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Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad is a tasty mix of cold noodles and fresh veggies with a zesty peanut sauce. You can make this yummy dish in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s great for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
This salad is easy to customize. You can add your favorite veggies or swap the chicken for tofu if you like. The star of the show is the spicy peanut sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds.
Exact Ingredients (Plus Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need for a tasty Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad:
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
For the veggies and toppings:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 green onions, sliced
Can’t find some ingredients? Try these swaps:
- Swap soba noodles for whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter
- Replace sriracha with any hot sauce you like
- Swap bell pepper for cucumber or edamame
Want to add protein? Toss in some:
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Pan-fried tofu cubes
- Steamed edamame
Mix and match these ingredients to create your perfect salad!
Instructions
Start by cooking the soba noodles. Follow the package directions and cook them until they’re tender. When done, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the noodles cook, prepare the dressing. In a blender, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Add a bit of water to thin it out if needed.
Chop up some veggies for your salad. Red pepper, cabbage, and cilantro work great. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
If you want protein, cook some chicken in a skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Once it’s done, shred it into small pieces.
Mix the cooled noodles, veggies, and chicken (if using) in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and toss well to coat.
Taste your salad and add more seasoning if needed. You can sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch.
Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together nicely.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
To make the best spicy peanut soba noodle salad, cook the noodles until they’re just tender. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get mushy. Rinse the noodles in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process.
For extra crunch, add some chopped peanuts on top. You can also toss in some edamame or sliced snap peas for more texture and flavor.
If you like it extra spicy, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing. Taste as you go to get the heat level just right for you.
Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This lets the flavors meld together. Just give it a good shake before using.
You can prep all the veggies in advance too. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Leftover salad will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. The noodles may soak up some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash more when you eat it.
For meal prep, keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.