Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
This Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and tangy rice wine vinegar, creating a deliciously unique dressing. Enhanced with aromatic sesame oil and a hint of heat from cayenne, this salad is packed with colorful vegetables like shredded carrots and crisp red bell peppers, making it not only visually appealing but also satisfying. Perfect as a make-ahead meal, this salad can be enjoyed warm or cold, and it's versatile enough to be a side dish or a light main course. Experience the delightful fusion of textures and flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup
Tamari
1 tablespoon
Rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
Water
1/2 cup
Linguine pasta
12 ounces
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon
Carrot
1 (shredded)
Red bell pepper
1 (julienned)
Scallions
3 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, tamari, rice wine vinegar, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
2
Gradually add water to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency. Set aside the sauce to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the linguine. Cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Once cooked, drain the linguine and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
5
Drizzle the sesame oil over the cold linguine and toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
6
Add the shredded carrot, julienned red bell pepper, and sliced scallions to the bowl with the pasta. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
7
Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture, and toss gently until everything is well coated with the sauce.
8
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the salad to chill.
9
Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with additional scallions or chopped peanuts if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring linguine and crisp vegetables tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this salad are plant-based and vegetarian-friendly.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal-derived products.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free linguine, as Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to standard soy sauce.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of linguine pasta.
Can I use different noodles for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles depending on your preference.
How long do I need to cook the linguine?
The linguine should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes or until it is al dente.
Why should I rinse the pasta in cold water?
Rinsing under cold water halts the cooking process, which is necessary to keep the noodles firm for a cold salad.
What are the main components of the peanut sauce?
The sauce is made from peanut butter, tamari, rice wine vinegar, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, and water.
How do I achieve a smooth sauce consistency?
Gradually add water to the peanut butter mixture while stirring until it becomes thick and smooth.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The two garlic cloves should be finely minced before being added to the dressing mixture.
How should the fresh ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be grated to ensure it distributes its flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes shredded carrot, julienned red bell pepper, and thinly sliced scallions.
How is the carrot prepared for this recipe?
One carrot should be shredded before being tossed with the pasta and other vegetables.
What does julienned mean for the red bell pepper?
Julienned means the bell pepper should be cut into long, thin, matchstick-like strips.
How are the scallions sliced?
The three scallions should be thinly sliced into small rounds.
Can I use soy sauce instead of Tamari?
Yes, soy sauce is a suitable substitute for Tamari, although it may contain gluten.
What is the purpose of the sesame oil?
Sesame oil adds a rich nutty aroma and prevents the cold noodles from sticking together.
How much cayenne pepper is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to provide a hint of heat.
Can I make the salad more or less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add chili flakes to reach your desired spice level.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served cold or at room temperature, making it very versatile.
Is this a good dish for meal prepping?
Absolutely, this salad is an excellent make-ahead meal as it holds up well in the fridge.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
You can garnish the salad with extra sliced scallions or chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer a textured sauce rather than a smooth one.
What if my peanut sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, simply whisk in a small amount of extra water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
How many ingredients are in the Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad?
There are 12 primary ingredients used to make the salad and its dressing.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, this salad pairs perfectly with added proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
What other vegetables would go well in this recipe?
Additional vegetables like edamame, snap peas, or shredded purple cabbage would be great additions.
How should I combine the sauce and the noodles?
Pour the sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture and toss gently to ensure even coating.