Peanut soy noodles
Peanut soy noodles are a creamy, savory dinner made from pantry staples. Spaghetti and cabbage cook in one pot. A quick sauce of peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic and lime coats the noodles. It is ready in about 20 minutes.
- 20 minTotal time
- 2Servings
- 550kcal / serving
- 21 gProtein
The science: why this works
Why pasta water helps the sauce
Cooking water holds starch from the pasta. Stirring a few tablespoons into the peanut butter loosens it into a smooth sauce, and the starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Tossing the pasta with the sauce over low heat lets the two bind into one dish.
Learn: Finishing pasta in the sauce →Why lime balances the peanut butter
Peanut butter is rich and fatty. Lime juice adds acid that cuts the richness and keeps the sauce from tasting heavy. Soy sauce adds salt and savory depth. Tasting at the end lets you nudge the balance with a pinch of salt or a drop more honey.
Learn: Balancing salt, sweet, sour →Why the pasta water is salted
Pasta absorbs water as it cooks, so salted water seasons it from the inside. Unsalted pasta tastes flat even with a bold sauce. The water should taste lightly salty, like a mild broth. Salt added to the sauce alone cannot season the pasta itself.
Learn: Salt the pasta water →Peanut soy noodles
20 minutes · 2 servings · Fusion · Main course
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
- 200 glong pasta such as spaghetti
- 3 tbsppeanut butter
- 2 tbspsoy sauce
- 1lime
- 1carrot, grated
- 150 gcabbage, shredded
- 2green onions, sliced
- 1 clovegarlic, grated
- 1 pinchchili flakes
- 2 lwater, for boiling
Method
Tips for the best result
- Save the cooking water before you drain the pasta.
- Stir the sauce over low heat so the peanut butter does not scorch.
- Add the cabbage for the last 2 minutes so it stays crisp-tender.
Swaps
- Swap the peanut butter for tahini or almond butter if you have an allergy or preference.
- Swap the spaghetti for rice noodles, cooked to the packet.
- Swap the lime for rice vinegar.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Noodles firm up when cold, so add a splash of water and reheat to 165°F (74°C), or eat them cold.
Peanut soy noodles: questions
Can you use spaghetti for peanut noodles?
Yes, spaghetti works well and is easy to find. Cook it to the packet time and toss it in the sauce.
How do you thin peanut sauce?
Add warm pasta water a spoonful at a time. The starch also helps keep it smooth.
Are peanut noodles served hot or cold?
Either way works. Serve them warm right away, or chill them for a cold noodle salad.
