Pad Thai Noodles: A Classic Dish, Now Keto-Friendly!

Chef Janine is bringing a beloved Thai culinary favorite to the ketogenic table with her special Keto Pad Thai, made using shirataki noodles instead of traditional rice noodles. This delicious twist allows keto enthusiasts to enjoy the bold flavors of Pad Thai without the carb overload.

Feast your eyes on Chef Janine's Keto Pad Thai, a stunning plate of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients—all while keeping it keto-friendly! This beautifully plated dish features shirataki noodles, a low-carb alternative to traditional rice noodles, stir-fried to perfection with succulent shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, and fragrant spices.

Chef Janine's Keto Pad Thai – A Flavorful, Low-Carb Delight

With a carefully crafted balance of tangy tamarind, aromatic garlic, and the crunch of fresh toppings, Chef Janine’s Keto Pad Thai is a guilt-free indulgence. Golden-hued shrimp, infused with a rich umami-packed sauce, rest atop a bed of tender, keto-approved noodles, while thin slices of red chili add a pop of heat. Fresh cilantro and scallions provide an herbaceous brightness, complementing the slight tang from freshly squeezed lime wedges.

This dish embodies Comfort Keto™, offering a satisfying, guilt-free way to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine while staying committed to a ketogenic lifestyle. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a gourmet dining experience at home, Chef Janine’s Keto Pad Thai delivers on taste without compromising on health.

Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or a flavorful dinner, this low-carb rendition keeps the authentic taste alive while fitting seamlessly into a ketogenic lifestyle.

The History of Pad Thai

It is widely accepted that Chinese immigrants introduced stir-fried noodle dishes to Thailand.

Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most iconic dishes, known for its perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Although commonly associated with Thai cuisine, its origins are a mix of cultural influences. Some historians trace it back to Chinese immigrants who introduced stir-fried noodle dishes to Thailand centuries ago.

During the 1930s, Thailand’s government promoted Pad Thai as a national dish to encourage the use of domestically grown rice noodles, strengthening the country's identity and economy. The government believed that Pad Thai, along with new cultural policies, would help strengthen the economy, prevent foreign interferences, promote a healthy diet, and unify the diverse nation.

Traditionally, Pad Thai consists of the following ingredients:

🍜 Rice noodles – the base of traditional Pad Thai

🍳 Eggs – stir-fried into the noodles for richness

🧈 Tofu or shrimp – popular protein options

🌱 Bean sprouts – for a fresh, crunchy texture

🧅 Scallions – sliced and added for flavor and color

🥜 Crushed peanuts – sprinkled on top for crunch and nuttiness

🥣 Sauce – made from:

  • 🍋 Tamarind – gives a tangy depth

  • 🐟 Fish sauce – salty, umami-rich seasoning

  • 🍬 Palm sugar – balances the tanginess with sweetness

While undeniably delicious, the high carb content of rice noodles makes it a challenge for those following a ketogenic diet. Here is Chef Janine's recommendation for the keto-friendly version:

🍝 Shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles – low-carb alternative to rice noodles

🍳 Eggs – included for richness and texture

🍤 Shrimp – keto-friendly protein alternative to tofu

🌱 Bean sprouts – still low in carbs and perfect for crunch

🧅 Scallions – add flavor without spiking carbs

🥜 Almond slivers – keto-friendly alternative to crushed peanuts for crunch and nuttiness

🥣 Keto Pad Thai Sauce – made from:

  • 🍋 DIY low-carb Tamarind paste substitute – keto-friendly alternative to Tamarind paste for tangy depth

  • 🐟 Fish sauce – great umami with no carbs

  • 🍯 Monk fruit sweetener – replaces palm sugar for sweetness without the carbs

What is Tamarind Paste? DIY Low-Carb Tamarind Paste Substitute

Tamarind paste is made from the fruit pulp of the tamarind pod. It has a bold, tangy-sweet flavor with a hint of sourness.

Tamarind paste is a thick, dark brown concentrate which is the key ingredient in traditional Pad Thai — where it provides that signature tangy-sweet depth with a hint of sourness. However, it is high in carbs.

Chef Janine suggests a DIY low-carb tamarind paste substitute that mimics the tangy-sweet depth of tamarind without the carb load. Check out her recipe for the tamarind paste replacement.

🍋 Low-Carb Tamarind Paste Substitute Recipe (Per 1 tbsp serving)

🥄 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)

• 1 tsp tomato paste (for color + slight acidity)

• 1/4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for depth)

• 1/8 tsp garlic powder (optional – for added savory note)

• 1/2 tsp monk fruit sweetener (or any keto-friendly sweetener)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.

2. Adjust to taste — add more vinegar for tang, more sweetener if it’s too sharp, or a tiny bit of salt if needed.

3. Replace 1:1 for tamarind paste in recipes (e.g. keto Pad Thai).

What Are Shirataki Noodles?

To make this dish keto-friendly, Chef Janine swaps out rice noodles for shirataki noodles, a near-zero-carb alternative made from the konjac root. Also known as "miracle noodles," shirataki noodles are composed mostly of glucomannan fiber, which is highly absorbent and helps promote fullness. Since they contain almost no digestible carbs or calories, they are an excellent substitute for traditional noodles in ketogenic and low-carb diets.

Near-zero-carb pasta alternative

Shirataki noodles have a slightly chewy texture and easily soak up the rich flavors of a dish, making them a perfect fit for keto Pad Thai. With proper preparation—rinsing thoroughly and lightly pan-drying to remove excess moisture—they become a satisfying, neutral base that carries the vibrant flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Chef Janine’s Keto Pad Thai Experience

This keto-friendly version of Pad Thai keeps all the beloved elements intact, with a few healthy tweaks:

✔ Shirataki noodles replace rice noodles for a near-zero-carb base.

✔ Monk fruit sweetener is used instead of sugar for natural sweetness.

✔ Coconut aminos or fish sauce provide a deep umami kick.

✔ Healthy fats from eggs, peanuts, and avocado oil ensure satiety.

✔ Fresh lime, chili flakes, and cilantro add brightness and spice.

✔ DIY replacement is used instead of carby tamarind paste.

Chef Janine’s Keto Pad Thai proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stick to a low-carb lifestyle. Whether you're already keto or just looking for a healthier way to enjoy Thai cuisine, this dish delivers a delightful, restaurant-quality experience without the carb-heavy guilt!

Would you like to try Chef Janine’s Keto Pad Thai? Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com.

Bon Appétit!

Chef Janine