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- 8 oz rice noodles - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch piece of ginger, grated - 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced (reserve green parts for garnish) - 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned - 1/2 cup shredded carrots - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds for garnish When making spicy sesame peanut noodles, the right ingredients are key. Start with rice noodles. They provide a great base for the dish. They cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Next, we have the peanut sauce components. Creamy peanut butter gives a rich, nutty flavor. Sesame oil adds a nice aroma and depth. Soy sauce or tamari brings saltiness, while sriracha adds heat. Honey or maple syrup balances the spice with sweetness. Rice vinegar brightens the sauce and gives it a fresh taste. Garlic and ginger round out the flavor profile. Don’t forget the fresh vegetables! Scallions, red bell pepper, and carrots give the dish color and crunch. They also add vitamins and nutrients, making this meal not just tasty but healthy, too. - Sesame seeds - Scallions - Fresh cilantro Garnishes can take your noodles to the next level. Sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch. They also look great on top. Scallions add freshness and a mild onion flavor. Save some green parts for garnish. Fresh cilantro gives a pop of color and flavor, bringing everything together. Feel free to get creative with garnishes! You can add what you like to make it your own. {{ingredient_image_2}} Boiling Water and Cooking Time Start by boiling water in a large pot. You want a rolling boil. Once the water boils, add the rice noodles. Cook them for 4 to 6 minutes. Check the package for exact time. Draining and Rinsing After cooking, drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse them under cold water. This stops cooking and helps keep them firm. Set them aside to cool. Mixing the Ingredients Grab a medium mixing bowl. Add creamy peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk these well until everything is smooth and mixed. Adjusting Consistency If your sauce feels thick, add warm water. Start with one tablespoon at a time. Mix until you find your desired thickness. Tossing Techniques Place the cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over them. Use tongs or a spatula to toss gently. Make sure every noodle is coated in the sauce. Ensuring Even Coating Take your time while tossing. You want a nice, even layer of sauce on all the noodles. This step makes each bite tasty. Incorporating Bell Pepper and Carrots Now, add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the noodles. These add crunch and color to your dish. Mixing Tips Gently stir the mixture. You want the veggies evenly spread throughout the noodles. This makes every bite a delight. Temperature Preferences You can serve these noodles warm or at room temperature. Both options taste great! Presentation Ideas Divide the noodles into bowls. Top with green scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. This adds a pop of color and texture. Enjoy your spicy sesame peanut noodles! - Avoiding Sticky Noodles: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water. This stops cooking and removes extra starch. Use a bit of oil to keep them from sticking together. - Timing for the Best Texture: Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Aim for al dente noodles, which means they should be firm but not hard. - Ingredient Substitutions: Swap soy sauce for tamari if you need a gluten-free option. Try almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free choice. - Spice Level Adjustments: Want more heat? Add extra sriracha. To lower the spice, use less sriracha or add a bit of sugar to balance it out. - Best Side Dishes: Serve with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. These sides add freshness and color to your meal. - Beverage Pairings: A chilled ginger ale or iced green tea pairs nicely. Both drinks complement the spicy flavors of the noodles. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, start with less sriracha and gradually add to your taste. It's easier to add spice than to take it away! Make it a Meal: Add protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to the noodles for a heartier dish that’s perfect as a main course. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This saves time on busy days! Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the cilantro and scallions; they add a burst of freshness that elevates the dish significantly! {{image_4}} Gluten-Free Versions You can easily make gluten-free spicy sesame peanut noodles. Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari. This small change keeps the dish tasty while accommodating gluten-free diets. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. Vegan Options For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based. You can also choose vegan protein, like tofu or chickpeas, to make the meal heartier. Adding Protein You can enhance the nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. For a plant-based option, try marinated tofu. Just cube it and toss it in the pan before adding to the noodles. Alternative Sauces and Seasonings Feel free to mix up the sauce. Instead of peanut butter, try almond or cashew butter for a new flavor. You can also add hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. Using Seasonal Vegetables Seasonal vegetables add freshness. In spring, try snap peas or asparagus. In summer, add zucchini or cherry tomatoes. These swaps keep the dish vibrant and full of flavor. Incorporating Local Flavors Use local produce to make the dish unique. For example, if you find fresh herbs or veggies at a local market, throw them in. This adds a personal touch and supports local farms. - Refrigeration Tips: Allow the spicy sesame peanut noodles to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. - Best Storage Containers: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These keep the noodles fresh and prevent spills. - Freezing Guidelines: You can freeze the noodles for up to three months. Store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. - Reheating Instructions: To reheat, thaw the noodles in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in a pan over medium heat. You can add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for off smells or mold. If the noodles feel sticky or slimy, it’s time to toss them. - Recommended Timeframes: In the fridge, eat within three days. In the freezer, use within three months for best taste and quality. To make Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles, start by cooking 8 oz of rice noodles. Boil water, add the noodles, and cook for 4-6 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Next, mix the peanut sauce. Combine 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch of grated ginger in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Combine the noodles and sauce in a large bowl. Toss until all noodles are coated. Add 1/2 julienned red bell pepper and 1/2 cup shredded carrots. Mix gently. Serve at room temperature or warm. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. - Rinse noodles well to stop cooking. - Adjust sauce thickness with warm water if needed. - Toss gently to keep the noodles intact. Yes, you can use other noodles. Options include udon, soba, or even spaghetti. - Udon noodles: Chewy and thick. - Soba noodles: Nutty flavor and great texture. - Spaghetti: Easy to find in most kitchens. Rice noodles are light and soft. Udon adds chewiness. Soba offers a unique bite. Choose based on your preference. You can easily adjust the heat level in your dish. Start with less sriracha and add more if needed. - Use less sriracha in the sauce. - Add more peanut butter to mellow the flavor. - Mix in coconut milk for creaminess. Taste your dish as you add sriracha. This way, you control the spice level. A little goes a long way! Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles pair well with many sides. Think fresh salads or grilled meats. - Cucumber salad: Refreshing and light. - Grilled chicken: Adds protein and flavor. - Steamed broccoli: A simple vegetable option. Make it a full meal with a side of edamame. Or serve with spring rolls for a fun twist. In this article, we covered how to make Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles. You learned about key ingredients like rice noodles and fresh veggies. We discussed step-by-step instructions for cooking and blending the sauce. Tips on perfecting texture and flavor were shared. We also explored tasty variations and storage methods. Now, you can enjoy this dish your way. It's simple and fun to make. With practice, you'll impress everyone! Grab your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy your meal!

Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles

A delicious and spicy noodle dish with a creamy peanut sauce and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 0.5 cup scallions, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper, julienned
  • 0.5 cup shredded carrots
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • none sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice noodles by boiling water in a large pot. Add the rice noodles and prepare according to package instructions, usually about 4-6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth and creamy, adding warm water if needed.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rice noodles and pour the peanut sauce over them. Toss gently until the noodles are evenly coated.
  • Incorporate the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots into the noodle mixture, stirring gently to combine.
  • Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, garnished with reserved scallion greens, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds. Adjust heat with additional sriracha if desired.

Notes

Adjust the sriracha to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword noodles, peanut sauce, spicy, vegetarian