Spicy Peanut Noodles (Print View)

Creamy noodles in a spicy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables and crunchy peanuts.

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 12 oz dried rice noodles or spaghetti

→ Peanut Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup soy sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
07 - 2 to 3 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce, adjust to taste
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 1/4 cup warm water, plus more as needed

→ Vegetables & Garnishes

11 - 1 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1 cup thinly sliced bell pepper
13 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
14 - 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
15 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
16 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Cook noodles following package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and warm water until smooth. Add additional water to reach desired consistency.
03 - In a large bowl, toss cooked noodles with shredded carrots and bell pepper. Pour peanut sauce over and mix until evenly coated.
04 - Divide noodles into bowls. Top with scallions, roasted peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
05 - Serve immediately or chill for a cold noodle salad variation.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you're too tired to think.
  • The sauce is so addictive and creamy that even people who usually skip noodle dishes ask for seconds.
  • You can make it spicy or mild, hot or cold, with or without vegetables, so it bends to whatever you're in the mood for.
02 -
  • Never skip the cold water rinse on your noodles; it stops them from cooking and clumping, making the difference between loose noodles and a tangled mess.
  • The sauce will thicken as it cools, so make it slightly thinner than you think you want it while it's warm.
03 -
  • Make the sauce while your water comes to a boil; it takes five minutes and you'll be ready to toss everything together as soon as the noodles drain.
  • If you're serving this cold, add an extra tablespoon of water to the sauce since it will absorb liquid as it sits in the refrigerator.
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