Szechuan Spicy Peanut Noodle Sauce
Experience a dance of flavors with our Szechuan Spicy Peanut Noodle Sauce. Creamy peanut butter is elevated with the umami of soy sauce, the nutty aroma of sesame oil, and the fiery touch of Asian chili. Balanced with zesty lime and the warmth of fresh ginger and garlic, this sauce is a versatile wonder. Perfect for a hot, comforting winter meal or a refreshing summer salad twist. Enjoy the adaptability and ease of this sauce, a must-have for any peanut lover.
2.5
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut butter
1 cup (smooth)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
sesame oil
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
rice vinegar
3 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
garlic
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
gingerroot
2 tablespoons (grated)
Asian chili sauce or dried red pepper flakes
1.5 teaspoons or 1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon (no preparation needed)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
water
3/4 cup (no preparation needed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
noodles
1 lb (of your choice)
scallion
as needed (finely chopped)
roasted unsalted peanuts
as needed (chopped)
Instructions
1
Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, gingerroot, chili sauce/pepper flakes, hoisin sauce, lime juice, water, and salt in a blender.
2
Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3
Pour the sauce into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or divided into smaller portions and frozen for longer storage.
4
When ready to serve, cook 1 lb of your preferred Asian noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
5
Drain noodles and either enjoy them hot or, for a cooler dish, rinse with cold water and drain again.
6
Toss noodles with 3/4 cup of the prepared peanut sauce, adjusting to taste.
7
Garnish with finely chopped scallions and chopped roasted peanuts before serving.
8
For a summer salad variation, consider adding shredded bok choy, carrots, and snow peas to the chilled noodles with extra sauce, for a burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Spicy Peanut Noodle Sauce?
It is a creamy, flavorful sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Asian chili, perfect for noodles or salads.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The main ingredients include peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, gingerroot, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is explicitly tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
The recipe recommends using smooth peanut butter for a creamy consistency.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a sauce with more texture.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Pour the sauce into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can the peanut sauce be frozen?
Yes, the sauce can be divided into smaller portions and frozen for longer storage.
What kind of noodles work best with this sauce?
You can use your preferred Asian noodles or standard spaghetti cooked until al dente.
How many noodles does one batch of sauce cover?
The recipe is designed to be used with 1 lb of noodles.
How much sauce should I add to the noodles?
Toss the noodles with 3/4 cup of the prepared peanut sauce, then adjust to your personal taste.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, for a cooler dish, rinse the cooked noodles with cold water and drain them before tossing with the sauce.
Can I serve these noodles hot?
Yes, the sauce is excellent when tossed with hot, freshly drained noodles for a comforting meal.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish the dish with finely chopped scallions and chopped roasted peanuts before serving.
What vegetables can I add to make a summer salad?
Consider adding shredded bok choy, carrots, and snow peas for extra flavor and color.
Is the Szechuan sauce spicy?
Yes, it contains Asian chili sauce or dried red pepper flakes to provide a fiery touch.
How can I adjust the heat level?
You can increase or decrease the amount of Asian chili sauce or red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The garlic should be finely chopped before being added to the blender.
What is the best way to prepare the gingerroot?
The gingerroot should be grated to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Should I use fresh or bottled lime juice?
The recipe calls for freshly squeezed lime juice for the best zesty flavor.
What does hoisin sauce add to the recipe?
Hoisin sauce adds a savory-sweet umami depth that complements the peanut butter.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that primarily involves blending ingredients and boiling noodles.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is estimated to provide approximately 2.5 servings.
Is there salt in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Toss the noodles with the sauce immediately after draining, or rinse with cold water if serving as a cold salad.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes, the sauce is versatile enough to be used as a dressing for a variety of Asian-inspired salads.
What kind of oil is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sesame oil for its distinct nutty aroma.
Is water required for the sauce consistency?
Yes, 3/4 cup of water is blended into the sauce to achieve the desired smoothness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari and ensuring your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
What makes this sauce Szechuan style?
The combination of ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and spicy chili gives it a profile inspired by Szechuan cuisine.