Peanut Noodles

These Peanut Noodles are an incredibly quick and delicious dish that rivals your favorite takeout! With soft rice noodles tossed in a creamy peanut sauce, they’re bursting with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Perfect for a midweek meal, this dish can be made in just 10 minutes, making it the ideal option for when you’re short on time but craving something comforting and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Noodles are a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy. The peanut sauce is rich and velvety, with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and a kick of heat from sriracha. This dish is simple to prepare, and the rice noodles soak up all the flavors, making each bite satisfying and comforting. Garnished with sesame seeds, scallions, and peanuts, it’s not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Ingredients

• 8.8-ounce box of rice noodles (Pad Thai noodles)

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh garlic (2 large cloves)

• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)

Optional Garnishes:

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• 1-2 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced

• 1-2 tablespoons lightly salted peanuts, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles:
   In a large pot of boiling water, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions (approximately 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of cooking water if needed to thin the sauce.

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
   While the noodles are cooking, in a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, grated garlic, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your taste for desired spice level.

3. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
   Once the noodles are done, drain them and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss to coat them evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and chopped peanuts. Serve while hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Add Protein: Top your peanut noodles with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for an extra boost of protein.

• Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach to the noodles for extra color and nutrition.

• Extra Spice: For more heat, drizzle additional sriracha on top or mix in some chili flakes.

• Peanut Butter Substitute: If you’re allergic to peanuts or want to try a different flavor, swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover peanut noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or additional soy sauce to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute rice noodles with soba noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat before tossing with the noodles.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! This dish is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free and swap honey with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.

4. How can I make this spicier?

If you prefer more heat, add extra sriracha to the sauce or top with chili oil or fresh sliced chili peppers.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like! Stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas will complement the peanut sauce perfectly.

6. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used, though it will change the texture slightly. It will still provide the peanut flavor but with a bit more texture in the sauce.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, ensure that you’re using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, as regular soy sauce contains gluten.

8. Can I use fresh garlic instead of grated garlic?

Yes, you can use fresh minced garlic instead of grated garlic. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

9. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Make sure to toss the noodles in the sauce immediately after draining. If you’re storing leftovers, add a bit of water to loosen the sauce and prevent the noodles from clumping together.

10. Can I add lime zest for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Lime zest will enhance the citrusy flavor and provide a refreshing twist to the dish.

Conclusion

These Peanut Noodles are a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or anytime you’re craving something flavorful and comforting. The creamy peanut sauce combined with the noodles and garnishes creates a deliciously indulgent yet easy-to-make meal that will leave you craving more. Customize it with your favorite protein or veggies, and enjoy this delightful dish in just 10 minutes!

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