Global: Making Peanut Noodles for Weeknights
Peanut noodles are a versatile dish that can transport your taste buds across the globe in just one bowl. This technique will guide you through creating a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce that clings beautifully to noodles, making it a perfect weeknight meal. We'll explore the balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that define this dish. First, we'll toast the nuts to bring out their natural oils and nutty flavor, a crucial step for depth. Next, we'll whisk together a sauce that's both smooth and vibrant, using pantry staples like peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. The noodles themselves can be any type you prefer, but traditional Chinese egg noodles or rice noodles work wonderfully. This dish is customizable, allowing you to add proteins like chicken or tofu and fresh veggies for a complete meal. Cooking peanut noodles is not just about throwing ingredients together; it's about understanding how each component interacts to create a harmonious dish. With this guide, you'll learn to layer flavors and textures efficiently, ensuring that even on the busiest evenings, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Notes
The science behind toasting peanuts lies in the Maillard reaction, which enhances flavor by creating complex compounds when heat is applied. For troubleshooting, ensure your sauce is not too thick or thin; adjust with water or additional peanut butter. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To prevent noodles from becoming soggy when making ahead, store sauce and noodles separately, tossing them together just before serving. This technique ensures that your peanut noodles remain fresh and delicious, even when prepared in advance.
Steps
- 1 Toast 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- 2 Transfer toasted peanuts to a blender along with 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 cloves garlic.
- 3 Add 2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon sesame oil to the blender.
- 4 Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed; add more water 1 teaspoon at a time for desired consistency.
- 5 Cook 8 ounces of noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- 6 Toss the noodles with half of the peanut sauce in a large bowl, reserving the rest for serving.
- 7 Optional: Add cooked protein like sliced chicken or cubed tofu, and fresh vegetables like shredded carrots or chopped scallions.
- 8 Serve noodles garnished with additional peanuts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of remaining sauce.
Ingredients to explore
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from ground almonds and water. Originating from traditional recipes in medieval Europe and the Middle East, it has gained widespread popularity in modern times as a dairy-free option. Almond milk has a subtly nutty flavor with a mild sweetness, and its aroma is reminiscent of fresh almonds. Its texture is smooth and creamy, though typically lighter than dairy milk. In cooking, almond milk behaves well in both savory and sweet applications, though it does not brown or caramelize like dairy milk. It is often used in cereals, smoothies, and baking, where its delicate flavor complements rather than overpowers other ingredients.
Active Dry Yeast
A fine, granulated leavening agent that brings baked goods to life with its gentle fermentation magic.
Recipes to try
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Sheet Pan
Bright and zesty, this sheet pan dinner is a burst of sunshine with tender shrimp and crisp asparagus in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Creamy, cheesy comfort with a smoky kick—this pasta dish is pure bliss in every bite.