Hello! I’m Lara Andoh, a creative and food-loving Ghanaian currently residing in the Unites States. As an avid traveler, I’ve been lucky enough to sample an array of delicious dishes from different cultures, but I always find myself drawn back to my roots. This recipe for Spicy Peanut Fusion Noodles has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the traditional peanut soup I grew up eating in Ghana. The addition of noodles and veggies gives it a unique twist that I’m excited to share with you today!
Lara is a creative soul with a passion for food, travel, and all things meaningful. Originally from Ghana, West Africa, she has lived in various countries around the world. When she is not busy exploring new cultures and cuisines, she spends her time writing and creating beautiful works of art.
Lara Andoh currently resides in the United States and grew up in Ghana.
Trader Joe’s has always been my go-to grocery store for unique and tasty finds, and I was thrilled to discover their Spicy Peanut Fusion Noodles. After trying them out, I knew I had to recreate them at home with my own personal touch. Did you know that peanuts were first cultivated in South America over 3,500 years ago? They made their way to West Africa through the slave trade and quickly became a staple in our cuisine. It’s fascinating to see how food travels and evolves over time, and this dish is a perfect example of that.
With the summer heat just around the corner, now is the perfect time to add this Spicy Peanut Fusion Noodles recipe to your repertoire! Not only is it a quick and easy meal that will save you time in the kitchen, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients and plant-based protein. May is National Peanut Month in the US, so what better way to celebrate than by trying out this delicious recipe? Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegan, there’s something for everyone in this dish. So get your chopsticks ready and let’s dig in!
What you need
This Spicy Peanut Fusion Noodles recipe is inspired by the ever-popular dish from Trader Joe’s and is a quick and easy meal that works great as a weekday dinner! The star of this dish is a creamy peanut butter sauce, seasoned with spicy sambal oelek and tangy rice vinegar, that coats every noodle and vegetable in a tantalizing embrace of flavors. The dish is made with a combination of spaghetti noodles, crunchy green cabbage, sweet red bell pepper, and tangy shredded carrots, all drenched in the mouthwatering peanut sauce, garnished with some fresh sliced green onions. The cooking process is quick and easy, with the noodles being cooked to al dente perfection and served with the prepared peanut sauce and vegetables. The recipe includes prep tips for the veggies and some sauce hacks, and the instructions come in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format. The dish is healthy, vegetarian, and gluten-free, perfect for everyone at the dinner table. So get ready to fire up your tastebuds and enjoy this deliciously spicy and nutty noodle dish!
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti Noodles – Spaghetti noodles work great in this dish, but feel free to use other noodle options like udon or ramen noodles.
- Peanut Butter – Peanut butter adds a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with almond butter or cashew butter if you have any allergies to peanuts.
- Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds saltiness to the dish and complements the peanut butter sauce. You can swap it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Rice Vinegar – The rice vinegar adds a tangy and sour flavor to the dish. You can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute.
- Green Cabbage – Green cabbage adds a nice crunch and tangy flavor to the dish. You can use red cabbage or Napa cabbage as a substitute, or omit it if you don’t have any cabbage on hand.
- Red Bell Pepper – Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color to the dish. You can use other colorful bell peppers or hot peppers if you like it spicy.
- Carrots – Shredded carrots add a mild and sweet flavor to the dish, as well as some additional color. You can substitute with grated zucchini or omit it completely.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish. If you don’t like garlic, you can omit it, but it will change the flavor profile of the dish.
- Sambal Oelek – Sambal Oelek is a chili sauce that adds heat to the dish. You can substitute with sriracha or red pepper flakes depending on your preference for spiciness.
- Green Onions – Green onions add a fresh taste and some color to the dish. You can substitute with chives or omit it if you don’t like the flavor of green onions.
Utensils:
- Large Pot – to cook the noodles
- Colander – to strain the noodles
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
Sambal Oelek
Sambal Oelek is a chili sauce that gives this dish its signature spicy kick. This sauce is made from crushed chili peppers and vinegar and can be found in most grocery stores. I love cooking with it because it adds a depth of flavor to any dish, and it’s a great condiment for adding spice to anything from soup to rice dishes. The amount of sambal oelek used in this recipe can be adjusted to your personal preference, but I recommend leaving it in for the full effect of the dish’s flavors. While it may not be the most popular chili sauce around, its versatility and unique flavor profile make it a must-have for any home cook’s kitchen.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a staple ingredient that adds creaminess and a nutty flavor to this dish. It is an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which makes it a great addition to any balanced and healthy meal. One of the most exciting things about using peanut butter in cooking is its versatility; it can be used in everything from smoothies to sauces to desserts. When used in this recipe, it pairs perfectly with the soy sauce and rice vinegar to create a smooth and savory peanut sauce that coats the noodles and vegetables. Peanut butter is also a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a good source of protein in their diet. While some peanut butters may contain added sugars or oils, look for natural varieties with no added ingredients for the healthiest option.
What to serve it with?
I love to pair my Spicy Peanut Fusion Noodles with some fresh, crunchy lettuce leaves! The combination of the warm noodles with the cool, crispy lettuce makes for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It also adds a refreshing touch to the dish, making it perfect for hot summer days. In Ghana, we love to eat our soups and stews with some kind of starchy side like boiled yam or plantains. I find that the lettuce leaves serve a similar purpose, giving you something to wrap the noodles and veggies in for a satisfying bite. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra greens and vitamins!
Summary
As a food enthusiast and lover of all things nutty and spicy, I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my take on this Spicy Peanut Fusion Noodles recipe with you. I hope you give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you add any extra veggies or protein to the mix? Did you try it with the lettuce leaves or have a different serving suggestion? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@lara.andoh) so I can see your delicious creations. Until next time, happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Spicy Peanut Fusion Noodles - Inspired by Trader Joe's
Equipment
- large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large Skillet
- spatula
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
Ingredients
- 16 oz Spaghetti Noodles
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 cups, shredded Green Cabbage
- 1, sliced Red Bell Pepper
- 2, shredded Carrots
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Sambal Oelek
- 2, sliced Green Onions
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until they are al dente as per the package instructions. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl. - Be sure not to overcook the noodles, or they will become too soft and spongy. Rinse the noodles with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from sticking together. You can also add a small amount of oil to the noodles to keep them from sticking.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce - In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sambal oelek until smooth. Add water a little at a time, whisking until the sauce has a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed. - Whisk the sauce vigorously to combine the ingredients and create a smooth and emulsified texture. Add the water slowly to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more sambal oelek for more spice or soy sauce for more saltiness.
- Prep the Vegetables - Wash and prepare the vegetables. Shred the cabbage, slice the red bell pepper, grate the carrots, and slice the green onions. - To make the prep process easier, use a food processor to shred or grate the vegetables. Be sure to slice the vegetables thinly and uniformly for even cooking and texture in the dish.
- Combine Noodles and Vegetables - Add the prepared vegetables to the mixing bowl with the cooked spaghetti noodles. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are coated evenly with the sauce. - Use tongs or two forks to toss the noodles and vegetables gently to avoid breaking up the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, you can always thin it out with a little bit of hot water or vegetable broth.
- Serve and Enjoy - Serve the noodles in bowls, garnished with sliced green onions. Enjoy! - The noodles can be enjoyed both hot or cold, so you can store the leftovers in the fridge for a few days and enjoy them for a quick lunch or dinner later on. Garnish with some crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or extra green onions for an added burst of flavor and texture.
