Description
Thai Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup crushed peanuts for topping
For the Peanut Sauce:
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
2-3 tbsp warm water (to adjust consistency)
Directions
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add warm water a little at a time until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
Combine the Noodles: In a large bowl, toss cooked noodles with carrots, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
Add the Sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the noodle mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
Garnish and Serve: Top with crushed peanuts and extra cilantro. Serve at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook your chosen noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool them. Set aside.
2. While noodles cook, prepare your vegetables: shred the carrots, slice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the cilantro.
3. For the sauce, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl.
4. Whisk vigorously. The sauce will initially be thick. Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, red onion, and most of the cilantro.
6. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together until evenly and thoroughly coated.
7. Transfer to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with crushed peanuts and the remaining fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these noodles at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing meal. For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu. For extra freshness, serve with lime wedges for squeezing. A side of quick-pickled vegetables or a simple Asian cucumber salad complements the rich peanut flavor perfectly.
How-to Summary
This dish is a simple assembly of cold noodles and fresh veggies tossed in a homemade, 7-ingredient peanut sauce. The key steps are: cook and cool noodles, whisk the sauce to a pourable consistency, combine all components in a large bowl, and garnish with peanuts and cilantro. The entire process takes about 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead meal. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce, so you might want to reserve a little extra sauce or a splash of water to refresh it before serving.
What can I use instead of peanut butter for a nut allergy?
Sunflower seed butter is the best direct substitute and will yield a similar flavor and texture. Tahini (sesame paste) can also be used for a different, but still delicious, savory profile.
My sauce is too thick. How do I fix it?
Simply continue adding warm water, one teaspoon at a time, and whisking until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also use a bit of lime juice or more rice vinegar for extra tang.
Are these noodles gluten-free?
They can be! Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and choose rice noodles or a gluten-free pasta to make the entire recipe gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely. Rice noodles, udon, soba, or even whole wheat spaghetti all work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for your chosen noodle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding hot noodles to the sauce: This can cause the sauce to seize and become gummy. Always cool your noodles first.
- Not thinning the sauce enough: A thick, pasty sauce won’t coat the noodles evenly. Take the time to whisk in enough warm water for a silky texture.
- Overlooking the garnish: The crushed peanuts add essential crunch and the fresh cilantro adds brightness. Don’t skip these finishing touches.
- Using old, dried-out peanut butter: Fresh, creamy peanut butter will emulsify into a much smoother sauce.
Conclusion
These Thai Peanut Noodles are the ultimate quick, flavorful, and customizable meal. With a foolproof sauce that comes together in minutes and a flexible list of ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a portable lunch, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, it delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh in every bite.