Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles

Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles Recipe | Vegetarian Food from China

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the nuttiness of peanut butter with the savory flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a side dish for a larger gathering.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Asian noodle dishes that often feature a combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and peanut butter. The addition of scallions adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for those looking for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

0.25 tsp of red pepper flakes
2 tsp of minced fresh ginger
2 cloves of garlic, minced
10 scallions, trimmed
1 tsp of honey
1.5 tbsp of tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
1.5 tbsp of tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
0.25 cup of crunchy peanut butter
2 tbsp of toasted sesame oil
0.5 lb (227 g) of thin spaghetti or vermicelli

How to prepare

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt and spaghetti, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook the spaghetti until it is just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 tbsp of sesame oil and toss well.
2. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and 1 tbsp of water. Whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. If needed, thin it with a little extra water. Set aside.
3. Thinly slice 5 scallions. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and stir the sliced scallions into the oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften for about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat and add the mixture to the spaghetti. Toss to coat.
4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the spaghetti and toss to coat. Just before serving, mince the remaining scallions. Toss the noodles again, transfer to a serving bowl, and scatter the minced scallions over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped cilantro or mint for a fresh herbaceous twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles until they are just tender, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture.

- Toss the noodles with sesame oil immediately after draining to prevent them from sticking together.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

- For a creamier sauce, add a little extra peanut butter to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or as a side dish to grilled chicken or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until just tender.

- Saute the scallions, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until fragrant.

- Toss the noodles with the peanut butter sauce until well coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.

- Substitute rice noodles or whole wheat noodles for vermicelli.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The noodles can be cooked and tossed with sesame oil ahead of time. Prepare the peanut butter sauce and sauteed scallions just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the noodles with additional sliced scallions, chopped peanuts, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

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

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

Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a flavorful combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ropes in the kitchen. My love for cooking was just beginning to blossom, and I was always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try.

One day, I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my aunt. The pages were yellowed and stained with years of use, but they were filled with a treasure trove of delicious recipes from around the world. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles caught my eye.

The ingredients were simple – noodles, scallions, sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, and a few pantry staples. But it was the combination of flavors that intrigued me. The nutty sesame oil, the creamy peanut butter, and the tangy soy sauce all coming together to create a deliciously savory sauce for the noodles.

I knew I had to try making this dish for myself. So, armed with the recipe and a sense of adventure, I set to work in the kitchen. I boiled the noodles until they were al dente, then tossed them in the sesame-peanut sauce. The aroma that wafted up from the bowl was intoxicating – rich, nutty, and utterly irresistible.

As I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The noodles were coated in a velvety sauce that clung to each strand, while the scallions added a fresh crunch and a burst of flavor. It was a dish that was both comforting and exciting, familiar yet new.

I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my family. When they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with delight. They couldn't believe that something so simple could be so delicious. From that day on, Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I continued to make this dish, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or swapped in different types of noodles for variety. But no matter how I changed it, the essence of the dish remained the same – a comforting bowl of noodles that never failed to bring a smile to my loved ones' faces.

As I grew older, I began to share this recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the joy that it brought me. Each time I made a batch of Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles, I felt a connection to all the people who had shared their recipes with me over the years. It was a way of honoring their legacy, of keeping their culinary traditions alive.

Now, as I look back on all the recipes I have collected and mastered, I realize that they are more than just instructions for making a meal. They are a link to the past, a way of connecting with the people and places that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And each time I make a batch of Scallion-Laced Sesame-Peanut Noodles, I am reminded of the excitement I felt when I first discovered this recipe – and the joy it has brought me ever since.