Sweet & Spicy Peanut Noodles

A super simple peanut sauce ties this flavorful dish together.

I have been on a noodle kick lately, and this dish is partly to blame.

Noodles and stir frys are a great way to incorporate different vegetables and proteins. The sauces are always a fun way to play around with flavors. If meal prep has felt like a chore lately, this is one dish that will bring some excitement back to your plate!

When it comes to what you put in your bowl, you can get creative or simply clear out what's in your fridge. This is a great time to use up what you have because the sauce will bring it all together. After that, just add some rice noodles and your preferred protein for a balanced and tasty meal.

Here’s how to make it:

For the peanut sauce:

• 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup Tamari or soy sauce

• 1 large lime, juiced

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1.5 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• hot chili oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well until smooth and well combined. Store in an air tight container. Makes about 3-4 servings.

For the bowl:

• I usually try to have at least a cup of vegetables per serving. My favorites for this particular dish are a combination of shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced peppers, edamame, and green onion.

• Cooked protein of choice. I personally like this with about 1/4 lb of chicken breast per serving, but use what works best for you!

• Rice noodles. As I mentioned in other recipes (like the Beef & Broccoli), I love the rice vermicelli from Haiku. They come pre-portioned in little bundles and cook very quickly which makes it very easy to use for prepping.

• A little water from the cooked noodles. Starchy water helps the sauce bind to the noodles for a creamy, cohesive texture. You do the same thing in Italian cooking with pasta, so why not use the same method here! Just a tablespoon or so will do.

Preparation:

1. Prepare and assemble your vegetables and protein in your bowl.

2. Cook noodles according to instructions.

3. When noodles are done cooking, reserve a little water before draining the rest.

4. Add noodles to your bowl and mix. The heat will help soften the vegetables.

5. Add about 1/3 of your peanut sauce to the bowl as well as the reserved noodle water.

6. Mix until well combined.

7. Enjoy fresh or store in meal prep containers to make multiple meals through the week!

Will you give this recipe a try too? Please let me know in the comments or if there are any other requests you'd like to see me make!