Szechuan Spicy Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry
Indulge in this vibrant Szechuan Spicy Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry, where al dente spaghetti meets a luscious, spicy peanut sauce that packs a flavorful punch. With natural peanut butter, fresh vegetables, and a medley of spices, this dish brings an irresistible blend of creaminess and heat to your table. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this versatile recipe invites you to play with ingredients – swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a satisfying, nutritious meal that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable stock or chicken stock
1/2 cup (liquid)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (liquid)
natural-style peanut butter
2-3 tablespoons (creamy)
honey
2 tablespoons (liquid)
fresh ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons (minced)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (dry)
ground coriander
1 teaspoon (dry)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (dry)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
spaghetti
8 ounces (dried)
carrot
1 (julienned)
green pepper
1/2 (chopped)
broccoli florets
1 cup (small pieces)
sliced mushrooms
6 (sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the julienned carrots, chopped green peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
3
In a small saucepan, combine the vegetable or chicken stock, soy sauce, natural-style peanut butter, honey, minced ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the peanut butter and honey have fully melted and the sauce is heated through.
4
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well combined and coated evenly with the sauce.
5
If desired, add cooked chicken strips or any other protein to the noodles and toss again to heat through. Serve hot, garnishing with chopped peanuts or sliced green onions for added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Spicy Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant dish where al dente spaghetti is tossed in a luscious, spicy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables like carrots, peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The entire recipe can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses 8 ounces of dried spaghetti, cooked until al dente.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can easily swap spaghetti for rice noodles, linguine, or udon depending on your preference.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The recipe calls for julienned carrots, chopped green peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms.
Is the Szechuan Spicy Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetable stock and do not add meat proteins.
How is the spicy peanut sauce made?
The sauce is made by heating stock, soy sauce, natural peanut butter, honey, minced ginger, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, and garlic in a small saucepan.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. You can add cooked chicken strips, tofu, shrimp, or any other protein of your choice to make the meal more filling.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The dish has a spicy kick from the red pepper flakes and ginger, but it is balanced by the creaminess of the peanut butter.
How can I adjust the heat level?
You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice tolerance.
What kind of peanut butter works best?
The recipe recommends using natural-style peanut butter for a cleaner flavor and better consistency in the sauce.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of extra texture within the sauce itself.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The fresh ginger should be finely minced before being added to the sauce to ensure even distribution of flavor.
What are the key spices in this stir-fry?
The primary spices are ground cumin, ground coriander, and red pepper flakes, which provide an earthy and spicy profile.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different flavor or want to make it vegan.
What is the best way to cook the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
How do I ensure the noodles don't stick?
Drain the noodles immediately after cooking and toss them directly with the sauce and vegetables to keep them separated.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free spaghetti and replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free liquid aminos.
What garnishes are recommended?
The dish is best garnished with chopped peanuts for crunch or sliced green onions for a fresh, sharp finish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this noodle dish?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the spaghetti and vegetables may change. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What if I don't have vegetable stock?
You can use chicken stock or even water if necessary, though stock provides a much deeper flavor base for the sauce.
Do I need a wok to make this recipe?
A wok is great for stir-frying, but a large skillet works perfectly fine for this recipe.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used; just ensure they are thawed or cooked slightly longer to remove excess moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent meal prep option as the noodles hold the sauce well and can be easily reheated.
How do I reheat the noodles?
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen the peanut sauce.
Can I omit the mushrooms?
Yes, the recipe is very versatile; feel free to omit any vegetables you don't like or add others like snap peas or bok choy.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce should be smooth, luscious, and creamy, coating the noodles evenly.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
If your children enjoy peanut butter and mild spice, they will likely love this. You can reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the use of 8 ounces of spaghetti and a variety of vegetables, it typically serves 2 to 4 people.