These vibrant cold peanut noodles are a perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and fresh flavors, making them ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Packed with plant-based protein from peanut butter, fiber-rich noodles, and healthy fats, this dish is light yet nourishing.
Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, refreshing option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Cold Peanut Noodles with Cucumber
Equipment
- 1 Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- 1 Strainer or colander (to drain noodles)
- 1 Medium mixing bowl (for sauce)
- 1 Large bowl (for tossing noodles)
- 1 Whisk or fork (for mixing sauce)
- 1 Knife (for slicing cucumber and spring onion)
- 1 Grater (for cucumber and ginger)
Ingredients
- 250 g noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tsp chili flakes plus extra to taste
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 cucumber ½ grated, ½ sliced
- 1 spring onion chopped
- Optional: extra peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook exactly according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Rinse and Cool Noodles: Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander. Immediately rinse them under cold running water for 2–3 minutes. This stops the cooking process and cools the noodles for a refreshing cold dish. Shake gently to remove excess water.
- Toss Noodles with Oil: Transfer the cooled noodles to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss gently with your hands or tongs until every strand is lightly coated. This prevents the noodles from clumping together and adds a subtle nutty aroma.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, crushed garlic, chili flakes, and sriracha. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more chili flakes for heat or honey for sweetness.
- Add Fresh Cucumber and Onion: Fold in the grated cucumber, half of the chopped spring onion, and if desired, a few chopped peanuts. Mixing these into the sauce allows the fresh flavors to blend and the sauce to become slightly textured with crunch.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cooled, oiled noodles. Using tongs or two large forks, toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and evenly mixed with the sauce. Make sure each noodle strand is infused with flavor.
- Plate and Garnish: Divide the noodles evenly between serving bowls. Top each portion with the remaining sliced cucumber and the rest of the chopped spring onion. Optionally, sprinkle additional sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp experience, or refrigerate for 30 minutes if you prefer a colder, more refreshing meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with iced green tea or a simple miso soup on the side.
Notes
- Use any type of noodles you prefer, including rice noodles, soba, or whole wheat spaghetti, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Ensure noodles are cooled completely under cold water to prevent them from sticking and to make the dish truly refreshing.
- Grated cucumber adds moisture and crunch; squeezing out excess water can prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Adjust chili flakes and sriracha to your preferred spice level—this recipe can be mild or bold depending on taste.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup.
- Toasted sesame seeds enhance flavor; lightly toast them in a dry pan for a nuttier aroma before adding.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Noodles
To achieve the creamiest and most flavorful noodles, focus on balance and technique.
Always rinse your cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking and maintain a firm texture.
Tossing them lightly with sesame oil ensures they remain separate and silky.
When preparing the peanut sauce, whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Incorporating grated cucumber and spring onions into the sauce, rather than just on top, allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasoning—this step ensures each bowl is perfectly balanced between sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy notes.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Enjoyment
This cold peanut noodle bowl is versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways.
Serve it as a light lunch on its own or pair it with steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a heartier meal.
Adding extra protein like tofu cubes, edamame, or shredded chicken (if not vegan) transforms it into a filling dinner.
For presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts to add color and crunch.
This dish also works wonderfully as a make-ahead lunch, served chilled straight from the fridge.
Smart Storage Tips for Longevity
Cold peanut noodles are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for meal prep.
Keep noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
If already combined, stir well before serving to redistribute the sauce.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of the noodles and fresh cucumber may become mushy.
To maintain freshness, slice cucumber just before serving and store any garnishes, such as spring onions or peanuts, separately.
Reheat is unnecessary—these noodles are intended to be served cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different noodles instead?
Absolutely. Rice noodles, soba noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles work well.
Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain al dente.
2. How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
Adjust chili flakes and sriracha to taste. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to reach your preferred heat level.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Store noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Combine just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. All other ingredients are plant-based, making it a vegan-friendly, protein-rich meal.
5. Can I add extra protein or vegetables?
Certainly. Tofu cubes, edamame, shredded chicken, or additional vegetables like bell peppers and carrots complement the dish beautifully, making it more filling while retaining its vibrant, fresh flavors.
