Who can resist the allure of rice noodles drenched in a rich and luscious peanut sauce? Not to mention, crafting these noodles at home is simpler than one may anticipate. The key lies in meticulous preparation before the actual cooking process. The prepping stage actually requires more time than the cooking itself: Prepare the peanut-lime sauce. Soak the noodles. Dice all the vegetables and chicken. Select and rinse your herbs, and finely chop the peanuts. Once these tasks are completed, the dish effortlessly comes together in no time!
Certainly, this dish is ideal for prepping either in the morning or the night before. Almost every component retains its quality in the refrigerator overnight. By taking care of the majority of the preparation in advance, when it’s time to cook, all you need to do is soak the noodles, and you’re good to go.
Have you attempted to create this? Share your experience and outcomes in the comments!
Ingredients
Kosher salt
8 oz. thick rice noodles
1/2 c. no-sugar-added creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp. sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
1 tbsp. sriracha
1/2 tsp. finely grated lime zest
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
2 small or 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz.), chopped into 1/2″ pieces
1 small red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
3 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. finely chopped peeled ginger
1/2 c. fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 c. small fresh basil leaves
1/3 c. roasted salted peanuts, finely chopped
Lime wedges, for serving
Step 1:
Boil a medium pot of water, generously seasoned with salt. Stir in the noodles to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and allow them to soak until tender, approximately 13 to 15 minutes. Drain using a colander and rinse with cold water.
Step 2:
Simultaneously, in a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, chili sauce, tamari, sriracha, lime zest, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup warm water. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, and set it aside.
Step 3:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, and cook, stirring frequently, until it achieves a light golden color in spots and is nearly cooked through, approximately 4 minutes. Introduce bell pepper, garlic, white scallion parts, and ginger; season with salt as necessary. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring regularly, until the peppers reach a tender consistency, about 3 minutes more.
Step 4:
Combine noodles with the contents of the pan and toss thoroughly. Remove from heat and incorporate the reserved sauce, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated.
Step 5:
Distribute the noodles among individual bowls. Garnish with green scallion parts, cilantro, basil, and peanuts. Serve alongside lime wedges.
