Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chili Garlic Oil.
Looking for a deliciously spicy and satisfying dish that can be whipped up in no time? Look no further! These Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chili Garlic Oil offer a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and a kick of heat that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the details!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy peanut butter combined with spicy chili garlic oil creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!
- Vegan-Friendly: This dish can easily be adapted to fit a vegan diet with simple substitutions.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These noodles taste great hot or cold, making them ideal for meal prepping.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1/3 cup peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or smashed
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 ounces rice noodles or long cut pasta
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1-2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Appliances & Accessories
- Large Pot: For boiling the noodles or pasta.
- Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing the shallots, garlic, and other ingredients.
- Whisk or Fork: For mixing the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
- Sharp Knife: Necessary for slicing the shallots, garlic, and bell peppers.
Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chili Garlic Oil. — Do This Next
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice noodles or long cut pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chili Garlic Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, low sodium soy sauce or tamari, Gochujang, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the spiciness by adding more Gochujang if desired.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the chili garlic oil. Toss to coat the noodles in the oil mixture. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and chopped basil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Spicy Peanut Noodles to serving bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil and fresh cracked black pepper. Enjoy your meal warm, or let it cool down for a delicious cold noodle salad!
Smart Substitutions
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Add protein by incorporating shredded chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Use any colorful vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, snap peas, or zucchini.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
This Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chili Garlic Oil recipe is incredibly forgiving. Feel free to adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and Gochujang to suit your taste. Additionally, the dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
- For added crunch, consider topping your noodles with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, simply add a splash of water or more peanut butter until you reach your desired consistency.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the Spicy Peanut Noodles in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the rice noodles with any long cut pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or linguine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How spicy are these noodles?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with less crushed red pepper flakes and Gochujang, then add more to taste as you mix in the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! These Spicy Peanut Noodles store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep. Just reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Spicy Peanut Noodles?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, spring rolls, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or tofu for a complete meal.
Healthy-ish Favorites
- Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto
- Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Thai Mango Salad
- Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu
Final Thoughts
In just a few simple steps, you can create a bowl of Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chili Garlic Oil that bursts with flavor and satisfies your cravings. This dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, these noodles are sure to impress. Get ready to savor the delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, spicy chili oil, and fresh veggies that make this recipe a must-try!
Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chili Garlic Oil.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice noodles or long cut pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, low sodium soy sauce or tamari, Gochujang, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the spiciness by adding more Gochujang if desired.
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the chili garlic oil. Toss to coat the noodles in the oil mixture. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and chopped basil.
- Transfer the Spicy Peanut Noodles to serving bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil and fresh cracked black pepper. Enjoy your meal warm, or let it cool down for a delicious cold noodle salad!
Notes
- For added crunch, consider topping your noodles with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, simply add a splash of water or more peanut butter until you reach your desired consistency.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and Gochujang.
