Cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce

Cold Oriental Noodles with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Vegetarian Food from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of creamy peanut sauce, crunchy cucumbers, and tender noodles creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has its origins in traditional Asian cuisine, where noodles are often served cold with a variety of sauces and toppings. The peanut sauce used in this recipe adds a rich and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) spaghetti
0.25 cup sesame oil
0.5 cup natural style creamy peanut butter
0.33 cup tamari soy sauce
3 tbsp sherry
1 tbsp water
1.5 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp firmly packed light brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp minced ginger root
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
4 scallions, thinly sliced

How to prepare

1. Cook the spaghettini until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse the cooked spaghettini under cold water.
3. Drain the spaghettini well.
4. Toss the noodles with half of the sesame oil using your hands.
5. Cover and chill the noodles until ready to combine with the Peanut sauce, or for up to 24 hours.
6. To make the Peanut sauce, combine the remaining sesame oil with all the other ingredients except the cucumber and scallion.
7. Beat the mixture until well mixed.
8. The sauce can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
9. Just before serving, gently toss the noodles with the sauce, cucumbers, and half of the scallions.
10. Garnish with the remaining scallions.

Variations

Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Top with chopped cilantro or Thai basil for a fresh herbaceous note.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

- Tossing the noodles with sesame oil before chilling helps to prevent them from clumping.

- For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or tofu. Garnish with additional sliced scallions and crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until al dente to ensure they are not overcooked.

- Mix the peanut sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Toss the noodles gently with the sauce to evenly coat them without breaking them.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use spaghetti or rice noodles instead of spaghettini.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

The noodles can be cooked and chilled up to 24 hours in advance. The peanut sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with sliced cucumbers and scallions. Drizzle with additional sauce and sprinkle with crushed peanuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with iced green tea or a sparkling water with lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the noodles in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 430 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 56g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a creamy peanut sauce, crunchy cucumbers, and tender noodles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it on its own or paired with your favorite protein for a complete and balanced meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei-Ling in her bustling kitchen in Chinatown. Mei-Ling was a master in the kitchen, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of garlic and sesame oil. Mei-Ling was busy chopping vegetables and boiling noodles, a look of concentration on her face. I watched in awe as she effortlessly tossed everything together in a large bowl, creating a dish that looked both simple and delicious.

"Ah, Mei-Ling, what are you making today?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

She smiled and gestured for me to come closer. "Ah, my dear friend, I am making cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce. It is a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a hot summer day like today."

I eagerly watched as she added a generous scoop of homemade peanut sauce to the noodles, mixing everything together until it was coated in a creamy, nutty sauce. The final touch was a sprinkling of chopped scallions and crushed peanuts for added crunch.

Mei-Ling handed me a fork and a plate, urging me to try a bite. I eagerly took a mouthful of the noodles, savoring the delicate balance of flavors – the richness of the peanut sauce, the freshness of the vegetables, and the slight heat from the garlic and chili.

I was instantly hooked. The dish was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a perfect marriage of textures and tastes that left me craving more. I begged Mei-Ling to teach me how to make it, and she graciously agreed.

Over the next few hours, Mei-Ling patiently guided me through the process, showing me how to cook the noodles until they were perfectly al dente, how to make the peanut sauce from scratch, and how to balance the flavors with just the right amount of soy sauce and vinegar.

As we worked side by side in her kitchen, I listened intently to her stories about her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. Mei-Ling spoke of how she had spent countless hours in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the secrets of traditional Chinese cooking and developing a deep love for food.

I felt a pang of nostalgia as I thought of my own grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking when I was a child. I realized that this recipe for cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce was not just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a way of preserving memories and traditions through food.

After we finished cooking, Mei-Ling and I sat down to enjoy our meal together. The cold noodles were a revelation, each bite bursting with flavor and texture. As we ate, we talked and laughed, sharing stories and memories from our lives.

As I left Mei-Ling's house that evening, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Not only had I learned a new recipe, but I had also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of food in bringing people together and keeping traditions alive.

Since that day, cold oriental noodles with peanut sauce has become a staple in my own kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition that Mei-Ling so generously shared with me.

Every time I make this dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Mei-Ling's kitchen, of the laughter and camaraderie that filled the air, and of the deep bond that food can create between people. And for that, I am truly grateful.