Asian Peanut Noodle Salad
Introduction
The Asian Peanut Noodle Salad is a dish that combines the best of both worlds – the simplicity and healthiness of salads with the rich flavors of peanut sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy yet filling meal. The salad is typically made with rice noodles or soba noodles, mixed with crunchy vegetables, and topped with a creamy peanut sauce. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish makes it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 400g rice noodles or soba noodles
- Vegetables: 1 large cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1/2 head of broccoli, 1/2 cup of snow peas, 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts, 1/4 cup of cilantro, 1/4 cup of green onions
- Peanut Sauce: 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of ginger paste, 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, 1/4 cup of water
- Garnish: 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts, 1/4 cup of cilantro, 1/4 cup of green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Peel and julienne the cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot. Cut the broccoli into small florets and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender. Rinse the broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain it well. Add the blanched broccoli, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic paste, ginger paste, chili flakes, and water until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the drained noodles to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and peanut sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Garnish the salad with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving. If you prefer a chilled salad, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations
- To add more protein to the salad, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- If you want to make the salad spicier, increase the amount of chili flakes in the peanut sauce.
- For a heartier salad, add some crispy wonton strips or fried shallots on top.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 15g |
Conclusion
The Asian Peanut Noodle Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that is also easy to prepare. With its combination of fresh vegetables, crunchy noodles, and creamy peanut sauce, this salad is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply looking for a quick and healthy lunch, this salad is a must-try. Enjoy!
