Asian Peanut Noodle Bowl (Printable View)

Tender rice noodles with crisp vegetables and creamy peanut dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 10 oz rice noodles or wheat noodles

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
03 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 2.8 oz shredded red cabbage
05 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
06 - 0.5 oz fresh cilantro leaves
07 - 1 oz bean sprouts

→ Peanut Dressing

08 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
14 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
15 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water, as needed

→ Toppings

16 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
17 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
18 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled completely, then set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, ginger, and garlic. Gradually whisk in warm water until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, scallions, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
04 - Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
05 - Divide the noodle bowl among serving plates. Top each portion with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and additional fresh cilantro.
06 - Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy the bowl cold or gently warmed according to your preference.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can make it on a weeknight without the stress.
  • The peanut dressing is creamy enough to feel indulgent but light enough that you won't feel weighed down afterward.
  • Serve it cold, warm, or anywhere in between—it's forgiving and honestly tastes better the next day.
02 -
  • If your dressing breaks or feels grainy, you've either added cold water or you're using old peanut butter—start fresh with warm water whisked in slowly and it'll come back together beautifully.
  • The vegetables will release a tiny bit of water as they sit, which naturally dilutes the dressing over a few hours, so if you're making this ahead, you might want to make the dressing slightly thicker than you'd normally want it.
03 -
  • Taste the dressing before you combine everything—this is your last chance to adjust the balance of salty, sweet, and spicy to exactly what your palate wants.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes if you have time; the difference in flavor is extraordinary and worth those extra two minutes.
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