Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe

Rice noodles: These are gluten-free noodles made from rice flour, commonly used in Asian cuisine.

Peanut butter: A creamy spread made from ground peanuts, providing a rich and nutty flavor.

Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce made from fermented soybeans, essential in many Asian dishes.

Sriracha: A hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, adding heat to the dish.

Honey: A natural sweetener produced by bees, balancing the spiciness with its sweetness.

Lime juice: The acidic juice from limes, adding a fresh and tangy flavor.

Garlic: A pungent bulb used to add depth and aroma to the sauce.

Sesame oil: An oil derived from sesame seeds, known for its strong, nutty flavor.

Green onions: Also known as scallions, these add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add a crunchy texture and enhance the nutty flavor.

Shredded carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add a sweet crunch and vibrant color.

Bean sprouts: Crisp, fresh sprouts that add a refreshing crunch to the dish.

When preparing the peanut sauce, ensure the peanut butter is at room temperature to make it easier to whisk with the other ingredients. If the peanut butter is too thick, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up. This will help achieve a smoother, more cohesive sauce that will coat the rice noodles evenly.

• rice noodles - Substitute with spaghetti: Spaghetti can mimic the texture of rice noodles and is widely available.

• peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative with a similar salty and umami profile.

• sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce offers a similar heat level and adds a bit of garlic flavor.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and is a good vegan alternative.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor when fresh garlic is unavailable.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for its rich flavor, though it lacks the nutty essence of sesame oil.

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

• chopped peanuts - Substitute with chopped cashews: Cashews provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

• shredded carrots - Substitute with shredded zucchini: Shredded zucchini offers a similar texture and can add a fresh element.

• bean sprouts - Substitute with snow peas: Snow peas provide a similar crunch and fresh flavor.

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.

• Transfer the spicy peanut noodles to an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The noodles will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of storage time. The noodles can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to eat, thaw the noodles in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the noodles in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

• Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming and to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

• Garnish with fresh green onions and chopped peanuts before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of sesame oil or a bit of water to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover spicy peanut noodles to the skillet.
  4. Stir frequently to ensure even heating, adding more water if needed to prevent sticking.
  5. Heat until the noodles are warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Garnish with extra green onions and chopped peanuts before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover spicy peanut noodles in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water to the noodles to keep them from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second increments if needed.
  6. Garnish with extra green onions and chopped peanuts before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover spicy peanut noodles in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the noodles from drying out.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove from the oven and garnish with extra green onions and chopped peanuts before serving.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the leftover spicy peanut noodles in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
  4. Carefully remove the noodles from the steamer and garnish with extra green onions and chopped peanuts before serving.

• Pot: used to cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions

• Colander: used to drain the cooked rice noodles

• Mixing bowl: used to whisk together the peanut sauce ingredients

• Whisk: used to mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and sesame oil until smooth

• Knife: used to mince the garlic and chop the green onions and peanuts

• Cutting board: used as a surface for chopping the green onions, peanuts, and mincing the garlic

• Tongs: used to toss the cooked noodles with the peanut sauce and other ingredients

• Measuring cups: used to measure out the peanut butter, soy sauce, and chopped peanuts

• Measuring spoons: used to measure out the sriracha, honey, lime juice, and sesame oil

• Serving bowl: used to serve the finished spicy peanut noodles

• Grater: used to shred the carrots if they are not pre-shredded

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop green onions, shred carrots, and mince garlic in advance to save time.

Use pre-shredded veggies: Buy pre-shredded carrots and pre-washed bean sprouts to cut down on prep work.

Quick sauce mix: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, garlic, and sesame oil in a jar and shake well for a quick blend.

Cook noodles in advance: Cook and drain rice noodles ahead of time, then toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.