Peanut Butter Noodles: A Simple, Satisfying Recipe
This recipe for peanut butter noodles is incredibly easy, incredibly delicious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun, flavorful lunch, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's also naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to various dietary needs!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand. If not, they're easily found at your local grocery store.
- Noodles: 8 ounces of your favorite noodles. We recommend using something sturdy like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even thicker rice noodles.
- Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter works too, just make sure to whisk it well to avoid clumps.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free). This provides the perfect salty kick.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a subtle sweetness. Adjust to your preference!
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed. Fresh garlic always adds a burst of flavor!
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but highly recommended).
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for extra heat).
- Water: 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin the sauce as needed.
- Garnish: Chopped peanuts, green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro – get creative!
Instructions:
This recipe is so easy, you'll be enjoying your peanut butter noodles in minutes!
- Cook the noodles: Cook your noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Whisk the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger (if using), and sriracha/chili garlic sauce (if using). Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped peanuts, green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works wonders!
- Add protein: Chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be delicious additions. Add them to the noodles after they've been tossed in the sauce.
- Veggies: Broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or sliced bell peppers would make a healthy and colorful addition. Stir-fry these before adding them to the noodles.
- Make it creamy: Add a dollop of coconut milk or cream for an extra rich and creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- What kind of noodles work best? Spaghetti, fettuccine, and thicker rice noodles all work well. Avoid very thin noodles, as they may break easily.
- Can I use different types of nuts? While peanut butter is traditional, you could experiment with other nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
This peanut butter noodle recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick and easy meal any time of the week. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and finding your perfect combination of flavors! Remember to share your creations with us!
