Protein-Packed Thai Peanut Curry Noodles
Indulge in a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the vibrant tastes of Thailand with wholesome ingredients! These Protein-Packed Thai Peanut Curry Noodles feature linguine-style rice noodles enveloped in a luscious, spicy peanut curry sauce. Loaded with colorful bell peppers, crisp broccoli, fresh pea pods, and your choice of succulent chicken or tofu, this dish is perfect for active families seeking a delicious meal that fuels their workouts. Ideal for lunch or dinner, these noodles provide a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, making them not just a meal, but a magic potion for energy and vitality.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice noodles (linguine style)
1 (14 ounce package)
Peanut butter
1 1/2 (cups (chunky preferred))
Thai sweet chili sauce
2 (tablespoons (1 tablespoon for less spice))
Soy sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Brown sugar
1 (tablespoon, leveled)
Yellow curry paste
2 (tablespoons (red works too))
Coconut milk
2 (10 ounce cans, shaken well)
Chopped peanuts
1/2 (cup, reserved for garnish)
Green bell pepper
1 (sliced)
Red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
Broccoli florets
1/2 (cup, rinsed)
Asian style pea pods
1/2 (cup, rinsed)
Chicken breasts or firm tofu
8 (ounces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you're using chicken, wrap it tightly in tin foil and place it in a baking dish. If using tofu, prepare your preferred cooking method (bake, fry, or steam).
2
For the sauce, pour the coconut milk into a large skillet with high sides and warm it over medium heat for a few minutes. Gradually add the peanut butter and stir until melted and combined.
3
Once melted, incorporate the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and yellow curry paste into the skillet. Mix well and allow the sauce to gently simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, start boiling a large pot of water for the noodles. Once boiling, add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 6-8 minutes. Test for doneness; they should be al dente.
5
While the noodles are cooking, rinse and slice the green and red bell peppers into thin strips. Prepare the broccoli florets and pea pods by rinsing them thoroughly.
6
Add all the sliced vegetables to the sauce and cover, letting them simmer gently on the lowest heat until the noodles are ready.
7
When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and unwrap it, allowing it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into chunks. If you're using tofu, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
8
Once the noodles are done, drain them using a colander. Turn off the heat under the skillet with the sauce.
9
Add a small portion of the coconut peanut sauce to the pot with the drained noodles to help avoid sticking. Combine the noodles with the remaining sauce and veggies, tossing thoroughly.
10
Serve the noodles hot, garnishing with the reserved chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Protein-Packed Thai Peanut Curry Noodles?
This dish is a nutritious and flavorful meal featuring linguine-style rice noodles in a creamy peanut curry sauce, loaded with bell peppers, broccoli, pea pods, and chicken or tofu.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) if you are preparing chicken.
How should I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
Wrap the chicken breasts tightly in tin foil and place them in a baking dish before cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with 8 ounces of firm tofu, which can be baked, fried, or steamed.
What type of noodles are used in this Thai dish?
The recipe calls for a 14-ounce package of linguine-style rice noodles.
How long do the rice noodles take to cook?
The noodles typically take about 6 to 8 minutes in boiling water; they should be cooked until al dente.
What kind of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 cups of chunky peanut butter for added texture.
What type of curry paste is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of yellow curry paste, though red curry paste can be used as a substitute.
How do I make the peanut curry sauce?
Warm coconut milk in a skillet, gradually stir in peanut butter until melted, then add chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and curry paste.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Once all seasonings are incorporated, allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes.
What vegetables are included in this curry?
The dish includes green and red bell peppers, broccoli florets, and Asian-style pea pods.
How should I prep the bell peppers?
The green and red bell peppers should be rinsed and sliced into thin strips.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Add a small portion of the coconut peanut sauce to the pot with the drained noodles immediately after cooking.
What is the serving suggestion for the final dish?
Serve the noodles hot and garnish them with the reserved chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
How much coconut milk is required?
You will need two 10-ounce cans of coconut milk, and they should be shaken well before opening.
Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of Thai sweet chili sauce instead of 2 tablespoons for a less spicy flavor.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 leveled tablespoon of brown sugar.
How much protein is in the chicken or tofu portion?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of chicken breasts or firm tofu.
Should the vegetables be cooked separately?
No, the vegetables are added directly to the sauce and simmered on low heat until the noodles are ready.
How much chopped peanuts should be used for garnish?
The recipe suggests reserving 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts for the garnish.
What is the preparation for the broccoli?
You should use 1/2 cup of broccoli florets, thoroughly rinsed before being added to the sauce.
What is the preparation for the pea pods?
Use 1/2 cup of Asian-style pea pods and ensure they are rinsed well.
How should I cut the chicken once it is cooked?
After letting it rest for a few minutes, slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized chunks.
Is this dish good for active families?
Yes, it is designed to fuel workouts by providing a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Can I use smooth peanut butter if I don't have chunky?
While chunky is preferred for texture, smooth peanut butter will work for the sauce flavor.
What kind of skillet is best for the sauce?
Use a large skillet with high sides to accommodate the coconut milk and all the vegetables.
Does the recipe use soy sauce?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce is included in the sauce mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these noodles are ideal for both lunch and dinner and provide great energy vitality.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Wrapping the chicken tightly in tin foil before baking helps lock in moisture.