Description
Refreshing Spicy Peanut Cucumber Noodles blend cool cucumber crunch with zesty peanut sauce, creating an irresistible Asian-inspired dish. Delicate noodles dance with spicy nuances, inviting you to savor each tantalizing bite of this quick summer sensation.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Sauce Ingredients:
- 32 grams (1.13 ounces) natural creamy peanut butter, preferably unsalted
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (chile garlic paste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Main Ingredients:
- 240 grams (8.47 ounces) dried ramen noodles
- 1/2 English cucumber (approximately 225 grams or 7.94 ounces), seeded and cut into thin slices
- 3 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced on bias
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
Garnish:
- Dry-roasted unsalted peanuts, finely crushed
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and heat until vigorously bubbling at high temperature.
- Create a luscious peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Submerge ramen noodles into the rolling boiling water, stirring periodically to prevent sticking. Cook approximately 3-4 minutes until noodles reach al dente texture. Quickly drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process, then drain completely.
- Gently introduce cooked noodles into the prepared peanut sauce, using tongs to ensure even coating. Incorporate diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and sliced scallions, tossing delicately. If sauce seems thick, introduce a tablespoon of water to enhance spreadability. Adjust seasoning to personal preference.
- Plate the noodles at ambient temperature, garnishing with crushed peanuts, additional fresh cilantro sprigs, and zesty lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Customize Heat Levels adjust the sambal oelek and red pepper flakes to match your personal spice tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
- Make It Gluten-Free swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free ramen noodles to create a celiac-friendly version.
- Enhance Protein Options add grilled tofu, shredded chicken, or shrimp for extra protein and to transform this into a more substantial meal.
- Prep Ahead strategy involves making the peanut sauce in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which saves time during meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg