Sometimes, in the whirlwind of life—like those weekdays when everything feels like a juggling act—there’s a craving for something spicy and comforting, yet quick and easy. That’s where this spicy peanut butter ramen comes in. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, stirring up memories of late-night study sessions or impromptu dinner parties where the main ingredient was whatever you had in the pantry.
Steps
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of natural-style peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce (or sriracha if preferred), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a bowl until a smooth paste forms.
- Boil a small pot of water over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, take ¼ cup of the boiling water and mix it into the peanut-chili paste until it becomes a smooth, pourable sauce.
- Add the instant ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are tender.
- Drain the noodles and return them to the pot with the heat turned off. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodles and stir until they are well coated.
- Serve the noodles immediately, garnished with sliced green onions for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons natural-style peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or substitute with sriracha)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 packet (3 oz.) instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 1 green onion, sliced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 621.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 69.2g | Protein: 17.8g | Fat: 30.3g | Sodium: 2675.4mg | Fiber: 4.9g | Sugars: N/A | Cholesterol: N/A
FAQ
- What type of peanut butter is recommended for this recipe?
- It is best to use natural-style peanut butter, which is made from just ground peanuts and possibly a little salt, without added sugars or oils. This type of peanut butter offers a stronger and more authentic peanut flavor.
- How can I make the peanut butter ramen noodles less spicy?
- To reduce the spiciness, you can substitute the chili garlic sauce with individual ingredients like garlic and a bit of acidity, or try using a peanut lime dressing instead.
- Can I add other ingredients to enhance my peanut butter ramen noodles?
- Absolutely! You can customize your dish by adding various proteins or vegetables such as cooked chicken, shrimp, red bell pepper, spinach, baked tofu, shredded carrot, or edamame.
- Is the ramen seasoning packet necessary for this recipe?
- No, the recipe is designed to be made without the seasoning packet. If you choose to use it, consider omitting the soy sauce, as the seasoning packet will already add salt to the dish.
- Are there alternative hot sauces I can use if I can’t find chili garlic sauce?
- Yes, if chili garlic sauce is unavailable, you can substitute it with sriracha to achieve a similar level of heat and flavor.
Tips
- Use natural-style peanut butter, which consists mainly of ground peanuts and minimal salt, for a stronger peanut flavor without the added sugars found in processed varieties.
- If you prefer a non-spicy version, substitute the chili garlic sauce with individual ingredients like garlic and lime juice to retain the sauce’s depth without the heat.
- Feel free to enhance your ramen with additional proteins or vegetables, such as cooked chicken, shrimp, spinach, or red bell pepper, to make your dish more nutritious and flavorful.
- Skip the ramen seasoning packet and opt for soy sauce to control the saltiness, ensuring a balanced and tasty dish.
Equipment
- Small pot – If you don’t already have a suitable pot for boiling water and cooking noodles.
- Mixing bowl – For combining the sauce ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring the peanut butter, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
