Save to Pinterest The Asian Peanut Noodle Bowl is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances textures and flavors. Featuring tender noodles tossed with a rainbow of crisp shredded vegetables and a luscious, creamy peanut dressing, this bowl is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this easy-to-make recipe offers a healthy and flavorful solution for any day of the week.
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This noodle bowl is a masterclass in contrasting textures—the crunch of the cabbage and sprouts against the silkiness of the noodles and the rich dressing creates a truly satisfying bite. It's a fantastic way to eat your colors while enjoying a savory-sweet flavor profile that never fails to please.
Ingredients
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- Noodles: 300 g (10 oz) rice noodles or wheat noodles
- Vegetables: 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup (80 g) shredded red cabbage; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup (30 g) bean sprouts
- Peanut Dressing: 1/3 cup (80 g) creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp freshly grated ginger; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 2–4 tbsp warm water, as needed
- Topping: 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Step 2
- 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 is smooth and pourable.
- Step 3
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, scallions, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
- Step 4
- Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5
- Divide the noodle bowl among serving plates. Top with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra cilantro.
- Step 6
- Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy cold or gently warmed as desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the perfect consistency for your peanut dressing, adjust the thickness with more or less water as preferred. If you are preparing this for meal prep, keep the dressing in a separate container until you are ready to eat to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, simply use maple syrup instead of honey. You can add extra protein like grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal. Feel free to substitute or add other fresh vegetables such as cucumber or snap peas depending on what is in season.
Serviervorschläge
This vibrant bowl pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Riesling or a refreshing iced green tea. Be sure to serve with plenty of lime wedges, as the fresh acidity helps brighten the savory-sweet notes of the peanut sauce.
Save to Pinterest Simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Asian Peanut Noodle Bowl is a reliable favorite for busy days. Its combination of wholesome ingredients and easy preparation makes it a go-to dish for anyone looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the vegetables and dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then toss everything together when ready to serve. The noodles are best cooked fresh, but you can rinse and refrigerate them for up to 2 days.
- → What type of noodles work best?
Rice noodles are traditional for this dish, offering a light texture that absorbs the peanut dressing beautifully. Wheat noodles like udon or soba also work well and provide more structure. Even spaghetti makes a suitable substitute in a pinch.
- → Is the peanut sauce spicy?
The base sauce is not spicy, focusing on savory and sweet notes. If you enjoy heat, add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or fresh red pepper flakes directly into the dressing. Start with one teaspoon and adjust according to your preference.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store assembled bowls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more dressing over time, which some people prefer. If the mixture seems dry when reheating, add a splash of water or additional dressing to loosen.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Certainly. Use rice noodles and replace regular soy sauce with tamari. Double-check that your peanut butter and other condiments are certified gluten-free. The dish naturally accommodates gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.
- → What proteins can I add?
Grilled tofu, edamame, or baked tempeh work wonderfully for vegetarian options. For non-vegetarian additions, try shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or thinly sliced beef. Add proteins after tossing with the dressing so they stay intact.