Description
Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber is a refreshing and flavorful Asian-inspired cold noodle dish featuring a creamy, spicy peanut sauce perfectly balanced with fresh cucumber and green onions. This easy vegetarian main course is quick to prepare and combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with bold flavors from soy sauce, chili garlic, and fresh ginger, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, rice noodles, or soba)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or sriracha, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup warm water (to thin sauce)
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and warm water until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the water quantity as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Place the cooled noodles in a large bowl and pour over the prepared peanut sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Add fresh vegetables: Add the julienned cucumber and sliced green onions to the noodles and toss again gently to combine everything evenly without bruising the vegetables.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the dressed noodles to individual serving bowls. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the dish chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use rice noodles.
- For added protein, toss in cubes of tofu or grilled chicken before serving.
