Sweet and Spicy Cold Peanut Noodles
A very fast and easy cold noodle dish loaded up with healthy fresh veggies and a flavorful sweet and spicy peanut sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Course: Main
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 4 -6
Author: Lindsey Rose Johnson
- 3-4 quarts very hot water plus more for thinning sauce
- 8 ounces flat rice noodles
- ½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2-3 teaspoons red chili paste sambal oelek
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 cups kale stems removed, chopped or thinly sliced
- 1 medium cucumber julienned
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 small bunch green onions thinly sliced on the diagonal
- ½ to ¾ cup chopped peanuts
Place rice noodles in a wide, deep bowl. Pour the very hot water over the noodles and let stand for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the width of the noodles. (Refer to package directions, if needed.) Taste to see that they have softened enough - they should be al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Place noodles back in bowl and add the veggies.
While noodles are soaking, stir together the peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, chili paste, and garlic in a medium bowl. The mixture will be thick. Add some water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency - not too thick, but thin enough to coat the noodles. Usually ¼ to ½ cup is all that is needed. (The flavor will be strong, but will be diluted when tossed with the noodles and veggies.)
Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat. Sprinkle with peanuts. Chill until ready to serve, or serve immediately.