Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber 

A quick yet flavor-packed dish, Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber combines chewy ramen noodles with a creamy, tangy-slightly spicy peanut sauce, fresh cucumber, scallions, and cilantro. Ready in about 20 minutes, this bowl is perfect for busy weeknights or make‑ahead lunches. Serve it cold or at room temperature—either way it’s refreshing, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable as a standalone meal or a base for added protein. 

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp natural creamy peanut butter (unsweetened, preferably unsalted)
  
  

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  
  

• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice (½ lime), plus lime wedges for serving
  
  

• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
  
  

• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  
  

• 2 tsp Sambal Oelek (chili garlic paste) – adjust to taste
  
  

• 1 tsp rice vinegar
  
  

• ½‑inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  
  

• 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
  
  

• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  
  

• 8–9 oz dried ramen noodles (discard seasoning pack)
  
  

• ½ English cucumber (≈8 oz), seeded and thinly sliced
  
  

• 3 scallions, white & green parts, thinly sliced
  
  

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  
  

• Crushed dry‑roasted peanuts, for garnish
  
  

Directions

1. Boil noodles: Cook ramen in salted water until al dente, about 3–4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
   
   

2. Make sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, sesame seeds, Sambal Oelek, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
   
   

3. Toss noodles: Add noodles to the sauce, toss to coat evenly (add a splash of water if needed).
   
   

4. Add fresh elements: Gently mix in cucumber, cilantro, and scallions; season to taste.
   
   

5. Serve: Plate at room temperature, garnish with crushed peanuts, extra cilantro, and lime wedges. Perfect cold for meal prep; refrigerate up to 3 days (stir in water before serving if sauce thickens)
   
   

Nutrients (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~717 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 62 g
  
  

• Protein: 23 g
  
  

• Fat: 44 g (Saturated ~11 g)
  
  

• Fiber: 8 g
  
  

• Sugar: 4 g
  
  

• Sodium: 2027 mg