Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Spicy Peanut Noodles


For over a month, I had a weird craving for peanut noodles.  I kept adding it to my weekly menu plan, but it just kept being pushed off week after week.  But then one week in September, I was desperate to go into labor, and I planned spicy foods for the entire week in an attempt to get things moving.  These noodles didn't make me go into labor, but they sure hit the spot and squelched my craving for peanut noodles.

This salad is full of veggies, and this particular version uses shredded chicken.  However, I think it would be just as good if you omitted the chicken for a vegetarian version - or you could even use tofu instead.  It is full of veggies, and the peanut sauce is that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and salty.  I made mine extra spicy by sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes over the top, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.  Get crazy and mix up the veggies if you feel so inclined.  Serve this hot, at room temperature, or cold. This dish is open to so many adaptations, and each one is just as delicious as the next. 

I made this for dinner on a Monday night, and then I enjoyed the leftovers for lunch all week long.  I know summer salads and veggies are being cast aside for comforting soups, chili, casseroles, and braises, but this is a nice and light dish that will taste good any time of the year. 


Spicy Peanut Noodles with Veggies and Chicken
adapted from Pinch of Yum, originally from Food Nouveau

Dressing:
  • 5 Tbs soy sauce
  • 2 Tbs water
  • 2 Tbs natural peanut butter
  • 2 Tbs sesame oil
  • 1 Tbs rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbs minced fresh ginger
  • 1/2 Tbs honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 minced serrano chile, seeds and ribs removed
  • 1/3 cup peanuts
Salad
  • 1 cup julienne red and yellow pepper
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed in a paper towel to remove excess moisture
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 8 oz. cooked soba noodles or linguine
  • 2-3 Tbs minced fresh basil
  • 2-3 Tbs minced fresh cilantro
  • crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
For the dressing, combine all the ingredients (except peanuts) in a food processor and puree until smooth.  Add the peanuts, and pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.  Season with salt or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salad.  Pour the dressing over the top, and toss to combine.

Before serving, top with cilantro and basil, and sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes to taste.


13 comments:

Brianna said...

I'm definitely still holding onto (and embracing!) summer produce, as we usually have heatwave in October! I love peanut-y noodles. This looks like a great dish.

Branny said...

This looks wonderful.

Nicole, RD said...

I love that you planned spicy meals to move labor along :) It looks delicious...love all the veggies in there :)

Anonymous said...

This sounds so yummy! Can't wait to try :)

JB said...

This looks great. I've made something similar in the past but your recipe has more veggies. Yum.

Laura said...

Yum, loove peanut noodles. Love all the veggies too. A definite winner!

Matt said...

We substituted Sunbutter and made this more like a stir fry. Thanks for the great recipe!

Anonymous said...

So all the veggies are raw? Then the cooked noodles make it warm?

Or do most people like it cold?

Josie said...

Kayla, yes the veggies are all raw - they weren't cold since I chopped everything before I got started and they were room temperature, but since the noodles were hot, the whole dish was warm. I also ate some leftovers chilled, and it was great that way as well. Hope all that makes sense!

David A. Carlson said...

Great recipe - easy to make vegetarian and then add shrimp or meat for those that are not. Huge hit in our family. One change - I used Penzey's Sate seasoning in place of the ginger/garlic/chili peppers - made it a little simpler to make, added a few other flavor notes

Josie said...

Dac, I'm so glad you liked it! I wish I had a Penzy's near me that I could go browse. They always have the best stuff!

Joanne said...

These were absolutely delicious. I liked the addition of extra veggies- super healthy :) I'll definitely be making them again. Thanks!!

branny said...

Finally made this tonight and it is great!

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