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Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

This Spicy Peanut Noodles recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining chewy udon noodles with a spicy, nutty sauce made from peanut butter, Korean chili paste, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus. Perfect as a quick and satisfying meal, it balances heat, umami, and freshness with a delightful crunch from sesame seeds and a finishing drizzle of chili oil.

Ingredients

Noodles

  • 8.8 oz udon noodles (250g)

Sauce and Garnishes

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped spring onions (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (small piece)
  • 1 garlic clove (grated)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • Chili oil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Arrange the peanut butter, gochujang, finely chopped spring onions, basil, cilantro, sesame seeds, chili flakes, grated ginger, and grated garlic on a large plate. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sugar if using.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the noodle cooking water, then drain the noodles.
  3. Heat Oil: In a small pan, heat the neutral oil until it is hot but not smoking.
  4. Combine and Mix: Carefully pour the hot oil over the arranged ingredients on the plate. The heat from the oil helps meld the flavors together. Mix everything thoroughly on the plate to create a cohesive sauce.
  5. Add Noodles: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the plate. Add a splash of the reserved noodle cooking water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the noodles are well coated with the spicy peanut sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Serve the noodles in bowls and garnish with additional chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil to taste.

Notes

  • Reserve some noodle cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • The sugar is optional but helps balance the heat and acidity.
  • Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil to avoid overpowering the sauce flavors.
  • Adjust chili flakes and gochujang amounts to control spiciness.
  • Can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for meal prep.
  • Fresh herbs add brightness; don’t skip them.