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- 8 oz rice noodles - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved - 2 carrots, julienned (cut into matchstick pieces) - ½ cup scallions, sliced diagonally - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped - ½ cup creamy peanut butter - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your heat preference) - 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative) - 1 clove garlic, minced finely - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Crushed peanuts - Lime wedges - Additional herbs {{ingredient_image_2}} To boil rice noodles, start by filling a large pot with water. Bring that water to a full boil. Add the rice noodles and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Once they are soft, drain the noodles. Rinsing the noodles under cold water is key. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent sticking. For sautéing, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until it shimmers before adding the veggies. I love to use red bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir often to keep them crisp. You want them tender but still bright and colorful. Making the peanut sauce is easy and fun! In a mixing bowl, add creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk these together well until smooth. If the sauce is thick, just add warm water. Do this one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness. To prevent noodles from sticking, rinse them under cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking process. It also cools them down, making them easier to handle. You can also toss them in a bit of sesame oil. This adds flavor and helps keep them separate. If you want a different method, try soaking the noodles in hot water instead of boiling. This can give you a softer texture. To boost flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or more lime juice. These ingredients brighten the dish. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra taste. If you want more heat, add extra sriracha. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right level for you. When serving, arrange the noodles in a large bowl. This makes a beautiful display. Top with crushed peanuts and a sprinkle of cilantro for color. Lime wedges on the side add a fresh touch. Guests can squeeze some lime juice on their portion. This adds a zesty kick and makes the dish pop visually. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Noodles: To achieve the ideal texture, cook the rice noodles just until al dente. They will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot vegetables and sauce. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preference. For a milder dish, start with less and add more to taste after mixing. Fresh Herbs Matter: Always use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. If you're not a fan of cilantro, basil can be a great substitute! Make It a Meal: Add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this dish more filling and nutritious. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients to fit your needs. For a vegetarian option, swap out honey for maple syrup. This keeps the dish vegan while still tasting great. If you want gluten-free choices, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It gives similar flavor without the gluten. You can use different nut butters for a twist. Almond butter or cashew butter works well, too. Each nut butter gives a unique taste to the dish. You can also add other sauces. Try hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce for extra flavor. These options add sweetness and depth to the meal. Serve Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles with fresh lime wedges. The lime adds brightness and a zesty punch. You can also pair these noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp. This adds protein and keeps the meal satisfying. For meal prep, store the noodles and sauce separately. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy. Enjoy them throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners. You can store leftovers of spicy Thai peanut noodles for up to three days. After that, the noodles may lose their texture and flavor. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the noodles cool before sealing them tight. To reheat without losing flavor, use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a little water or extra peanut sauce to keep the noodles moist. Heat over medium-low until warm. For a microwave, cover the noodles with a damp paper towel. This helps steam them and keeps them from drying out. For texture, avoid overheating. You want the noodles warm, not hot. If they get too hot, they may become mushy. Always check for flavor and adjust with a splash of soy sauce or lime juice before serving again. You can serve Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles with several side dishes. Here are some great options: - Spring Rolls: These are light and fresh. They pair well with the noodles. - Thai Salad: A salad with herbs and lime adds a nice crunch. - Grilled Chicken: The protein balances the noodles' flavors. - Steamed Broccoli: Great for added nutrients and color. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some meal prep tips: - Cook the Noodles: Prepare them and store them in the fridge. - Make the Sauce: You can mix the sauce and keep it in a jar. - Chop the Vegetables: Slice them a day before and store in a sealed bag. - Combine Before Serving: Heat the noodles and veggies, add sauce, then serve. You can easily customize the spiciness for your taste. Here’s how: - Sriracha: Start with less sriracha. You can always add more. - Chili Flakes: Sprinkle in chili flakes for extra heat. - Fresh Peppers: Add sliced fresh chili if you like it hot. - Remove Sriracha: If you want no heat, simply leave it out. These tips help make your meal just right for everyone! You now have a complete guide to making Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles. We covered the main ingredients like rice noodles and fresh veggies. I shared steps for cooking noodles, sautéing vegetables, and making the peanut sauce. You learned handy tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations for diet needs. I also included storage tips and FAQs to help you enjoy your dish later. By trying these ideas, you can create a simple, tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!

Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles

A flavorful dish featuring rice noodles tossed in a spicy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 2 whole carrots, julienned
  • 0.5 cup scallions, sliced diagonally
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced finely
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish crushed peanuts and lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
  • Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrots. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are tender yet still crisp.
  • Make the Peanut Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, sriracha, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
  • Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and veggies, and carefully toss everything together using tongs or a spatula, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the sauce. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
  • Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the sliced scallions and chopped cilantro, mixing until evenly distributed. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Serve and Garnish: Serve the noodles immediately while hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts and lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, arrange the noodles in a large serving bowl. Top with additional crushed peanuts and a vibrant sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh touch. Provide lime wedges alongside for guests to add a splash of citrus as desired.
Keyword noodles, peanut sauce, spicy, vegetarian