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Peanut Sauce Udon Noodles

Name: Peanut Sauce Udon Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 3.5 oz. (100 gm.) Udon Noodles; 3 tablespoons Peanut Butter; 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce; 1 tablespoon Vinegar; 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice; 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup; 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 4 cloves Garlic; 1 inch Ginger; 1 cup Shiitake Mushrooms; 1 cup Broccoli Florets; 1/2 cup Carrot, julienned; 1/4 cup Green Onions; Sesame Seeds; Salt; Pepper

Noodles are coated in a spicy, flavorful peanut sauce and paired with broccoli & mushrooms.

Dinner

Asian

Introduction

Peanut Sauce Udon Noodles stands as a testament to thoughtful culinary fusion, marrying the substantial texture of Japanese udon noodles with the rich complexity of Southeast Asian peanut sauce. This adaptable dish works equally well served warm from the pan or chilled, making it a reliable choice for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant meal preparation.

The heart of this recipe is its well-crafted peanut sauce, which brings together smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup. Each ingredient plays an essential role: the peanut butter provides richness and body, while the soy sauce adds depth, and the combination of vinegar and lemon juice brings necessary brightness. A touch of maple syrup balances these bold flavors, while red chili flakes add warmth that can be adjusted to taste. When tossed with the substantial udon noodles, this sauce creates a dish that satisfies both in flavor and texture.

The recipe incorporates a practical selection of vegetables and aromatics that complement the noodles and sauce while adding nutritional value. Fresh ginger and garlic provide an aromatic foundation, while shiitake mushrooms contribute earthiness, broccoli adds pleasant crunch, and julienned carrots offer color and subtle sweetness. The final touch of green onions and sesame seeds elevates the dish from simple to sophisticated, adding both visual appeal and textural contrast. At 499 calories per serving and requiring just 20 minutes to prepare, this dish offers a balanced combination of nutrition and convenience, proving that thoughtful cooking need not be time-consuming.

Ingredients

To prepare Noodles,

3.5 oz. (100 gm.) Udon Noodles
3 cups Water
Salt

To Prepare Peanut Sauce,

3 tablespoons Peanut Butter (smooth or crunchy)
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Vinegar
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
Salt
Pepper

To Cook,

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic, chopped
1 inch Ginger, chopped
1 cup Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced
1 cup Broccoli Florets
2 tablespoons Water
1/2 cup Carrot, julienned
1/4 cup freshly chopped Green Onions
Sesame Seeds, to garnish

Instructions

Boil Noodles: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan with salt. Add 3.5 oz / 100 gm udon noodles and cook for 9-12 minutes (or according to package instructions). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare Peanut Sauce: Mix 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon each of vinegar, lemon juice, and maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 4 chopped garlic cloves and 1-inch chopped ginger, cooking until golden (1-2 minutes).
Cook Veggies: Add 1 cup each of sliced mushrooms and broccoli, stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Combine: Add the cooked noodles, 1/2 cup julienned carrots, and the peanut sauce. Fold everything together until well combined.
Garnish: Garnish with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot or cold.

Recipe Video

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Recipe Notes

Noodles: Udon noodles are the key base for this dish, but you can substitute with other noodles like soba or rice noodles if preferred. Ensure the noodles are boiled according to package instructions (usually 9-12 minutes).
Peanut Butter: The peanut sauce can be made with either smooth or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your texture preference. If using crunchy peanut butter, you may need to stir the sauce more vigorously.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content, especially since the recipe includes added salt and other seasonings.
Vegetables: Shiitake mushrooms and broccoli are used for a delicious umami and crunch, but you can swap them for other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or snow peas.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your heat tolerance. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and increase if you prefer more spice.
Sweetness: Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy elements of the dish. If you prefer, you can substitute with agave syrup or brown sugar.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce, so you might want to add a splash of water or more peanut butter when reheating.
Serving Options: This dish can be enjoyed hot right after cooking, or cold as a refreshing noodle salad. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute udon noodles with gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles or gluten-free soba noodles. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or brown sugar. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but they will all help balance the sauce’s richness.

Can I make this dish without garlic or ginger?

While garlic and ginger are essential for the dish’s flavor profile, you can omit them if you prefer a milder taste. However, the dish might lack some depth, so consider adding a small amount of garlic powder or ground ginger as an alternative.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the peanut sauce noodles. However, keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables and noodles may change slightly after freezing and reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to a month, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and is easy to pack in containers for lunches or dinners. Just reheat and enjoy!

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, you can add protein like tofu, tempeh, or edamame to make the dish more filling. Simply sauté tofu until crispy or add tempeh directly to the stir-fry for added texture and flavor.

Can I use a different vegetable instead of broccoli?

Yes, you can replace broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or even spinach. Just be mindful of the cooking times as different vegetables may require slightly different sauté times.