Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes? Look no further than this Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad! With its tantalizing combination of creamy peanut butter, zesty soy sauce, and a kick of chili paste, this Asian-inspired salad is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of taste and texture. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a vibrant side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Rice noodles
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chili paste
- Carrots, julienned
- Cucumber, sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding the noodles, and cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of chili paste. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled rice noodles. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Next, add the julienned carrots and sliced cucumber to the noodle mixture. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well distributed among the noodles.
- Chop a handful of green onions and sprinkle them over the salad. Toss again to combine. This will add a fresh crunch and flavor to the dish.
- Once everything is mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or chili paste to suit your taste.
- Transfer the Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Enjoy your Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad as a refreshing and flavorful meal!
Tips
- Noodle Preparation: Make sure to rinse the rice noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Peanut Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the peanut sauce ingredients to match your taste preferences. If you love heat, add more chili paste; for a creamier sauce, increase the peanut butter.
- Fresh Vegetables: Use a variety of colorful vegetables to enhance both the flavor and presentation of your salad. Bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded cabbage can add extra crunch and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is delicious served cold, but letting it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It also makes for great leftovers!
- Garnishing: Don’t skip the cilantro! It adds a refreshing finish that elevates the entire dish. You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for added texture.
- Meal Prep: This salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a larger batch and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and healthy lunch option.
- Pairing: Serve your Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal, or enjoy it as a light standalone dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
