This Spicy Peanut Noodle recipe is a delicious blend of savory, nutty, and slightly spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Because the udon noodles cook so quickly, and the sauce comes together effortlessly, this dish is an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners!
About this dish:
The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic oil in the sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors – nutty, tangy, and mildly spicy.
This dish offers a delightful umami-rich taste with a hint of heat from the chili garlic oil, making it a crowd-pleaser for both peanut lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Nutritional Attributes:
This recipe packs a nutritious punch, with the protein-rich peanut butter providing essential amino acids and healthy fats.
Udon noodles offer a hearty base that’s low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them a healthier alternative to other pasta varieties.
Additionally, garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, while scallions add a pop of freshness and vitamins to the dish.
Recipe Steps:
- Cook Udon Noodles: Boil a pot of water, add udon noodles, and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving some hot water.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix peanut butter, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic oil in a bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved hot water.
- Cook Garlic: Sauté minced garlic in oil until fragrant in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add cooked noodles to the skillet with garlic. Pour prepared sauce over noodles and toss until coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Top noodles with sliced scallions and crushed peanuts. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredients & Alternatives:
Main ingredients:
- Udon Noodles: Use 200 grams of udon noodles for a satisfying serving size for 2 people. These thick, chewy noodles provide a comforting texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce, but any other type of noodles will work.
- Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic add aromatic flavor and depth to the dish, enhancing its overall taste profile.
Sauce:
- Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter to create a smooth and luscious sauce. Its rich and nutty flavor serves as the base for the dish, adding creaminess and depth.
- Light Soy Sauce: Two tablespoons of light soy sauce provide a savory umami flavor to the sauce, enhancing its taste complexity.
- Rice Vinegar: Add a tangy kick to the sauce with 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, balancing the richness of the peanut butter.
- Chili Garlic Oil: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of chili garlic oil to infuse the dish with a subtle heat and aromatic garlic flavor.
Garnish:
- Scallion Greens: Offers a fresh and vibrant garnish for added flavor and color.
- Crushed Peanuts: Finish the dish with a handful of crushed peanuts for added crunch and nuttiness, elevating both the taste and presentation.
Tips & Tricks:
- To save time, prepare the sauce while the noodles are cooking to streamline the process.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili garlic oil according to your preference.
- Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cools. Feel free to add a splash of water to make it more saucy.
FAQ:
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute udon noodles with any other type of noodles you prefer, such as wheat noodles or even spaghetti.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of chili garlic oil in the sauce. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, ensure that the peanut butter you use does not contain any animal products.
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Ingredients Â
- 200 g Udon Noodles
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
For the sauce
- 3 tbsp Peanut Butter
- 2 tbsp Light Soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Chili Garlic Oil
- 1 Scallion sliced finely
- 1 handful Crushed peanuts for topping
InstructionsÂ
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.Add the udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente.Once cooked, drain the noodles, reserving some of the hot water for later use.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic oil. Mix until smooth and well combined.Adjust the consistency of the sauce by gradually adding some of the hot water from the cooked noodles. Stir until you achieve your desired thickness. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet with the garlic.Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.Garnish the noodles with sliced scallions and crushed peanuts.Serve hot and enjoy!
