Pork & Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowl

In this Asian-flavored spaghetti squash recipe, thin slices of lean pork tenderloin are marinated with lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar and soy sauce. The flavorful marinade is then cooked with peanut butter and coconut milk to make a delicious sauce for this low-carb noodle bowl.

Prep/Cook Time: 45 Minutes, Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger, divided
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh lemongrass
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into ½-inch slices
• 1 2½- to 3-pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
• 1 pound baby spinach
• ½ cup “lite” coconut milk
• ¼ cup smooth natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup water

Directions

1. Combine 1 tablespoon ginger, lemongrass, brown sugar, soy sauce and fish sauce in a shallow dish. Add pork, turn to coat and let stand, turning once or twice, for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish; add 2 tablespoons water. Microwave, uncovered, on High until the flesh is tender, about 10 minutes. (Alternatively, place squash halves cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven until the squash is tender, 40 to 50 minutes.)
3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon ginger and add spinach a few handfuls at a time, cooking and stirring until all the spinach has wilted, 1 to 2 minutes total. Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm.
4. Wipe out the pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and heat over medium-high. Add the pork (and marinade) and cook, turning once, until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to the plate with the spinach and cover; leave the liquid in the pan.
5. Add coconut milk, peanut butter and ¼ cup water to the pan; cook, stirring and scraping up any brown bits, for 1 minute.
6. To serve, scrape the squash from the shells with a fork and divide among 4 bowls. Drizzle each portion with 2 tablespoons of the peanut sauce, top with pork and spinach, then drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving: 435 calories; 23 g fat (5 g sat, 6 g mono); 74 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrate; 7 g added sugars; 12 g total sugars; 33 g protein; 5 g fiber; 805 mg sodium; 1,272 mg potassium

© Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission.