• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pure and Simple Nourishment
  • About
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • My Food Philosophy
    • Press and Publications
    • Contact
  • Free Resources
  • Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Fall
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Breakfast
    • Main Course
    • Dessert
    • Sauces and Dips
    • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Vegetables
    • Snack
    • Meat and Fish
    • Recipe Wrap-Ups
    • SCD
    • GAPS
    • Whole30
    • AIP
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Low FODMAP
    • Refined-Sugar-Free
  • Health
    • Health Information
    • Book Club
  • Nutrition
  • Favorites
    • Books
    • Tools
    • Skincare
  • Work With Me
    • Services
    • Skin Care Quiz
    • Contact
  • Skin Care
  • Weekly Workouts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer
  • Recipes
  • Health Information
  • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
  • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Summer
    • Recipes
    • Health Information
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Course

    Instant Pot Pad Thai (easy & healthy)

    Modified: Jul 17, 2025 • Published: Jan 19, 2021 by Dr. Erin Carter • This post may contain affiliate links • 2 Comments

    104 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This is the best Instant Pot pad Thai recipe! It is so easy to make and has the most delicious homemade sauce that is slightly sweet, a little creamy, with just a hint of heat. This healthy meal is ready in less than 30 minutes!

    A bowl of Instant Pot Pad Thai garnished with lime wedges and peanuts.
    Table of Contents
    • Why you will love this pad Thai:
    • Ingredients and substitutions:
    • Recipe variations and add ins:
    • How to make Instant Pot Pad Thai (step-by-step): 
    • Top Tips:
    • Serving ideas:
    • How to store:
    • Frequently asked questions:
    • Other recipes you will love:
    • Recipe

    Why you will love this pad Thai:

    • The flavour! This Instant Pot chicken Pad Thai has the most delicious pad Thai sauce that is slightly sweet, a little creamy with just a hint of spice.
    • Because it's made in the Instant Pot it's so quick and easy to make and only requires 6 minutes of cooking time! The whole meal is ready in under 30 minutes.
    • It's healthy and dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and paleo too!

    Ingredients and substitutions:

    For the exact measurements refer to the recipe card later in this post.

    Jump to the Recipe
    • Chicken - I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
    • Liquids - vegetable broth, fish sauce, rice vinegar and natural smooth peanut butter. Instead of vegetable broth you can use chicken broth, beef broth or bone broth. You can use coconut vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of the rice vinegar. Be sure to unsweetened peanut butter.
    • Vegetables - sweet bell peppers, carrots, garlic and green onions. You can use any colours of sweet bell peppers that you prefer.
    • Brown sugar - to give the sauce the perfect amount of sweetness. You can use coconut sugar instead. 
    • Rice Noodles - I recommend using white rice noodles.
    • Spices and seasonings: ground ginger and chili flakes (also known as red pepper flakes). 

    Recipe variations and add ins:

    • For gluten-free: instead of soy sauce use either coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari.
    • To make it peanut free: use unsweetened cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
    • You could add extra seasonings to the sauce including ground turmeric, onion powder or garlic powder for even more flavour.
    • If you like more heat or spice: add a bit more chili flakes.
    • To make this pad Thai paleo: use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, cashew butter instead of peanut butter, coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and heart of palm noodles instead of rice noodles.
    • Feel free to change the vegetables in this recipe if you are looking for a different flavour. Other options include broccoli, cauliflower, spaghetti squash etc.

    How to make Instant Pot Pad Thai (step-by-step): 

    Step one:

    First, in a large bowl or glass measuring cup, stir or whisk together the sauce ingredients until they are smooth.

    A glass measuring cup filled with a homemade pad Thai sauce with a spoon in it.

    Step two:

    Next, add the chopped chicken, bell peppers, carrots and green onion to the bowl of your Instant Pot and pour the sauce over top. Seal the lid and pressure cook on manual high pressure for 6 minutes.

    Ingredients for making pad Thai in an Instant pot.

    Step three:

    While the Instant Pot is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove and cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Once they are done cooking, drain with a colander and set the noodles aside.

    A pot of boiling water on a stovetop with rice noodles cooking in it.

    Step four:

    Finally, when the Instant Pot has finished cooking, allow for 5 minutes of natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure and once done, stir in the rice noodles so they are evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish the pad Thai as you wish and enjoy!

    Cooked pad Thai in an Instant Pot garnished with peanuts and chopped green onions.

    Top Tips:

    • Don't try cooking the rice noodles in the Instant pot with the chicken and veggies - they turn very mushy if you do this.
    • Be sure to use smooth, unsweetened peanut butter for this pad Thai rather than sweetened peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter. 

    Serving ideas:

    This Pad Thai chicken is delicious served as is but you could also top it with freshly squeezed lime juice, crushed peanuts or cashews, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.

    How to store:

    Store any leftovers Pad Thai in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 

    I do not recommend trying to freeze this Pad Thai. The rice noodles get very soggy if you do.

    A large batch of Instant Pot Pad Thai with lime wedges and peanuts inside an Instant Pot.

    Frequently asked questions:

    Where do you find rice noodles in the grocery store?

    They are usually in the asian section or the gluten free section.

    What if I'm allergic to peanuts?

    No worries! Just use cashew butter instead of peanut butter!

    Can I make this Instant pot pad Thai vegan or vegetarian? 

    Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken from this recipe and replace it with more vegetables or tofu and omit the fish sauce from the pad Thai sauce. 

    What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

    No worries! You can make this pad Thai in any pressure cooker or make this easy stovetop pad Thai recipe instead! 

    Other recipes you will love:

    • Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry
    • Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Sheet Pan Meal
    • Gluten Free Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli
    • Healthy Sloppy Joes
    • Gluten Free Pad Thai

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips! And don’t forget to leave this recipe a star review before you go!

    Recipe

    Instant Pot Pad Thai

    This Instant Pot Pad Thai has the most incredible flavour! Slightly sweet, a little creamy with just a little spice. It's also so easy to make and easily made gluten free!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine: asian
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 410kcal
    Author: Dr. Erin Carter

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    Sauce Ingredients

    • 1/3 cup vegetable broth
    • 1/3 cup soy sauce
    • 1/3 cup smooth natural peanut butter
    • 1/3 cup brown sugar
    • 4 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 3 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 2 tablespoon fish sauce
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

    Pad Thai Ingredients

    • 2 lbs chicken breasts, chopped into 1" pieces
    • 4 carrots, thinly sliced
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
    • 1/3 cup chopped green onion
    • 8 ounces rice noodles

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl or glass measuring cup, stir or whisk together the sauce ingredients until they are smooth.
    • Add the chopped chicken, bell peppers, carrots and green onion to the bowl of your Instant Pot and pour the sauce over top. Seal the lid and pressure cook on Manual High Pressure for 6 minutes.
    • While the Instant Pot is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain with a colander and set the noodles aside.
    • When the Instant Pot has finished cooking, allow for 5 minutes of natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure and once done, stir in the rice noodles so they are evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish as desired!

    Notes

    1. Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. 
    2. To make this gluten free, instead of soy sauce use coconut aminos or gluten free tamari.
    3. To make it peanut free, use cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
    4. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1191mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 5706IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @pureandsimpleno or tag #pureandsimpleno!

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine

      November 11, 2021 at 10:47 pm

      When do you add the carrots?

      Reply
      • Erin Carter

        November 11, 2021 at 11:22 pm

        Hey Christine! Sorry I forgot them in the directions. You add them at the same time as the chicken and peppers. I updated the directions to include them now. Thanks for noticing!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Dr. Erin Carter wearing a floral dress in her kitchen.

    Hi everyone!

    My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialties in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    More about me

    Summer Recipes

    • A bottle of dill pickle salad dressing with cut up pickles beside it.
      Dill Pickle Salad Dressing with Pickle Juice (so easy!)
    • A lemon lavender cookie on a baking sheet with a bite out of it and surrounded by lemon slices.
      Lemon Lavender Cookies (gluten-free option)
    • Two ginger turmeric shots in glass bottles with white lids surrounded by ginger, turmeric, orange slices and lemon slices.
      Easy Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shots Recipe & Benefits (no juicer)
    • A jar of raspberry chia pudding topped with fresh raspberries and white chia seeds.
      5 Ingredient Raspberry Chia Pudding
    • A jar of chocolate orange overnight oats garnished with orange zest.
      The Best Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats
    • A bowl of coconut whipped cream.
      Easy Coconut Whipped Cream (vegan, dairy-free)

    Health Info

    • A scoop of white powder with a dumbbell behind it and the title "health benefits of creatine for women" over it.
      Health Benefits of Creatine for Women
    • A basket of lavender flowers with the title Uses For Dried Lavender beside it.
      21 Ways to Use Dried Lavender
    • A mug of lavender tea with dried lavender flowers around it.
      Lavender Tea Benefits and How to Make
    • Three cups of coffee with the title "Mycotoxins in Coffee" over them.
      Mycotoxins in Coffee & Mycotoxin Free Coffee Brands

    Popular Recipes

    • A paleo apple pie bar with a bite out of it and pieces of cooked apples beside it.
      Healthy Apple Pie Bars (gluten-free, vegan & paleo)
    • A gluten free burger in a bun with lettuce, tomato and ketchup.
      The Best Gluten-Free Burgers Recipe (so juicy!)
    • A loaf of gluten free chocolate chip banana bread cut into pieces.
      The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (dairy free & paleo)
    • A paleo chocolate chip zucchini muffin with a bite out of it.
      Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins (dairy-free & paleo)
    • A bowl of Whole30 asian coleslaw with dressing being poured on it.
      The Best Healthy Asian Coleslaw Salad
    • A jar of berry cheesecake overnight oats topped with fresh berries with a spoon in it.
      The Best Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

    Footer

    featured on:

    Sign up for emails and updates!

    Sign me up!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact
    • Services
    • ↑ back to top

    Some of the links on this website are affiliate links whereby we make a small percentage if you purchase the product through that link. It does not cost you anything extra and helps us keep this website running. As an Amazon associate we earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Pure & Simple Nourishment - Powered by Feast+

    104 shares
    104 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required