Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce

Peanut Sauce Hakka Noodles Recipe with Sesame and Green Onions

Region / culture: China, USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of peanut butter with the savory flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of noodles and peanut sauce is a classic pairing that has been passed down through generations. This dish is often served as a cold noodle salad, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal on a hot day.

Ingredients

1 lb or 500 g Hakka (flat) noodles
2 tbsp dark sesame oil

Dressing

6 tbsp peanut butter
0.25 cup water
3 tbsp light soy sauce
6 tbsp dark soy sauce
6 tbsp sesame paste (ground sesame seeds)
0.5 cup dark sesame oil
2 tbsp sherry or any wine of your choice
4 tsp white vinegar
0.25 cup honey or sugar syrup
4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
0.5 cup hot water

Garnish (all are optional, depending on your taste)

1 carrot, peeled and julienned
0.5 medium firm cucumber, peeled, seeded, and julienned
0.5 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced

How to prepare

Boil the noodles in a large pot of unsalted water over medium heat until they are barely tender and still firm.
Immediately drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water until they are cold.
Drain the noodles well and toss them with 2 tbsp of dark sesame oil to prevent sticking.
To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients except hot water in a blender or food processor fitted with a steel blade. Blend until smooth.
Thin the dressing with hot water to achieve the consistency of whipping cream.
For garnish, place the carrot julienne in ice water for 30 minutes.
Just before serving, toss the noodles with the sauce.
Garnish with cucumber, peanuts, green onion, and carrot.
Serve the dish at room temperature.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Substitute the Hakka noodles with rice noodles or spaghetti for a different texture.
Include additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.

- Adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more or less hot water as needed.

- For a spicier version of this dish, add a dash of chili oil or hot sauce to the dressing.

- Feel free to customize the garnishes to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside your favorite Chinese entrees. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until they are al dente for the best texture.

- Blend the dressing ingredients until smooth for a creamy consistency.

- Toss the noodles with the sauce just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or tahini as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Replace dark sesame oil with toasted sesame oil for a deeper flavor.

- Swap white vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply toss the noodles with the sauce and garnishes just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh herbs for a decorative touch. Serve the noodles in individual bowls or on a platter for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce pairs well with a variety of Chinese dishes such as stir-fries, dumplings, and spring rolls. Serve it with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced green tea for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the noodles in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

480

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 56g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 24g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy

Summary

Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a creamy peanut dressing and a variety of fresh garnishes, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine with this flavorful and nutritious noodle dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei at her home in Chinatown. Mei was an incredible cook, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together. On this particular day, she had a surprise for me.

"Come into the kitchen, my dear," Mei said with a twinkle in her eye. "I have something new and delicious to teach you."

I followed Mei into her kitchen, where she had all the ingredients laid out for Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce. The aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce filled the air, and I could hardly contain my excitement.

Mei began to explain the recipe to me, her hands moving deftly as she chopped vegetables and measured out ingredients. She told me about the history of the dish, how it originated in Sichuan province and had been passed down through generations of her family.

As we cooked together, Mei shared stories of her childhood in China, of family gatherings and feasts where this dish was always a staple. I listened intently, soaking up every detail and savoring the flavors of the dish as it came together.

The noodles were cooked to perfection, the peanut sauce rich and creamy, with just the right amount of heat from the chili paste. Mei showed me how to toss the noodles in the sauce, making sure they were evenly coated before serving them in a beautiful porcelain bowl.

As we sat down to eat, the flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me to a different time and place. I felt a deep connection to Mei and her family, grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and carry on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

After that day, Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce became a regular dish in my own home. I would often make it for my family and friends, sharing the story of how I learned the recipe from Mei and the special bond we shared over a love of cooking.

Over the years, I have made some adjustments to the recipe, adding my own twist with different vegetables or a touch of spice. But the heart of the dish remains the same, a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

To this day, whenever I make Chinese Noodles in Peanut Sauce, I think of Mei and that special day in her kitchen. The memories flood back, filling me with warmth and gratitude for the gift of her friendship and the delicious recipes she shared with me.

And so, I continue to cook and create, honoring the traditions of the past while embracing the flavors of the present. Each dish I make is a tribute to the incredible people and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking, and I am forever grateful for the recipes that have been passed down to me through the years.