Spicy Asian Chex Crunch Mix
Elevate your snacking game with this Spicy Asian Chex Crunch Mix, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine. Perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their treats, this mix combines the crunch of Rice Chex, savory sesame sticks, and zesty wasabi peas with the delightful sweetness of honey roasted peanuts. Ideal for holiday gifting, this recipe has become a beloved tradition in my kitchen, bringing friends and family together around a bowl of this irresistible snack. Make it for your next gathering, as a movie night companion, or simply to indulge yourself!
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice Chex
5 cups (plain)
Sesame sticks
2 cups (plain)
Wasabi peas
1 cup (plain)
Chow mein noodles
1 cup (plain)
Honey roasted peanuts
1 cup (plain)
Unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (plain)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (plain)
Garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon (plain)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (plain)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, sesame sticks, wasabi peas, chow mein noodles, and honey roasted peanuts.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and soy sauce until well blended. Drizzle the mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl.
4
Sprinkle the ground ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper evenly over the mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure even coating.
5
Spread the mixture evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet to allow for even baking. Place the sheet in the preheated oven.
6
Bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the mix bakes evenly and becomes crispy.
7
Once the mix is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool on paper towels at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Asian Chex Crunch Mix?
It is a savory and spicy snack mix inspired by Asian cuisine, featuring a blend of Rice Chex, sesame sticks, wasabi peas, and peanuts tossed in a ginger-soy glaze.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 15 servings, making it perfect for parties or large gatherings.
What are the primary ingredients in the mix?
The dry mix consists of Rice Chex, sesame sticks, wasabi peas, chow mein noodles, and honey roasted peanuts.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 250°F (120°C) for a slow and even bake.
How long does it take to bake the mix?
The mix needs to bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Why do I need to stir the mixture every 15 minutes?
Stirring every 15 minutes ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and the snack mix becomes uniformly crispy without burning.
Is this snack mix very spicy?
It has a moderate kick due to the inclusion of wasabi peas and a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Can I substitute the Rice Chex?
While Rice Chex is recommended for its texture, you can use Corn Chex or similar wheat-based cereal squares as a substitute.
What gives this recipe its Asian flavor profile?
The combination of soy sauce, ground ginger, sesame sticks, and wasabi peas provides the distinctive Asian-inspired taste.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but since the recipe also contains soy sauce, you may want to reduce the amount of soy sauce or salt elsewhere to prevent it from becoming too salty.
How should I store the Spicy Asian Chex Crunch Mix?
Store the cooled mix in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Can I make this recipe as a holiday gift?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal holiday gift that can be packaged in jars or bags for friends and family.
What are wasabi peas?
Wasabi peas are dried, crunchy peas coated in a spicy, horseradish-like wasabi seasoning.
Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Certainly. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce or entirely omit the cayenne pepper while keeping the other seasonings.
How do I ensure the coating is even?
Whisk the butter and soy sauce together before drizzling, then toss the dry ingredients thoroughly once the spices are added.
What is the purpose of the honey roasted peanuts?
They add a delightful sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce and the heat from the spices.
What is the best way to cool the mix?
Remove the mix from the oven and spread it out on paper towels at room temperature to cool and drain any excess butter.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add other nuts to this mix?
Absolutely. You can add or swap in cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts to customize the mix.
What type of baking sheet should I use?
Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent the cereal and nuts from falling off when you stir them every 15 minutes.
How much ground ginger is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?
Ground ginger is preferred for even distribution and to keep the mix dry; fresh ginger might introduce too much moisture.
What role does the soy sauce play?
Soy sauce provides the salty, umami base for the seasoning liquid that coats the dry ingredients.
How much garlic powder is needed?
You will need 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the sesame sticks and chow mein noodles are certified gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
What if my mix isn't crispy after 45 minutes?
Continue baking for up to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired golden-brown crispiness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you should use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the mix from crisping properly.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The oven rack should be adjusted to the middle position for optimal airflow and even cooking.
Is it okay to eat the mix while it is still warm?
You can, but the mix becomes much crispier as it cools to room temperature.