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- 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cucumber, julienned - 1 cup shelled edamame - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves - Chopped peanuts - Squeeze of lime juice This dish is not only tasty but healthy too. Each serving gives you a good balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits: - Calories: Approximately 350 per serving - Protein: 12g (thanks to the peanut butter and edamame) - Fiber: 8g (from the whole wheat noodles and veggies) - Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A, C, and K This bowl is a colorful mix of nutrients. You get crunch from the veggies and creaminess from the peanut butter. It’s a great option for a quick meal that satisfies. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water boils, add 8 oz. of whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until the noodles are al dente. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. When they are done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the noodles firm. Set them aside to cool completely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients to make the dressing: - 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper, to taste Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious peanut dressing. Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the peanut dressing. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss the noodles gently. Ensure that each strand is coated in the creamy dressing. Next, mix in the veggies: - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cucumber, julienned - 1 cup shelled edamame - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped Toss everything together until the veggies are well mixed with the noodles. Taste your noodle bowl. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a splash more soy sauce or a drizzle of honey. This helps balance the flavors to suit your taste. Portion the noodle bowl into individual serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves. This adds color and extra flavor. Enjoy your tasty Sesame Peanut Noodle Bowl! One common mistake is overcooking the noodles. Always follow the package time closely. You want your noodles to be al dente. Rinse them in cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking and keeps them firm. Another mistake is not mixing the dressing well. Make sure to whisk until smooth. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Lastly, don’t skip the garnishes. They add flavor and make your bowl look pretty. To get the best flavor, use fresh ginger. Grate it just before adding to the dressing. This gives a bright taste that dried ginger lacks. Always taste the dressing before mixing it with noodles. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup. Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the dish. Lastly, let the flavors sit for a few minutes after mixing. This helps everything meld together. You only need a few simple tools. A large pot is essential for cooking the noodles. A mixing bowl helps you blend the dressing well. Use a whisk to combine all the dressing ingredients. Tongs are great for tossing the noodles and veggies together. A cutting board and sharp knife make slicing veggies quick and easy. Finally, a measuring cup ensures you get the right amount of peanut butter and liquids. Pro Tips Perfect Noodle Texture: Make sure to rinse the noodles under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep them from becoming mushy. Dress It Right: For an extra creamy dressing, consider warming the peanut butter slightly before mixing. This will help it blend more smoothly with other ingredients. Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Snap peas, broccoli, or bell peppers of different colors can add variety. Make Ahead: This noodle bowl can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to add garnishes like cilantro and sesame seeds just before serving. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap out regular noodles for rice noodles. Rice noodles are soft and soak up flavors well. Also, choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those avoiding gluten. This recipe is simple to adapt for vegetarians and vegans. The main ingredients are already plant-based. To keep it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup. This adds sweetness without animal products. Check your peanut butter to ensure it is vegan-friendly. Want to boost the protein in this meal? Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu. Tofu is an excellent choice. It absorbs flavors and adds a nice texture. Just make sure to cook your protein before mixing it in. This way, you’ll have a filling meal that satisfies your hunger. To keep your Sesame Peanut Noodle Bowl fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to cool the noodles completely before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup and soggy noodles. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat them in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water to help soften the noodles. Stir gently until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the noodles in a bowl, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If you want to freeze your Sesame Peanut Noodle Bowl, it’s best to keep the sauce and veggies separate. Cooked noodles can freeze well for up to two months. To freeze, place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned. You can use whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles. Whole wheat adds a nutty taste. Rice noodles give a light and chewy texture. Both options work great with the sauce. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the noodles and make the dressing in advance. Store them in the fridge separately. Mix them together just before serving to keep the noodles fresh. To add heat, include red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also use sriracha or chili paste. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Spicy toppings like jalapeños can also enhance the dish. Yes, this dish is quite healthy. It includes whole grains, veggies, and healthy fats from peanut butter. Edamame adds protein and fiber. You can adjust the sweetness and salt to make it even healthier. Enjoy this nutritious meal guilt-free! We covered how to make a tasty Sesame Peanut Noodle Bowl. First, we looked at key ingredients, optional garnishes, and nutrition. Next, I shared step-by-step cooking tips that ensure great flavor. I also offered helpful advice to avoid common mistakes and suggested variations for different diets. Finally, we discussed how to store leftovers and reheating tips. Try these steps and enjoy a dish that's easy, yummy, and satisfying. You'll have a new favorite meal in no time.

Sesame Peanut Noodle Bowl

A colorful and nutritious noodle bowl with a creamy peanut dressing and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 whole cucumber, julienned
  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • 1 4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set them aside to cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the crunchy peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), freshly grated ginger, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming a delicious dressing.
  • Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the peanut dressing. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the noodles to ensure that each strand is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  • Incorporate the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, shelled edamame, and chopped green onions into the bowl. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well distributed throughout the noodle mixture.
  • Taste the noodle bowl and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, you can add a splash more of soy sauce or a drizzle of honey to fine-tune the balance of flavors to your liking.
  • Portion the noodle bowl into individual serving bowls. Garnish each bowl generously with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and added flavor.

Notes

For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding chopped peanuts or a squeeze of lime juice over the top before serving.
Keyword healthy, noodles, peanut, vegetarian