Spicy Peanut Noodles

Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe | Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy Peanut Noodles is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of peanut butter with the heat of red pepper flakes. This dish is perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals and enjoy the combination of savory and spicy flavors.

History

Spicy Peanut Noodles is a popular dish in Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai and Chinese cooking. The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices has been used for centuries to create flavorful and satisfying dishes. This recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional peanut noodle dish by adding in red pepper flakes and Chinese five-spice powder for an extra kick of flavor.

Ingredients

2 (8 oz (227 g)) packages of dried udon noodles
3 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth
6 medium cloves of garlic, minced
6 scallions, thinly sliced, keeping white and dark green parts separate
4 tsp of minced fresh ginger, or more to taste
0.5 tsp of chinese five-spice powder
0.25 to 0.5 tsp of red pepper flakes, or more to taste
3 tbsp of kudzu, crushed into fine powder
6 tbsp of peanut butter
3 tbsp of shoyu, tamari or soy sauce
1 tsp of pure maple syrup
0.25 tsp of umeboshi plum vinegar or cider vinegar
0.25 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil

How to prepare

Bring water to a boil. Add noodles and stir to prevent sticking. Cook until tender according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine broth, garlic, scallion whites, ginger, 5-spice powder, and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
In a small cup, mix kudzu with 0.25 cup of cold water. Add the kudzu mixture to the broth mixture and continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes.
Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in peanut butter, shoyu, maple syrup, and vinegar until smooth. Stir in scallion greens and cilantro. Add noodles, toss well to coat, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles according to package directions to ensure they are cooked to the right consistency.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and ginger to suit your taste preferences.

- Crush the kudzu into a fine powder to ensure it dissolves smoothly in the sauce.

- Toss the noodles in the sauce just before serving to ensure they are well coated and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Peanut Noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until tender, then drain and set aside.

- Simmer the broth mixture until thickened, then whisk in the peanut butter and other ingredients.

- Toss the noodles in the sauce and serve immediately.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rice noodles or whole wheat noodles instead of dried noodles.

- Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a different flavor.

- Use honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Spicy Peanut Noodles with chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spicy Peanut Noodles with a side of steamed broccoli and a glass of iced green tea for a complete and satisfying meal.

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

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Noodles contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Noodles contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Noodles contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Peanut Noodles contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Peanut Noodles are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Spicy Peanut Noodles are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Spicy Peanut Noodles are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite protein and vegetables. Enjoy this dish as a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Spicy Peanut Noodles. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand. My aunt was an excellent cook and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

One hot and humid afternoon, my aunt decided to teach me how to make her famous Spicy Peanut Noodles. As we gathered all the ingredients and set up our makeshift kitchen on the small balcony overlooking the bustling streets below, I couldn't help but feel excited to learn something new.

My aunt started by boiling the noodles until they were perfectly al dente. Meanwhile, she prepared the spicy peanut sauce by combining creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar in a small bowl. The aroma of the sauce filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the noodles were cooked and drained, my aunt mixed them with the spicy peanut sauce, tossing them gently to ensure every strand was coated in the rich and flavorful sauce. She then added some chopped scallions and crushed peanuts on top for a crunchy texture and a burst of freshness.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't help but marvel at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious dish. The creamy peanut butter paired perfectly with the savory soy sauce and the hint of spice from the ginger and garlic added just the right amount of heat.

From that day on, I was hooked on Spicy Peanut Noodles. I begged my aunt to teach me the recipe so I could make it for my family back home. She happily obliged, writing down the ingredients and measurements for me to take with me.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in making Spicy Peanut Noodles for my family. They were an instant hit, with everyone asking for seconds and thirds. I shared the recipe with my friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of this delicious dish wherever I went.

Over the years, I have made Spicy Peanut Noodles countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a splash of lime juice for a tangy kick, or some sriracha for an extra spicy punch. No matter how I make it, the flavors always transport me back to that hot afternoon in Bangkok, learning from my aunt.

I have shared the recipe for Spicy Peanut Noodles with so many people over the years, each time passing on a little piece of my aunt's wisdom and love for cooking. I feel grateful to have learned this recipe from her, as it has become a staple in my family's meal rotation.

As I sit here reflecting on that memorable day in Bangkok, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to where I am today. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am thankful for all the recipes, like Spicy Peanut Noodles, that have enriched my life and brought joy to those around me.