Spicy Peanut Noodles

$To make Spicy Peanut Noodles, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz. rice noodles - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust based on heat preference) - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded carrots - 3 green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish - Crushed peanuts for topping - Lime wedges for serving You can easily swap some ingredients for your taste or needs. Here are my top suggestions: - Use rice vermicelli for a lighter noodle option. - Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a nut-free version. - Choose agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan alternative. - Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. Selecting fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s how to pick the best: - Noodles: Look for rice noodles that are firm and have no cracks. - Peppers: Choose red bell peppers that are bright and firm. - Carrots: Pick fresh, crisp carrots with smooth skin. Avoid soft or wrinkled ones. - Herbs: Fresh cilantro should smell fragrant and have bright green leaves. - Garlic and Ginger: Look for firm, dry bulbs. They should feel heavy for their size. These tips help ensure your Spicy Peanut Noodles taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil a pot of water. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz. of rice noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 4-6 minutes. Stir the noodles gently so they don’t stick. When they’re soft, drain them and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from getting mushy. Set the noodles aside in a large bowl. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Pour in 1/4 cup of soy sauce. If you're gluten-free, use tamari instead. Then, add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. For heat, mix in 1 teaspoon of chili paste. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add warm water a little at a time. You want it creamy but pourable. Now, take the cooled rice noodles and add them to the bowl of peanut sauce. Toss them well so every noodle gets coated. Then, add in the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Mix gently to combine all the flavors. Let the noodles sit for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve them in bowls, topping with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for extra zing! To get the right sauce consistency, you need to mix carefully. Start with creamy peanut butter. Add soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste. Whisk until smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add warm water one tablespoon at a time. Stir well after each addition. Keep mixing until you reach the creaminess you like. A well-balanced sauce makes your noodles shine. Cooking rice noodles is easy. Boil water in a big pot. Add noodles and cook according to the package. Once soft, drain them and rinse under cold water. This stops cooking and keeps them from sticking. Mixing the noodles with the sauce while they are still warm helps soak in all the flavors. Don’t forget to toss gently to keep your noodles intact. Serving your Spicy Peanut Noodles can be fun. Use colorful bowls to make your dish pop. When plating, arrange the noodles neatly. Top with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro. This adds color and texture. Place a lime wedge on the side. It not only looks good but also adds a zesty kick. Your dish will look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less chili paste and gradually add more until you reach your desired spice level. Texture Variation: For added crunch, consider including some chopped bell peppers or cucumbers just before serving. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just rewhisk before mixing with the noodles. Garnishing Tips: Use a variety of fresh herbs like mint or basil along with cilantro for a more complex flavor profile. {{image_2}} Spicy peanut noodles are easy to make vegetarian or vegan. To go vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the dish sweet and plant-based. You can add more veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These add crunch and color. You can also toss in some tofu or tempeh for protein. If you need a gluten-free meal, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This simple change keeps the flavor without gluten. Look for gluten-free rice noodles, which are widely available. You can also use zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist. Just spiralize fresh zucchini and cook it lightly. Want to add protein? Cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef works great in this dish. Simply sauté your choice of protein before adding it to the noodles. For a plant-based option, add chickpeas or edamame. These options boost the protein and make the meal more filling. You can also customize your spice level by adding more chili paste or fresh jalapeños. To keep your leftover Spicy Peanut Noodles fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them down to room temperature first. Store the container in the fridge. These noodles can last for up to three days. If you have added toppings like crushed peanuts or cilantro, store those separately. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, take the noodles out of the fridge. You can reheat them in a microwave or on the stove. If using a microwave, place the noodles in a bowl and add a splash of water. Cover it and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. If using a stove, add the noodles to a pan over low heat. Add a little water to help them loosen up. Stir gently until warm. Freezing Spicy Peanut Noodles is also an option. To freeze, pack the noodles in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, remove the noodles from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them as mentioned above. Adding a bit more sauce can help refresh the flavors after freezing. Spicy Peanut Noodles are a tasty dish made with rice noodles and a creamy sauce. The sauce includes peanut butter, soy sauce, and chili paste. You get a mix of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in each bite. Fresh veggies like bell peppers and carrots add color and crunch. This dish is quick to make and packed with flavor. Yes, you can make Spicy Peanut Noodles ahead of time. Cook the noodles and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just combine them. The flavors blend well over time, making the dish even tastier. To adjust the spice level, change the amount of chili paste. If you prefer less heat, use less paste. For more spice, add more chili paste. You can also add sliced fresh chili on top for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you. You can serve Spicy Peanut Noodles with many sides. Try a simple green salad for freshness. Grilled chicken or shrimp adds protein and makes it a meal. You can also serve it with spring rolls for a fun crunch. Lime wedges on the side enhance the flavors even more. This article covered all you need to know about Spicy Peanut Noodles. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to customize the dish. You learned how to choose fresh items and achieve the best sauce. I shared tips for storing leftovers and adapting the dish for diets. In the kitchen, creativity matters. Enjoy making this dish your own. Whether for a meal or a gathering, Spicy Peanut Noodles will impress.$

Spicy Peanut Noodles

A flavorful dish featuring rice noodles tossed in a spicy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz rice noodles
0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
0.25 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon chili paste
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
3 medium green onions, chopped
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
to taste crushed peanuts for topping
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

Begin by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse them under cold water and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little warm water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Add the cooked and cooled rice noodles to the bowl of sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated.
Incorporate the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots into the noodles, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
Allow the noodles to sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve the noodles in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Include lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the noodles in colorful bowls and arrange the crushed peanuts and cilantro decoratively on top. A lime wedge on the side adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s zestiness.

Keyword noodles, peanut sauce, spicy, vegetarian