Cabbage Pad Thai (Printable Version)

Shredded cabbage tossed in tangy peanut-lime sauce with eggs and optional chicken or tofu, finished with crunchy peanuts.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage (about 1 lb 12 oz), cored and finely shredded
02 - 1 large carrot, julienned
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 3 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Protein

07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 10.5 ounces cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or firm tofu, sliced (choose one)

→ Sauce

09 - 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
10 - 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or additional tamari for vegetarian option)
11 - 1.5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus extra wedges for serving
12 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened peanut butter
13 - 1 tablespoon erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or honey
14 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes or Sriracha (optional, to taste)

→ Toppings

15 - 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped (about 1.75 oz)
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
17 - Extra lime wedges, for serving

# Method Steps:

01 - Whisk tamari, fish sauce, lime juice, peanut butter, chosen sweetener and chili flakes or Sriracha in a small bowl until smooth; set aside.
02 - Warm a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a splash of neutral oil, then sauté garlic, grated ginger and the white parts of the scallions for about 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper, tossing constantly and stir-frying 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
04 - Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, crack in the eggs and scramble them until just set, then combine scrambled eggs with the vegetables.
05 - Add the sliced cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pan, pour the reserved sauce over everything and toss thoroughly, cooking 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated.
06 - Remove from heat and scatter the green parts of the scallions, chopped peanuts and cilantro over the top; serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's like discovering a hidden shortcut to the freshest Pad Thai, without the heaviness.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight yet full of bold flavors that impress every time.
02 -
  • If the veggies cook too long, the cabbage weeps and things go watery—keep the heat high and work fast.
  • Whisking the sauce until truly smooth makes for perfectly even flavor in every bite.
03 -
  • Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start—it really is a lightning-fast cook once you go.
  • Smashing peanuts with your knife rather than chopping keeps the texture wonderfully rustic and prevents sogginess.
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