Savory Thai Protein Bars (No Bake, V, GF)
Make a quick, no-bake batch of savory Thai protein bars as an alternative to sweet snack options. Made with peanut butter and a hint of Thai curry paste, these delectable bars are gluten-free, vegan, and have 6.4 grams protein and 168 calories each.
Servings: 5 bars/pucks
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter (see notes for options)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (see notes for options)
- 3/4 cup rolled oats (certified GF as needed)
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro, mint or basil leaves or a combination)
- 1 teaspoon red or green Thai curry paste (see notes for options)
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted or roasted peanuts (see notes for options)
Instructions
- Line 5 cups of a standard size muffin tin with silicone liners (or grease/ spray with nonstick cooking spray)
- Warm the peanut butter, lime zest, lime juice and syrup in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat until warm and melted but not boiling (you can also do this in the microwave).
- Place the oats, flaxseed meal, herbs and curry paste in a small food processor. Add the warm peanut butter mixture. Pulse until oats are chopped and mixture comes together into a cohesive dough.
- Divide dough into 5 equal portions; roll into a ball and press each into prepared cups, flattening tops with fingertips. Sprinkle with peanuts, pressing into dough to adhere.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm before removing from tin.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at (cool) room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, or freezer for 3 months.
Curry Paste Options: Iff you do not have Thai curry paste--you can create layers of Thai-influenced flavor without it. Here are some options: (a) 1 teaspoon curry powder; (b) 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger + 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha; (c) just 1 teaspoon Sriracha.
Nut Butter Options: An equal amount of the creamy nut or seed butter of your choice can be used in place of the creamy peanut butter. For example, almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
Peanut Options: An equal amount of the nuts or seeds of your choice can be used in place of the peanuts. For example, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or cashews.
Maple Syrup Options: An equal amount of agave nectar or brown rice syrup can be used in place of the maple syrup. Or use 1 tablespoon coconut sugar + 2 teaspoons water as a replacement.
Nutrition
Serving: 1round bar | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.4g | Protein: 6.4g | Fat: 9.9g | Saturated Fat: 1.9g | Sodium: 71mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4.1g