Chilled Udon Noodles with Crispy Tempeh and Spicy Peanut Sauce
This delightful dish combines the nutty goodness of tempeh with the refreshing qualities of chilled udon noodles, all tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for warm weather or any time you're craving something tasty yet easy to prepare, this recipe features familiar ingredients that bring out exotic flavors. With vibrant colors, textures, and an incredible balance of heat and sweetness, it’s a go-to dish for vegetarians and anyone looking to expand their palate. Serve it as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or as an impressive dish at gatherings—your friends and family will love it!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon (none)
tempeh
1 (8 ounce) package (broken into small cubes)
chili powder
to taste (none)
udon noodles or linguine
8 ounces (none)
natural-style peanut butter
1/2 cup (none)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
light brown sugar or sucanat
2 tablespoons (none)
red pepper flakes or cayenne
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
hot water
1/4 cup (none)
mung bean sprouts
8 ounces (none)
scallions
3 (white and light green parts, thinly sliced)
fresh cilantro or parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
finely chopped peanuts
2-3 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
For the crispy tempeh, begin by heating the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
While the oil heats, break the tempeh into small, bite-sized cubes. Once the oil is shimmering, add the tempeh to the skillet.
3
Cook the tempeh, stirring often, until it becomes golden brown and crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes. When done, sprinkle with chili powder to taste and remove from heat. Optionally, drain on paper towels.
4
In a separate large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the udon noodles (or linguine), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until al dente according to package directions.
5
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, light brown sugar, red pepper flakes, remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and hot water until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
6
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again to remove excess water.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, mung bean sprouts, crispy tempeh, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, and optional peanuts.
8
Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the noodle mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
9
Serve at room temperature and enjoy the lovely leftovers the next day!
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Chilled Udon Noodles with Crispy Tempeh and Spicy Peanut Sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly and meatless.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What are the main protein sources in this meal?
The primary protein sources are tempeh and peanut butter, providing 10g of protein per serving.
How long should I cook the tempeh?
The tempeh should be cooked for approximately 8-10 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use linguine as a substitute for udon noodles.
Is the peanut sauce spicy?
Yes, the sauce contains red pepper flakes and the tempeh is seasoned with chili powder.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes mung bean sprouts and thinly sliced scallions.
How should the noodles be prepared for a chilled dish?
After boiling until al dente, the noodles should be drained and rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
Natural-style peanut butter is recommended for the dressing.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There is 24g of fat per serving.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are gluten-free.
What are the ingredients for the peanut dressing?
The dressing consists of peanut butter, lime juice, light brown sugar, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and hot water.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
You can use either chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 14 ingredients.
Is this a good dish for hot weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a chilled dish perfect for summer or warm weather.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
Can I store this for later?
Yes, the recipe notes that the leftovers are lovely to enjoy the next day.
How do I prepare the tempeh for frying?
The tempeh should be broken into small, bite-sized cubes before cooking.
What is the purpose of rinsing the noodles?
Rinsing the noodles under cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
The dish is intended to be served at room temperature or chilled.
Is there any sweetener in the sauce?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar or sucanat.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped peanuts as an optional topping.
How do I ensure the peanut sauce is smooth?
Whisk the ingredients with hot water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for cooking the tempeh.
What provides the acidity in the sauce?
Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the citrus acidity.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple preparation steps.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish offers a balance of textures, featuring crispy tempeh, soft noodles, and crunchy sprouts.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Stir the noodles occasionally while they are boiling to prevent sticking.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, the chili powder and red pepper flakes can be added to taste to suit your spice preference.