Cold Peanut Soba Noodles Recipe
Overview
Cold Peanut Soba Noodles is a delightful dish featuring Japanese soba noodles tossed in a savory peanut sauce, perfect for vegetarians and easily customizable with additional vegetables or proteins like soy-marinated chicken, shrimp, or salmon. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 ounces soba noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage (optional)
- 2 water chestnuts, sliced (optional)
- 2 soy-marinated chicken breasts, grilled and sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (optional)
- 2 soy-marinated salmon fillets, grilled and flaked (optional)
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and well combined.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked soba noodles (or spaghetti) with shredded red cabbage, sliced water chestnuts, and any optional proteins like soy-marinated chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
-
Add the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Adjust the consistency of the dish by adding more sauce if desired.
-
Final Touches:
- Add chopped peanuts to the noodles and toss again to distribute. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if needed.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the peanut soba noodles for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 362.5
- Total Fat: 19.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 567.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugars: 12.5g
- Protein: 13.8g
Tips for Variation
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the optional proteins and enjoy the dish solely with vegetables and peanuts.
- Spicier Version: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure soba noodles are made from 100% buckwheat for a gluten-free meal.
Serving Suggestions
Cold Peanut Soba Noodles are best served chilled, making them perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing lunch option. Pair with a side of fresh salad or enjoy on its own as a flavorful one-dish meal.
This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds with its creamy peanut sauce and tender noodles but also provides a nutritious balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Enjoy the versatility of this dish by experimenting with different vegetables and proteins to suit your preferences!