Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe

Noodles: The base of the dish, any type of noodles will work, but rice noodles or spaghetti are commonly used.

Peanut butter: Provides the creamy and nutty flavor for the sauce.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the sauce.

Sesame oil: Gives a distinct, toasty flavor that complements the peanut butter.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.

Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty and slightly spicy note.

Water: Helps to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.

Lime juice: Adds a fresh and tangy flavor to brighten the dish.

Carrots: Shredded for a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness.

Cucumber: Sliced for a refreshing and crisp element.

Green onions: Chopped for a mild onion flavor and a bit of color.

Cilantro: Chopped for a fresh and herbaceous note.

Sesame seeds: Used as a garnish to add a bit of crunch and visual appeal.

When preparing the peanut butter sauce, ensure that the peanut butter is at room temperature. This will make it easier to whisk and achieve a smooth consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, you can gradually add more water until you reach the desired texture. Additionally, when cooking the noodles, rinse them under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. This will also help them maintain a good texture when mixed with the sauce and other ingredients.

• Peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for those who are allergic to peanuts.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a rich, smooth texture, though it lacks the nutty flavor of sesame oil. Add a small amount of toasted sesame seeds for a closer match.

• Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good vegan alternative to honey.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less pungent. Use about half the amount of garlic powder as you would fresh garlic.

• Ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it is more concentrated. Use about one-quarter the amount of ground ginger.

• Water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add extra depth of flavor compared to plain water.

• Lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable alternative to lime juice.

• Shredded carrots - Substitute with shredded zucchini: Shredded zucchini offers a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for those who prefer a less sweet vegetable.

• Sliced cucumber - Substitute with sliced bell peppers: Sliced bell peppers provide a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, adding a different but complementary taste to the dish.

• Green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct substitute.

• Cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and can be used in place of cilantro for those who dislike its taste.

• Sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds offer a similar crunchy texture and can be used as a garnish, though they lack the nutty flavor of sesame seeds.

• To store your peanut butter noodles, transfer them to an airtight container. Ensure the noodles are completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The noodles will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or reheat them in the microwave. If reheating, add a splash of water to maintain the creamy texture of the peanut butter sauce.

• For freezing, portion the noodles into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the containers or bags with the date so you can keep track of their freshness. Peanut butter noodles can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen noodles, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Reheat the thawed noodles in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of water or soy sauce to help revive the sauce. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until the noodles are warmed through.

• If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a bit more water or lime juice to restore its creamy consistency.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds just before serving to add a burst of freshness and crunch.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the pan to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover peanut butter noodles to the pan.
  4. Stir frequently, ensuring the noodles are evenly heated. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  5. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the peanut butter noodles in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the noodles to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent for steam to escape).
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir the noodles and check the temperature. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the peanut butter noodles in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the peanut butter noodles in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the peanut butter noodles in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for about 20-30 minutes.
  4. Remove the bag, give it a good shake to mix the sauce, and serve.

• Pot: To cook the noodles according to the package instructions.

• Colander: To drain the cooked noodles.

• Mixing bowl: To whisk together the peanut butter sauce ingredients.

• Whisk: To mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, water, and lime juice until smooth.

• Knife: To mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions and cilantro.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.

• Grater: To grate the ginger.

• Measuring cups: To measure the peanut butter, soy sauce, and water.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the sesame oil, honey, and lime juice.

• Tongs: To toss the noodles with the peanut butter sauce and vegetables.

• Serving bowl: To serve the finished peanut butter noodles.

• Spatula: To help mix and toss the noodles with the sauce and vegetables.

• Small bowl: To hold the sesame seeds for garnish.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop carrots, cucumber, and green onions in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic and ginger: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic and ginger.

Cook noodles in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of noodles and use them for multiple meals.

Make the sauce in advance: Whisk together the peanut butter sauce ingredients and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Use a food processor: Quickly shred carrots and slice cucumber using a food processor.