Asian Peanut Noodle Bowl (Printable Version)

Vibrant noodle bowl with fresh vegetables and creamy peanut dressing. Ready in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 10 oz rice noodles or wheat noodles

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
03 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 2.8 oz shredded red cabbage
05 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
06 - 0.5 oz fresh cilantro leaves
07 - 1 oz bean sprouts

→ Peanut Dressing

08 - 2.8 oz creamy peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
14 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
15 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water, as needed

→ Toppings

16 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
17 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
18 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water until cooled completely, then set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, ginger, and minced garlic. Gradually whisk in warm water until the dressing achieves a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, shredded cabbage, sliced scallions, cilantro leaves, and bean sprouts.
04 - Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Divide the noodle bowl evenly among serving plates. Top each portion with chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and additional fresh cilantro as desired.
06 - Serve the noodle bowls with lime wedges on the side. The dish may be enjoyed chilled or gently warmed according to preference.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under thirty minutes but tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon.
  • The peanut dressing is genuinely addictive—balanced, silky, and nothing like the overly thick versions I'd made before.
  • You can eat it straight from the fridge or warm it gently, making it perfect for meal prep days when you want something different each time.
02 -
  • The dressing thickens as it sits, so make it slightly looser than you think is perfect—it'll be ideal by the time you eat.
  • Don't skip rinsing the noodles after cooking; warm or stuck-together noodles will absorb the dressing unevenly and turn to mush.
03 -
  • Make the dressing first and let it sit while you prep vegetables—the flavors meld slightly and the finished bowl tastes more cohesive.
  • If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing separate from the noodles and vegetables until you're ready to eat; assemble just before serving to maintain the crunch of fresh vegetables.
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