Description
A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Peanut Noodles recipe featuring chewy rice noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, complemented with fresh, crisp cucumber. This quick and easy dish is perfect for lunch or dinner, garnished with crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz rice noodles or your choice of noodles (soba, udon, or spaghetti)
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of warm water. Add an additional tablespoon of water if needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the bowl with the peanut sauce and toss well to coat each strand evenly.
- Add Cucumber: Gently fold in the julienned or thinly sliced cucumber, distributing it evenly throughout the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Sprinkle chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro over the top as desired. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold noodle dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level according to your preference.
- The peanut sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the noodles absorb too much sauce, add a splash of warm water before serving to loosen up the sauce.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables such as shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
