Vegetarian Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe

These Vegetarian Thai Peanut Noodles are quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy peanut sauce combined with fresh vegetables makes this dish a delightful meal.

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz (230g) fettuccine, spaghetti, rice noodles, or ramen

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup smooth salted peanut butter
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ tablespoon Thai red curry paste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 4 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• ¼ cup roasted salted peanuts, crushed (for topping)
• ¼ cup spring onions, chopped
• ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles:

• Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Undercook slightly as they will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.

Make the Peanut Sauce:

• In a measuring jug or bowl, whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add sliced red bell pepper and grated carrot. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Combine Everything:

• Pour the peanut sauce over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for another minute until heated through.
• Add the cooked noodles, crushed peanuts, spring onions, and cilantro to the pan. Toss gently until everything is well coated and heated through.

Serve:

• Serve in bowls topped with additional crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Making Thai Peanut Noodles

Making the Noodles Less Sticky

1. Use Sufficient Water: Ensure you’re using a large pot with plenty of boiling water (4-5 quarts per pound of pasta) to allow the noodles to move freely and cook evenly, preventing them from sticking together.
2. Stir Frequently: Stir the noodles during cooking, especially in the first few minutes, to prevent them from clumping as they release starch.
3. Do Not Rinse: Avoid rinsing the noodles after cooking, as this washes away the starch that helps sauces cling to them.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Save some of the cooking water before draining the noodles. This starchy water can be added back to the sauce to help loosen it and keep the noodles from sticking.

Preparing Peanut Sauce Ahead of Time

Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or whisk before using, as it may thicken while stored.

Making the Dish More Substantial

To make your Thai Peanut Noodles more substantial for a main meal, consider adding:

• Protein: Incorporate tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, or edamame for added protein.
• More Vegetables: Add hearty vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to increase volume and nutrition.
• Nuts or Seeds: Top with additional crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture and healthy fats.

Good Side Dishes to Serve

Here are some delicious side dishes that pair well with Thai Peanut Noodles:

• Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls with a dipping sauce complement the noodles nicely.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds freshness.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with lime and herbs provides a refreshing contrast.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out the meal.

Using a Slow Cooker for Peanut Sauce

You can use a slow cooker to make peanut sauce:

1. Combine all peanut sauce ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 2–3 hours or until heated through and flavors meld.
3. Stir well before serving; you may need to adjust consistency with water if it thickens too much.

These tips will help you enhance your Thai Peanut Noodles experience!

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile, feel free to add any other vegetables you like or adjust the spice level to your preference! Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Thai Peanut Noodles!