Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber

Get ready for a dish that brings the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and refreshing flavors with these Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber! This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser—think tender noodles drenched in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, topped with crisp cucumber slices to cool things down just the right amount. It’s comforting yet light, and the heat from the chili paste combined with the richness of peanut butter is just irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it as a meal on its own or as a vibrant side dish, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something flavorful and fun.

Why You’ll Love Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber

• Deliciously Spicy: The peanut sauce is rich, creamy, and packs a bit of heat to make every bite exciting. If you love a little spice, this one’s for you!
• Perfectly Balanced: The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch that cools down the spice, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal or side dish ready to go. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer your noodles extra spicy or want to swap the noodles for zucchini noodles, this recipe is easy to adjust to your taste.
• Versatile: Great on its own as a main dish or served as a side with grilled meats or tofu.

Ingredients in Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber

This dish is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed meal. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Noodles:

• Noodles: You can use any kind of noodles you prefer, like rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti for a quick alternative.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced for that perfect crunch and fresh flavor.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the sauce its rich, smooth texture and nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic base to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: For a savory, umami kick.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a hint of tang to balance out the flavors.
• Honey: Sweetness that complements the peanut butter and offsets the spice.
• Chili Paste: The heat factor! This is what gives the dish its spicy kick.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, slightly toasted flavor to the peanut sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional, for topping—adds extra crunch and flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the simple steps that will turn your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering smells and flavors!

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set them aside to drain completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili paste, sesame oil, and minced garlic. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust with more honey or chili paste depending on how sweet or spicy you like it.

Step 3: Slice the Cucumber

While the noodles are cooking, thinly slice your cucumber. You can also use a julienne peeler to create matchstick-sized strips for a more delicate texture.

Step 4: Toss the Noodles and Sauce

Once the noodles are ready and the sauce is mixed, place the noodles in a large bowl and pour the peanut sauce over the top. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Add Cucumber and Serve

Toss the cucumber slices into the noodles, giving everything a final mix. Top with sesame seeds for some added crunch (optional), and serve immediately.

How to Serve Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber

• As a Main Dish: This noodle dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, especially if you top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, like chicken skewers or steak, for a delicious Asian-inspired meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for a couple of days. Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Additional Tips

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and rice noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
• Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili paste in the sauce. Add a little more for extra spice or tone it down if you prefer a milder dish.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or edamame for more color and crunch.
• Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 370
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 420mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 8g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A1: Absolutely! You can use soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in place of the noodles called for in the recipe. Just cook them according to the package directions.

Q2: How can I make this dish spicier?
A2: If you love spice, you can add more chili paste or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. Adjust the heat level to your liking!

Q3: Can I make this dish in advance?
A3: Yes! The noodles can be made ahead of time, and the peanut sauce stores well in the fridge. Just toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a quick toss before serving.

Q5: Is this dish vegetarian?
A5: Yes, this dish is vegetarian! You can add some grilled tofu for extra protein, but it’s delicious as is.

Q6: Can I make this dish without cucumber?
A6: Yes! You can skip the cucumber if you’re not a fan, but I highly recommend it for the refreshing crunch it adds. You could also try using julienned carrots or bell peppers as a substitute.

Q7: Can I make this dish vegan?
A7: Yes! The dish is already vegan-friendly as long as you make sure to use a vegan-friendly soy sauce or tamari.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the noodles and cucumber can change once frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q9: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and rice noodles to make this dish gluten-free.

Q10: Can I add protein to this dish?
A10: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all make excellent additions to this noodle dish.

Conclusion

These Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber are everything you need in a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal. With the perfect mix of spicy peanut sauce, tender noodles, and crisp cucumber, it’s a dish that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty side, this recipe checks all the boxes. Enjoy every bite of this crunchy, creamy, and oh-so-delicious dish!

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