• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Good For You Gluten Free

Living your best gluten-free life with celiac disease and gluten intolerance

  • View GoodForYouGlutenFree’s profile on Facebook
  • View g4uglutenfree’s profile on Twitter
  • View goodforyouglutenfree’s profile on Instagram
  • View goodforyouGF’s profile on Pinterest
  • View goodforyouglutenfree’s profile on YouTube
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About Good For You Gluten Free
    • FAQs
    • Events
    • Our Team
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Bread
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Pasta
  • ALL ARTICLES
    • Celiac Disease
    • Gluten-Free and Celiac News
    • Nima Tested
    • Eating Out
    • Health & Beauty
    • Products & Ingredients
  • COACHING
  • RESOURCES
    • Dear Gluten, It’s Not Me, It’s You
    • Ultimate Guide to Eating Out Gluten Free
    • Meal Plans
    • Giveaways
    • Safe Dining Card
    • Quick Start Guide
  • SHOP
  • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
  • COURSES
  • GLUTEN-FREE SUBSCRIPTION BOX
Home » Main Dishes » Better-Than-Takeout Gluten-Free Pad Thai

Better-Than-Takeout Gluten-Free Pad Thai

Last Updated April 10, 2023. Published April 10, 2023 Good For You Gluten Free

Sharing is caring!

56 shares
  • Share
  • Email
Better-Than-Takeout Gluten-Free Pad Thai
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

My gluten-free Pad Thai offers complex, bold, and nuanced flavors so you can enjoy a combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors at home without worrying about gluten. The entire dish is topped with crunchy peanuts and a tangy squeeze of lime to ensure a bold flavor profile reminiscent of take-out pad Thai. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosures.

Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish made from a combination of rice noodles, tofu or chicken, eggs, and bean sprouts, and may also contain peanuts, scallions, and a tangy fish sauce.

I find Pad Thai to be extremely flavorful, satisfying, and filling, and something I find myself making for my family time and time again.

Pad Thai offers complex, bold, and nuanced flavors that can be sweet, savory, and slightly spicy simultaneously, creating an overall mouthwatering flavor enhanced by the nuttiness of roasted peanuts and fresh lime juice.

Enjoy the bold flavors and savory taste of my gluten-free pad Thai without worry of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and sometimes oats, sneaking into your food. This beloved iconic dish can safely be enjoyed anytime at home with this easy one-pot recipe. Enjoy!

pad thai on a plate with lime wedges

Ingredients for Pad Thai

Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory Asian dish. As you’ll see, most pad Thai ingredients are already gluten-free, including the pad Thai noodles made of rice. Gluten usually lurks not in the ingredients of the main dish but in the sauce since soy sauce contains wheat.

Make sure all the ingredients are labeled gluten-free before making this recipe.

  • 1 8 oz package of gluten-free rice sticks or wide rice noodles (I used Lotus Foods Pad Thai Noodles)
  • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil (I used Chosen Foods avocado oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
  • 4 green onions. You’ll need to separate the green and white parts, finely chop the whites, and slice the greens separately.
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 zucchini, cut into bite-size sticks
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup chopped or crushed roasted salted peanuts (I recommend Nuts.com since its nuts are certified gluten-free)
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
ingredients for gluten-free pad thai

You’ll also need the following ingredients for the fish sauce:

  • ¼ cup fish sauce
  • 1 Tbsp coconut aminos, gluten-free soy sauce, or tamari
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha
  • 2 Tbsp peanut butter

How to Make Gluten-Free Pad Thai

It’s really easy to make gluten-free pad Thai in a few simple steps.

(1) Prepare the pad Thai rice noodles according to the package directions. Some packages require you to boil the noodles, others require soaking. Follow the directions on the packaging.

(2) Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set it aside. The sauce will be ready to go when you need it.

(3) In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil, garlic, and onion whites. Cook for one minute until fragrant and the onions are slightly translucent.

(4) Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the hot pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is golden and almost cooked through.

step by step making of gluten-free pad thai

(5) Add the zucchini and red bell pepper slices and sautée for 2-3 minutes or until tender but still crisp.

(6) Make a well in the center of your skillet by pushing the ingredients to the sides of the pan. Add the eggs to the open space in the middle of the pan and scramble them. As the eggs cook, incorporate them into the rest of the ingredients.

(7) As soon as the eggs are cooked, add the prepared rice noodles and the sauce, and stir to coat all the ingredients.

gluten-free pad thai sauteeing in a pan

(8) Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in half the cilantro, half the green onions, and half the peanuts. Garnish the top of the pad Thai with the remaining green onions, cilantro, and peanuts, and serve with lime wedges.

gluten-free pad thai on a plate

Substitutions and FAQs

Preparing the Rice Noodles: The instructions on the Lotus Foods Pad Thai rice noodles said to boil them first, but some brands say to soak them in hot water. For the best results, follow the directions found directly on the package of rice noodles you’re using.

Add-Ins: You can add bean sprouts (optional) to make your pad Thai more authentic. I recommend using one cup of bean sprouts and adding them just before the rice noodles, so they stay crispy.

Peanut Butter: You can omit the peanut butter, although I like the creaminess and flavor the peanut butter provides.

Tamarind Paste: Traditional pad Thai recipes call for tamarind paste, which I think is hard to find in stores, let alone gluten-free. You could use gluten-free tamarind paste instead of gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos or tamari) and brown sugar, that is, if you can find it.

Spice Swaps: You could use half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes instead of sriracha in the sauce.

Additional Recipes

You might enjoy these tasty gluten-free dinner recipes too:

  • Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken
  • Easy Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Chicken
  • Extra Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic-Ginger Sauce
  • Asian Meatball Bowls

Gluten-Free Pad Thai

My gluten-free Pad Thai is complex and bold, allowing you to enjoy sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in each bite without worrying about hidden gluten. The entire dish is topped with crunchy peanuts and a tangy squeeze of lime to ensure a bold flavor profile reminiscent of take-out Pad Thai.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: pad thai
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 689kcal
Author: Jenny Levine Finke

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet pan

Ingredients

  • 8 oz package of gluten-free rice sticks or wide rice noodles I used Lotus Foods Pad Thai Noodles
  • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil I used Chosen Foods avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 4 green onions. You’ll need to separate the green and white parts finely chop the whites, and slice the greens separately.
  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 zucchini cut into bite-size sticks
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • ½ cup chopped or crushed roasted salted peanuts I recommend Nuts.com since its nuts are certified gluten-free
  • ½ cup cilantro chopped
  • 2 limes cut into wedges

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup fish sauce
  • 1 Tbsp coconut aminos gluten-free soy sauce, or tamari
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha
  • 2 Tbsp peanut butter

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pad Thai rice noodles according to the package directions. Some packages require you to boil the noodles, others require soaking. Follow the directions on the packaging.
  • Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set it aside. The sauce will be ready to go when you need it. This recipe comes together quickly.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil, garlic, and onion whites. Cook for one minute until fragrant and the onions are slightly translucent.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the hot pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is golden and almost cooked through.
  • Add the zucchini and red bell pepper slices and sautée for 2-3 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
  • Make a well in the center of the skillet by pushing the ingredients to the sides of the pan. Add the eggs to the open space in the middle of the pan and scramble them. As the eggs cook, incorporate them into the rest of the ingredients.
  • As soon as the eggs are cooked, add the prepared rice noodles and the sauce, and stir to coat all the ingredients.
  • Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in half the cilantro, half the green onions, and half the peanuts. Garnish the top of the Pad Thai with the remaining green onions, cilantro, and peanuts, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Preparing the Rice Noodles: The instructions on the Lotus Foods Pad Thai rice noodles said to boil them first, but some brands say to soak them in hot water. For the best results, follow the directions found directly on the package of rice noodles you’re using.
Add-Ins: You can add bean sprouts (optional) to make your Pad Thai more authentic. I recommend using one cup of bean sprouts and adding them just before the rice noodles, so they stay crispy.
Peanut Butter: You can omit the peanut butter, although I like the creaminess and flavor the peanut butter provides.
Tamarind Paste: Traditional Pad Thai recipes call for tamarind paste, which is hard to find in stores, let alone gluten-free. You could use gluten-free tamarind paste instead of gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos or tamari) and brown sugar, that is, if you can find it.
Spice Swaps: You could use half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes instead of sriracha in the sauce.
Vegan Option: For a vegan option, swap chicken for tofu, and omit the eggs and fish sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 689kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 1700mg | Potassium: 987mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1461IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @GoodForYouGlutenFree or tag #goodforyouglutenfree!

Filed Under: Main Dishes Leave a Comment

Reader Interactions

Leave a CommentCancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Good For You Gluten Free

Hi, I'm Jenny Levine Finke and am passionate about the gluten-free lifestyle. I'm a certified integrative nutrition coach and self-taught expert on [most] gluten-free things. I have celiac disease and know the struggles you're going through first-hand. This is why I've dedicated this blog to serving the celiac and gluten sensitive communities with important information, product and restaurant reviews, and simple recipes I hope you'll love. Read More…

Read My Book!

Dear Gluten Book Cover

Download My Safe Dining Card

Free download - gluten-free safe dining card
Logos of publications that Good For You Gluten Free has been featured in

My Trending Blog Posts

  • Simple Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free Pasta Dough
    Simple Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free Pasta Dough
  • 200+ Foods You Can Eat on the Gluten-Free Diet
    200+ Foods You Can Eat on the Gluten-Free Diet
  • Monk Fruit Chocolate Chip Cookies Made with Almond Flour (Keto and Low-Carb)
    Monk Fruit Chocolate Chip Cookies Made with Almond Flour (Keto and Low-Carb)
  • 5-Ingredient Gluten-Free Bagel Recipe
    5-Ingredient Gluten-Free Bagel Recipe
  • Easy Gluten-Free Bread Recipe Using 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour
    Easy Gluten-Free Bread Recipe Using 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour
  • The Ultimate List of 25 Gluten-Free Cereals [Tested for Hidden Gluten]
    The Ultimate List of 25 Gluten-Free Cereals [Tested for Hidden Gluten]
  • 8 Signs Your Gluten-Free Diet Is Working
    8 Signs Your Gluten-Free Diet Is Working
  • The 10 MOST Common Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
    The 10 MOST Common Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
  • 5 Dangers Associated with the Gluten-Free Diet and How to Avoid Them
    5 Dangers Associated with the Gluten-Free Diet and How to Avoid Them
  • Unboxing the February 2025 Love Me Gluten Free Subscription Box
    Unboxing the February 2025 Love Me Gluten Free Subscription Box

Graduate of the:

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Badge

Before Footer

You may not reproduce or publish any content on Good For You Gluten Free without written consent.

Copyright © 2025 Good For You Gluten Free. All Rights Reserved.

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About Good For You Gluten Free
    • FAQs
    • Events
    • Our Team
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Bread
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Pasta
  • ALL ARTICLES
    • Celiac Disease
    • Gluten-Free and Celiac News
    • Nima Tested
    • Eating Out
    • Health & Beauty
    • Products & Ingredients
  • COACHING
  • RESOURCES
    • Dear Gluten, It’s Not Me, It’s You
    • Ultimate Guide to Eating Out Gluten Free
    • Meal Plans
    • Giveaways
    • Safe Dining Card
    • Quick Start Guide
  • SHOP
  • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
  • COURSES
  • GLUTEN-FREE SUBSCRIPTION BOX
  • Blog
  • Disclosures & Disclaimers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us