Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles

$Here’s what you need for Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles: - 10 oz (280g) udon noodles - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 3 green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) These ingredients make a delicious meal. Udon noodles are thick and chewy, perfect for this dish. The creamy peanut butter gives it a rich taste. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while sesame oil brings a nutty flavor. You can use honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Garlic and ginger add depth to the sauce. Chili garlic sauce gives it that spicy kick. Use fresh vegetables like carrots and bell pepper for crunch. Green onions, peanuts, and cilantro make great toppings. Lime wedges add freshness when served. Gather these items, and you’re ready to cook. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the udon noodles, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 5-7 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent sticking. Set the noodles aside while you make the sauce. For the peanut sauce, gather these ingredients: - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more chili garlic sauce if needed. Now it's time to combine everything. Add the cooked udon noodles to the bowl with the peanut sauce. Toss the noodles well, making sure they are fully coated. Next, fold in the shredded carrots and sliced red bell pepper. Mix gently to ensure the veggies are spread evenly throughout the noodles. Your spicy peanut udon noodles are now ready to serve. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions, roasted peanuts, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor! To change the heat, use chili garlic sauce. Start with one tablespoon. Taste the sauce. If you want it spicier, add more. Mix well until it is smooth. Remember, a little goes a long way. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! To keep your udon noodles from sticking, rinse them after cooking. Use cold water to cool them down. This stops the cooking process. Toss the noodles with a little sesame oil before mixing them with the sauce. It adds flavor and keeps them separate. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with chopped green onions and roasted peanuts. Add fresh cilantro leaves on top for color. Don’t forget lime wedges on the side! They add a fresh burst of flavor when you squeeze them over the noodles. Serve in a big bowl or plate for a lovely meal. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, start with less chili garlic sauce and gradually add more to achieve your desired heat. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly compared to powdered versions. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the peanut sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to save time when ready to serve. Serving Temperature: These noodles can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. {{image_2}} For a veggie twist, swap honey with maple syrup. This keeps it vegan-friendly. You can also use soy sauce or tamari for the base. If you have coconut aminos, that works too! Instead of peanut butter, try almond or cashew butter for a change. They both add unique flavors. You can add more veggies to your noodles. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers brighten the dish. For protein, tofu or tempeh are great choices. Cook them until golden for extra flavor. You can also mix in some edamame for a nice crunch and protein boost. Explore other sauces for a fresh take. A teriyaki sauce gives a sweet twist. You can mix peanut butter with sriracha for a spicy blend. If you like a tangy flavor, a sesame ginger dressing works well. Each sauce brings its own taste, making your udon noodles fun and diverse. To keep your Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze the noodles. Just make sure to separate the sauce from the noodles before freezing. This prevents mushiness when you reheat them. To reheat your noodles, use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the noodles in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover it and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. For a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the noodles and stir until warm. This method helps keep the noodles nice and chewy. Your leftovers will stay good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. However, for the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within a month. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Udon noodles are thick, chewy noodles made from wheat flour. They come from Japan and are often used in soups or stir-fries. Their smooth texture makes them great for holding sauces. I love using udon noodles in this spicy peanut dish for that reason. Yes, you can swap udon noodles for other noodles. Here are some great options: - Soba noodles: These are made from buckwheat and have a nutty flavor. - Rice noodles: Great for a gluten-free option. - Spaghetti: A simple substitute if you're in a pinch. Just cook them according to the package instructions. Adjust the cooking time as needed. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free udon or rice noodles. Check labels for gluten-free soy sauce. You can also try tamari as a soy sauce alternative. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste while keeping it gluten-free! Udon noodles are a tasty and fun dish to make. We explored key ingredients, simple cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for variations and storage, too. Udon can fit many diets, making it versatile. Keep experimenting with flavors and ingredients to find your favorite version. Enjoy your cooking and discover new ways to enjoy these noodles!$

Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles

A delicious and spicy noodle dish featuring udon noodles coated in a creamy peanut sauce, mixed with fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

10 oz udon noodles
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 cup shredded carrots
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 stalks green onions, chopped
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
to taste fresh cilantro leaves
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili garlic sauce until smooth and well combined. Adjust the heat by adding more chili garlic sauce if desired.
Add the cooked udon noodles to the bowl with the peanut sauce. Toss until the noodles are fully coated and evenly mixed.
Fold in the shredded carrots and sliced red bell pepper, ensuring they are distributed throughout the noodles.
Serve the noodles warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped green onions, roasted peanuts, and fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.

Notes

Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chili garlic sauce.

Keyword noodles, peanut sauce, spicy, udon, vegetarian