Ramen noodles are cooked and tossed with a spicy peanut sauce, sliced cucumber, scallions, cilantro, lime wedges, and topped with crushed peanuts. This simple Asian noodle recipe is best served at room temperature or cold from the fridge. Serve on its own or with bulk it up with a side of sauteed tofu, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
½-inchpiecefresh gingerpeeled, grated on a microplane
1smallgarlic clovegrated with a microplane or finely minced
1pinchred pepper flakes (optional)
8-9ouncesdried ramen noodlessee note*
½English cucumber (roughly 8 ounces)seeds scooped and discarded, quartered lengthwise and cut into thin ½-inch slices
3scallions (white and green parts)thinly sliced on a bias
¼cupfresh cilantro leavesroughly chopped, plus more for garnish
dry-roasted unsalted peanutsfinely crushed, for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sambal oeleek (chile garlic paste), rice vinegar, grated ginger, grated garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together until well combined and smooth.
Prepare the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the boiling salted water and cook according to the instructions, stirring frequently, or they are until al dente. Drain the noodles, run under cool water and toss until cold, and drain again. Transfer the noodles to the mixing bowl with the peanut sauce and toss gently with tongs until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Add the sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and sliced scallions, and toss again gently. Season to taste. Note: If you're struggling tossing the noodles, you can add a tablespoon or so of water to help loosen the sauce.
Serve room temperature topped with finely crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken during chilling (it still tastes great!) - feel free to add a tablespoon of water to thin the sauce if you wish.
Tips for Success:
Feel free to use dried or fresh ramen noodles for this recipe. You'll want roughly 8 - 9 ounces total (if you're using a brand like Nissin Instant Noodles, that is roughly 3 packages - remember to discard the seasoning packet!).