Can’t make it to the grocery store during quarantine? That’s okay! These spicy sesame peanut noodles are made using only pantry staples. Just grab some peanut butter, sriracha, and any noodles you have on hand (Pad Thai, spaghetti, soba, etc.), and whip up a batch of this tasty dish!

Hello everyone! So much has happened since my last post, namely the coronavirus pandemic. Here in Ohio, we have been in quarantine since mid-March. It looks like I’ll be finishing my senior year of high school from home! Though this whole situation is quite scary, it’s also an opportunity to take a step back from our busy day-to-day lives. Social distancing gives us the chance to reconnect with family, practice self-care, and try out new recipes!

Today’s recipe came to exist when I found some brown rice noodles on my pasta stash. Since I’ve been trying to avoid leaving the house (and most grocery stores are empty anyway), I wanted to try making a dish using only pantry staples. Thankfully, my house is always stocked with nut butter, Asian ingredients like sesame oil and rice vinegar, and sriracha (thanks to my friends at Fix Hot Sauce)! I combined these three things to make a spicy sesame peanut sauce for my take on Thai peanut noodles.

If you don’t have any rice noodles on hand, you could also make this recipe with soba noodles, spaghetti, or any other noodles you happen to have in your pantry! The vegetables I used were just what I found in my fridge/freezer, but feel free to swap those out as well. As long as you have most of the sauce ingredients, you will have delicious sesame peanut noodles!

The Health Benefits

Eating Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles isn’t just tasty it’s good for you too! The sesame seeds give you healthy fats and important minerals like iron and calcium. Peanut butter, besides being delicious, has lots of protein to keep you full. Edamame, those little green soybeans, gives you more protein and fiber, helping your muscles and digestion. Plus, garlic and sesame oil can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. So, when you enjoy this yummy dish, you’re not just treating your taste buds but also doing something good for your body!

How To Make Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles

Ingredients

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 5 tbsp sesame oil
• 7 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 3 tbsp tamari can sub soy sauce if not gluten-free
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbsp roasted sesame seeds

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz Pad Thai noodles regular or brown rice
• 2/3 cup frozen edamame thawed
• 1/2 cup baby carrots sliced into matchsticks

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts chopped

Instructions

For the Peanut Sauce:

1. Combine the garlic, sesame oil, peanut butter, tamari, sriracha, maple syrup, and rice vinegar in a bowl and whisk to combine. Whisk in the sesame seeds. Cover and place in the fridge.

For the Noodles:

1. Bring a pot filled with 4-5 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water.
2. Place the noodles in a large bowl. Add the edamame, carrots, and prepared peanut sauce and toss to combine.
3. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with chopped peanuts.

Additional Tips:

• Play with Texture: Don’t hesitate to add a variety of crunchy elements for an extra texture boost. Consider tossing in some bean sprouts or water chestnuts along with the baby carrots. The combination of smooth noodles and the crunchiness of these additions will elevate the overall eating experience.
• Zesty Freshness: For a burst of zesty freshness, squeeze a bit of lime juice over your noodles just before serving. The citrusy kick adds a refreshing element that complements the richness of the peanut sauce, creating a well-balanced and vibrant flavor profile. It’s a simple touch that can make a big difference!

FAQ

Are there alternatives to Pad Thai noodles for this recipe?

• Certainly! You can experiment with different noodle varieties such as rice noodles or even soba noodles for a unique twist. Choose a gluten-free option if you want to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.

Can I adjust the spice level to make it milder?

• Of course! If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the peanut sauce or skip it altogether. You can always taste and adjust the spice level according to your liking.

Can I substitute any ingredients to make it nut-free?

• Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a nut-free version. Ensure that the other ingredients are also free of nuts to accommodate any allergies.

How long can I store leftovers, and can I eat them cold?

• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. While the dish is typically served warm, many enjoy it cold as well. If eating it cold, consider refreshing the flavors with an extra squeeze of lime juice before serving.