Asian Noodles with Not-So-Spicy Peanut Sauce
Since today is the final installation of my Back-to-School Bootcamp adventure, it’s high time I turned my attention to the subject of supper. This recipe for Asian-Style Noodles with Peanut Sauce is exactly the sort meal we all need on a busy weekday. It’s an entry-level easy dish to make with a sauce that comes together in mere minutes. The flavors are a bit of an umami-bomb — a combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Everything gets tossed with whatever whole grain noodles you prefer along with your favorite raw, crunchy vegetables. It can be eaten warm, cold, or room temp. And leftovers can be sent the next day in a lunch box. You can even throw it in a blender, add kale, and drink it for breakfast (okay, went a little far with this last one, but you get the idea). It’s versatile!
Asian-Style Noodles with Peanut Sauce
A simple weeknight supper with a flavorful, just-spicy-enough peanut sauce. Made with whole grain noodles and lots of vegetables, it's healthy, too.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole grain noodles (whole wheat, brown rice, or other favorite spaghetti, or soba noodles)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened, creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha (less if you are sensitive to a little kick)
- 2 cups diced crunchy raw vegetables in any combination (cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, carrots, or snap peas all work well)
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced, light green and white parts only
Instructions
-
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook al dente according to package directions.
-
While the pasta cooks, in a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and sriracha until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
-
Dice the vegetables and set aside.
-
Once the pasta is done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake well and transfer to the bowl with the peanut sauce. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce until evenly coated. Add the vegetables and scallions and toss again. Serve immediately. If the pasta gets sticky as it sits, add another tablespoon or two of water (or a splash of sesame oil if you have it) to thin the sauce.
Comments
08.31.2015 at10:21 AM #
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
This looks so simple and flavorful- absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight meal! Nothing beats a good umami bomb 🙂
08.31.2015 at10:21 AM #
katiemorford
I agree on all fronts, Sonali. Would love to have you join us for the Twitter chat if you are free. Your recipes and ideas are always so inspired!
08.31.2015 at10:59 AM #
Katie @ Mom to Mom Nutrition
I can’t wait to join you and Sherry for the Twitter party! I also think any recipe that is considered an umami-bomb is da-bomb! Sorry, I had to 😉
08.31.2015 at10:59 AM #
katiemorford
You’re forgiven. Look forward to having you chime into the conversation. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of great ideas to share!
08.31.2015 at12:42 PM #
Emily @ Zen & Spice
Love the twitter chat topic! I’ll have to keep an eye out for it!
08.31.2015 at12:42 PM #
katiemorford
Thanks Emily!
09.01.2015 at10:14 AM #
Heather Christo
this looks great Katie! Love the flavors!
09.01.2015 at10:14 AM #
katiemorford
Thanks, lady!
09.01.2015 at6:13 PM #
Hayley
if a person is allergic to peanuts, what would you substitute? (Sorry National Peanut Board).
09.01.2015 at6:13 PM #
katiemorford
🙂 I’ve only made it with peanut butter, but I would probably make it with cashew butter. Sunflower butter if tree nuts are off limits too.
09.04.2015 at11:44 AM #
aida mollenkamp
I’m always game for a good bowl of peanut noodles!
09.04.2015 at11:44 AM #
katiemorford
Total comfort food for me!
09.07.2015 at9:05 PM #
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
Peanut noodles are one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals. I always make a huge pot thinking I’ll have leftovers, but we rarely do! Sorry i missed the Twitter chat – I’m sure it was great!
09.07.2015 at9:05 PM #
katiemorford
They can be rather addictive! And yes, the Twitter chat was a lot of fun. Maybe next time.
03.07.2016 at11:23 AM #
Willow
This was really good. I added tofu and sauteed celery. My 12 year old loved it.
03.07.2016 at11:23 AM #
katiemorford
Great additions. So glad it went over well in your house! Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate hearing from everyone.
11.04.2017 at8:11 AM #
Anne Mullen
I’m so tired of all the things I usually cook (truthfully, I’m tired of cooking anything), so a new easy recipe is welcome. I love peanut sauce, so this might be exactly what I need. Thanks, Katie.
11.04.2017 at8:11 AM #
katiemorford
I hope you like it. It’s good as a leftover or you could cut the recipe in half if you are just cooking for two.