If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a little zing, then you absolutely have to try this Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe. It’s everything you want in a noodle bowl—creamy, spicy peanut sauce, crisp and refreshing cucumber, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coming together in a quick and simple meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. Whether you need a weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch, these noodles hit the spot every time, with notes of sweetness, heat, and freshness that keep your taste buds happily dancing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender noodles that carry the sauce, to the crunchy cucumbers that add a cool contrast and the peanut sauce that brings everything together with a creamy, spicy punch.
- 8 oz rice noodles or your choice of noodles: These are the base of the dish, soft and ready to soak up the sauce.
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to balance the richness.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts: For garnish, bringing crunch and an extra peanut flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional): A toasty, nutty hint if you want to enhance the look and taste.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Brightens up the dish with a burst of herby freshness.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy): The star of the sauce, rich and creamy.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Adds the perfect salty backbone to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds depth and that irresistible nutty aroma.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce just enough to complement the spice.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Provides the kick—adjust this up or down depending on your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a touch of zing.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water: To thin the sauce perfectly for coating the noodles.
How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you’re using rice noodles, soba, or udon, make sure to rinse them under cold water after draining to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together. Set aside so they’re ready to be tossed in the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Add warm water gradually, stirring until you get a silky sauce that’s easy to coat the noodles without being too thick or runny.
Step 3: Prep the Cucumber
While the noodles cook and the sauce comes together, slice your cucumber into julienne strips or thin slices. This fresh, crunchy element will give the noodles a refreshing contrast that elevates the whole dish.
Step 4: Toss Noodles with Sauce
Place your cooked noodles into a large mixing bowl, pour the peanut sauce over them, and toss everything together thoroughly. The noodles should be evenly coated with the spicy peanut goodness.
Step 5: Add Cucumber and Garnishes
Gently fold in the cucumber slices so they don’t get soggy but add that crisp bite we love. Finish by sprinkling chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro on top for texture, flavor, and a vibrant look.
How to Serve Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds not only adds crunch but also layers of nutty aroma that enhance the spicy peanut noodles with cucumber recipe. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of brightness that balances the richness perfectly. You can even add thinly sliced green onions or a wedge of lime for an extra zesty pop.
Side Dishes
This noodle dish can stand on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like steamed edamame, crisp Asian slaw, or a light cucumber salad makes for a well-rounded meal. If you want something heartier, grilled chicken or tofu work beautifully to add protein without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the noodles in individual bowls and arrange cucumber slices on top in a fan shape. Use colorful bowls to show off the vibrant noodles and sprinkle garnishes in a pattern rather than scattering. You can even serve it cold as a refreshing summer salad, which makes the spicy peanut noodles with cucumber recipe versatile and perfect year-round.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spicy peanut noodles with cucumber recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep garnishes like peanuts and herbs separate until serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Freezing
This noodle dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the fresh cucumber and sauce texture. For freezing, separate the cooked noodles and sauce, but fresh cucumber should always be added fresh when serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy leftovers warm, reheat the noodles gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Add cucumber fresh after reheating so it stays crisp and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just whisk it before using, and thin with a touch of warm water if needed.
What noodles work best for this recipe?
Rice noodles are traditional and fantastic for absorbing the sauce, but you can also use soba, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have. Each brings a slightly different texture but will taste amazing.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The recipe uses sriracha to add heat, which you can reduce for a milder dish or increase for a spicy kick. You could also swap sriracha for chili garlic sauce or add fresh chili slices if you want to personalize the heat.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s easy to make vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and tamari instead of soy sauce if you prefer gluten-free. The peanut sauce base is naturally plant-based and packed with flavor.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even crispy tempeh make wonderful additions to turn this noodle bowl into a more hearty main dish while keeping all the vibrant flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe enough—it’s that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, creamy, and fresh that keeps me coming back for more. Whether you’re new to cooking Asian-inspired dishes or a seasoned pro, it’s a fun and flavorful way to bring some excitement to your table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorites too!
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Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring tender rice noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, crisp cucumber slices, and garnished with peanuts and sesame seeds, it’s a deliciously refreshing and satisfying meal with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz rice noodles or your choice of noodles (soba, udon, or spaghetti)
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency, stirring until smooth.
- Toss Noodles and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the peanut sauce. Toss thoroughly until all noodles are evenly coated.
- Add Cucumber: Gently fold in the julienned or thinly sliced cucumber to add freshness and crunch to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a cold noodle salad.
Notes
- You can substitute rice noodles with soba, udon, or spaghetti based on preference.
- Adjust sriracha to control the spice heat in the dish.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- This dish can be served warm or chilled as a noodle salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
