These delicious 20-minute sesame peanut noodles are easy to make and use pantry staples you already have on hand. Creamy, slurp-worthy and quick. What else could you ask for on a busy day?
Cook noodles according to package instructions. Subtract 3 minutesoff the cooking time to achieve 'al dente' noodles. Set your timer and get started on the next step. When noodles are done, drain noodles but DO NOT rinse.
While noodles are cooking, heat a large nonstick pan on medium heat with 1 Tablespoon vegetable or canola oil. Add garlic, ginger and fry until fragrant and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
Pour in chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and add brown sugar. Stir to combine everything and cook until it starts to bubble.
Turn off heat then add sesame oil and peanut butter. Stir until combined. Add drained, cooked noodles and mix until noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Divide noodles into 4 serving bowls. Sprinkle on sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and cilantro. If desired, add protein of your choice and vegetables. Serve noodles with a wedge of lime or lemon on the side.
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Notes
Does it matter what kind of nut butter I use?I used Kraft's Smooth Peanut Butter, which tends to have added sugar. If you are using a natural nut butter such as almond, cashew or other butter without added sugar, adjust your seasoning by adding more or less brown sugar than listed in the recipe to suit your taste. If you like the sauce less sweet, you can omit this and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.Do I need the lime?It is not necessary but I do recommend it. The added zest from a lime or lemon will offset some of the creamy and sweet flavours in the nut butter.Other Tips
Do not rinse noodles after you drain them. By keeping the noodles hot, they cling to and absorb the sauce better.
Be sure to follow the package instructions to cook your noodles. Every noodle package has different cooking instructions. Some instructions will give you the cooking time for al dente noodles; if not, the general rule is to subtract 2-3 minutes off the recommended cooking time if you want to achieve al dente noodles.
Peanut butter melts quickly; therefore, add it as your last ingredient while mixing the sauce off the heat.
Add sriracha sauce or any other hot sauce you like to give the noodles a little heat.