Skip the convenience of takeout tonight; try Em The Nutritionist's health-focused pad Thai recipe instead.

Em The Nutritionist, a renowned health and wellness influencer, has shared a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic dish - a Better-Than-Takeout Healthy Pad Thai. This delectable creation is featured in her latest book, "Live to Eat: The Food You Crave, The Nutrition You Need", published in 2025.

The dish serves two and boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Each portion contains under 360kcal and a whopping 23g of protein, making it a healthier and cheaper alternative to ordering takeout.

The ingredients for this scrumptious meal include dried rice noodles, toasted sesame oil, protein of choice (prawns/shrimp), garlic, spring onions, red pepper, Tenderstem broccoli, carrot, a large free-range egg, and a variety of saucy components.

The dish begins with the noodles being soaked in boiling water, drained, rinsed, and mixed with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. The cooked protein is browned off and removed from the pan, while the garlic and vegetables are added and tossed for 2-3 minutes.

A sauce, brimming with flavour, is then prepared. It includes 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, juice of 1⁄2 lime, 1 small tablespoon tamarind paste, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 heaped teaspoon chunky peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon water. This sauce is poured over the dish and gently tossed to ensure an even distribution of flavour.

The dish is cooked in a wok or large frying pan heated with the remaining teaspoon of sesame oil. The egg is added to the pan and allowed to set slightly before being scrambled. The noodles and protein are then returned to the pan, and the sauce is poured over, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Finally, the dish is served with lime wedges, chopped spring onions, basil leaves, and crushed roasted peanuts (optional). This healthier version of a classic pad Thai is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your nutritional goals. Bon appétit!