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- 4 medium zucchinis (spiralized) - 1 cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced) - 1 cup snap peas (trimmed) - 1 cup carrot (julienned) - 1/4 cup green onions (sliced) - 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, for garnish) - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon water (adjust for consistency) This dish shines thanks to fresh, vibrant ingredients. Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are the star. They are light and healthy, making them perfect for a quick meal. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Snap peas give a nice crunch, while julienned carrots bring a burst of flavor. For the spicy peanut sauce, I use creamy peanut butter. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Soy sauce or tamari adds saltiness. Lime juice brightens up the flavors, while honey or maple syrup gives a touch of sweetness. Sriracha is key for heat, so adjust it to your liking. Sesame oil adds a nutty taste, while water helps thin the sauce to the right consistency. Gathering these ingredients will set you on the path to a tasty meal. Remember, fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions at the end make a big difference. They add freshness and color, making your dish look stunning! {{ingredient_image_1}} In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon water Mix until smooth. Adjust water to get the sauce just right. You want it thick, but pourable. Set this aside while you cook the veggies. In a large skillet, heat over medium. Add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Next, add the zucchini noodles. Toss gently for another 2-3 minutes. Don't let them get mushy; just warm them through. Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the zoodles and veggies. Toss everything until well coated. For a fresh touch, garnish with: - 1/4 cup sliced green onions - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro Serve it up in big bowls. Drizzle extra sauce on top if you like. Enjoy the burst of flavors! To keep zoodles from getting mushy, follow these steps: - Use fresh zucchinis. Fresh zucchinis are firmer and hold their shape better. - Spiralize just before cooking. This helps keep them crisp. - Don’t overcook. Cook zoodles for only 2-3 minutes. They should be warm, not soft. - Salt lightly. If you salt them before cooking, let them sit for a few minutes. This draws out excess water. Cooking time affects texture. If you prefer a firmer bite, cook zoodles for less time. For softer zoodles, add a minute, but watch closely. You want them tender yet still a bit crisp. To adjust the heat, start with less sriracha. Add a teaspoon at first and taste. You can always add more. If you want an extra kick, try these alternatives: - Chili paste. It packs a lot of heat. - Red pepper flakes. Add them while cooking for a nice heat boost. - Fresh jalapeños. Chop them finely and mix in for freshness. Remember, everyone’s spice level is different. Tailor it to your taste for the best experience. Presentation can make your dish shine. Here are some tips: - Use large bowls. This allows the colors to pop. - Drizzle extra peanut sauce on top. It adds flavor and looks great. - Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. This adds freshness and color. When serving, make it feel special. Arrange zoodles neatly and sprinkle green onions for a finishing touch. This creates a stunning dish that is sure to impress! Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, start with less sriracha and gradually add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away! Choose Fresh Veggies: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor. Look for vibrant colors and avoid any wilting to ensure your dish is visually appealing and delicious. Make Ahead: You can prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix in other toppings like chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra crunch and flavor. {{image_2}} If you want to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, it's easy! Just swap out the honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness and works great with the peanut sauce. You can also add more veggies for a heartier meal. Consider using mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli. These vegetables not only add nutrition but also enhance the flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a rich flavor and works perfectly in the peanut sauce. You can also add gluten-free ingredients like quinoa or chickpeas. These additions boost protein and fiber while keeping the dish gluten-free. Want to make your zoodles more filling? Add protein! Chicken, tofu, or shrimp are great choices. If you use chicken, cook it in the skillet first. For tofu, sauté it until golden before adding the veggies. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it in when the zoodles are almost ready. Each protein option brings its own taste and texture, making your dish even better. To keep your zoodles fresh, follow these tips: - Separate the sauce and zoodles. This helps prevent sogginess. - Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. - Store in the fridge. Use within 3 days for the best taste. When reheating zoodles, keep these points in mind: - Use a skillet on low heat. This warms them gently. - Add a splash of water. This helps keep the zoodles moist. - Avoid the microwave. It can make zoodles mushy. To maintain texture and flavor, reheat just until warm. Enjoy your meal! Zoodles are zucchini noodles. They are a fun, healthy pasta substitute. To make zoodles, you can use a spiralizer. A spiralizer is a tool that turns vegetables into thin noodles. You can also use a vegetable peeler or a box grater. Slice the zucchini into thin strips for a different shape. Zoodles are low in carbs and full of nutrients. They cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Yes, you can make the spicy peanut sauce in advance. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to use, just stir it well. You might need to add a bit of water to thin it out again. This makes meal prep easier and saves time on busy days. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Prepare the zoodles and sauce separately. This keeps the zoodles from getting soggy. Store the cooked zoodles in a container in the fridge. Keep the sauce in another container. You can mix them together when you’re ready to eat. This dish is quick to reheat and still tastes fresh. Consider adding protein like chicken or tofu for a complete meal. This blog post covered an easy and tasty recipe for zoodles with spicy peanut sauce. We explored the main ingredients, how to prepare the sauce, and tips for perfecting zoodles. You can customize this dish with your choice of proteins and vegetables. Remember to store leftovers properly for best results. This simple meal is fun to make and share. I hope you feel inspired to try it in your own kitchen. Enjoy creating delicious meals that bring joy to your table!

Spicy Thai Peanut Zoodles

A delicious and healthy dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a spicy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 cup carrot, julienned
  • 0.25 cup green onions, sliced
  • 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon water (more for desired consistency)

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the spicy peanut sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha, sesame oil, and water until smooth. Adjust the amount of water for your desired sauce consistency. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, over medium heat, lightly sauté the bell pepper and snap peas for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
  • Add the zucchini noodles (zoodles) to the skillet and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, tossing gently without overcooking. You're looking for a slight warmth, not mushiness.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cooked zoodles and vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
  • Before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

Notes

Serve in large bowls with extra peanut sauce and lime wedges for added freshness.
Keyword healthy, peanut sauce, vegetarian, zoodles