Pad Thai you love in a grain free and meatless version using spiralized sweet potato "noodles". With video!
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce you can also use Vegan Fysh Sauce or leave out and swap in coconut aminos + rice vinegar as a healthier sub
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup tamarind concentrate more watery (NOT thick like tamarind paste)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce leave out if necessary or use 1 tablespoon almond butter mixed with 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce instead
- 2 teaspoons Thai chili garlic sauce or Sriracha optional and to taste depending on how comfortable your spice tolerance is
- 1 tablespoons tomato paste optional if you want it to taste like the North American style
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 2-4 tablespoons cooking oil divided
- 1 medium boneless chicken breast cubed (leave out for a meatless version)
- 4 medium raw shrimp shells removed (leave out if allergic)
- 3 medium sweet potatoes peeled and spiralized (can use 6 ounces of dried rice noodles for a traditional pad thai instead)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 1 shallot chopped
- 1/2 medium carrot grated
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red cabbage sliced thinly (optional for color)
- 1 large egg lightly beaten (leave out if desired)
- 1 lime wedge
- mung bean sprouts chopped cilantro, chopped red cabbage, chopped roasted peanuts, lime wedges
- In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter pad thai - add additional sugar. For a spicier version, add additional chili paste.
- Heat half of the oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until mostly cooked through (about 2-3 minutes). Add shrimp and continue stir-frying 2-3 more minutes, or until shrimp are pink and plump. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add remaining oil and shallots and cook for 2 or so minutes, until translucent and soft.
- Add the sweet potato noodles, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until al dente. They should still have a little bite to them.
- Add the garlic, ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the grated carrots and bell pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes, until tender-crisp. Push all the ingredients over to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten egg and scramble directly in the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over top then add the chicken and shrimp back to the pan. Toss with tongs to evenly coat noodles while allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken up. Remove from heat. (Do not overcook or noodles will become too soft and soggy.)
- Squeeze in juice from lime wedge and adjust seasoning by adding some salt, black pepper, fish sauce, (tomato paste - if using) and chili paste.
- Serve hot on a large platter with garnishes by sprinkling on cilantro, bean sprouts, red cabbage, peanuts and additional lime wedges on the side.
Other noodles you might like:
Healthier Chicken Chow Mein Zoodles
Allie | Baking a Moment -
Ooh I’m loving this idea! Sweet potato would be so yummy with the tamarind and peanuts! Pinning and can’t wait to try 😉
Shundara@SavyNaturalista -
Oh this dish is so cool! I would have never thought about grain free pad-thai!! Now you can eat more without feeling so heavy! Lovely dish Kelly!! 🙂 Have a great week!
Kathy -
This sounds delicious and I think my family would adore this meal!
Chastity -
I am so going to make this! I just bought a $14 cheap spiralizer and I can’t wait to use it with your Pad Thai recipe. I love Pad Thai, but not all the greasiness like you. I’ve been trying to use less grains in our house. I feel better when I’m not “grained” down. I love your creations, Kelly. I hope you have a wonderful week. xo
Shashi -
Oh my – and just like that, I am hungry again! Even after the mini red bean paste Korean donut I just polished off! This looks AH-MAZING!!! I so love that you used sweet potatoes instead of noodles – such a brilliant idea! Does that tamarind concentrate come in a block that’s kinda dehydrated? My mom uses tamarind a lot and the only tamarind I’ve seen her use comes in a square block. Awesome recipe Kelly – I am off to check out those julienne peelers!