Peanut Noodles with Napa Cabbage Recipe

This peanut noodles with napa cabbage recipe is done in under 30 minutes: it’s a delicious plant based dinner recipe featuring peanuts, veggies, and lime.

Alex and I are the type of people who start cooking when they are hungry, not before. We’re still trying to break the habit. But the crazy artist sides of both of us cringe at the words “plan ahead” — mainly only when related to food. Our practical, sensible sides have no problem planning for long-term financial security, but planning Thursday’s dinner on Monday? That’s downright insane. Keep reading for a totally doable weeknight meal, this peanut noodles with Napa cabbage recipe.

Related: 12 Quick Dinner Recipes

Making this peanut noodles with Napa cabbage recipe

For weeknight dinners, Alex and I try to pick meals that are not too time consuming. This one is a recipe I tried on a whim to use some Napa cabbage (from Silverthorn Farm) and a red pepper we’d just picked up at the farmer’s market.

What is Napa cabbage? Napa cabbage is also called Chinese cabbage: it’s oblong-shaped and has thick, crisp stems and frilly yellow-green leaves. Do not substitute green cabbage in this Napa cabbage recipe! The Napa cabbage has a totally different texture and flavor.

To go with the Napa cabbage, we decided on peanut noodles! Alex and I had been looking for a good peanut sauce for noodles for years. Since we couldn’t find one, we decided to make our own! This one uses peanut butter, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and Sriracha. Make sure to use toasted sesame oil and not regular sesame oil: the toasted oil has a much stronger flavor intended for sauces.

Topped with some fresh squeezed lime juice (essential), cilantro, and crushed peanuts, this peanut noodle bowl was delightful! This peanut noodles recipe can also be made gluten-free if you make sure to buy gluten-free soba noodles (which are made of buckwheat, but many packages have a little bit of traditional wheat so make sure to check the package).

Looking for more easy dinner ideas?

Outside of this peanut noodles with Napa cabbage recipe, here are a few more easy dinner ideas:

• Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich
• Loaded Quinoa Tacos
• Best Stir Fry Vegetables with Teriyaki
• Quick Coconut Lentil Curry
• Tomato Basil Gnocchi Soup

This recipe is…

This peanut noodles with Napa cabbage recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free. For gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles.

Peanut Noodles with Napa Cabbage Recipe

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(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)

4.3 from 4 reviews

• Author: a Couple Cooks
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

This peanut noodles with napa cabbage recipe is done in under 30 minutes: it’s a delicious plant based dinner recipe featuring peanuts, veggies, and lime.

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Ingredients

• ½ pound Napa cabbage, shredded (4 to 5 cups)*
• 1 red pepper
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 12 ounces soba noodles (look for 100% buckwheat noodles for a gluten-free option)
• 2 limes
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts

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Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage. Thinly slice the red pepper. Chop the cilantro and reserve for a garnish.
2. Start a pot of water to boil.
3. In a small saucepan, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and Sriracha sauce. Cook the sauce over low heat until it is warm and slightly thickened.
4. When the water is boiling, cook noodles according to package directions.
5. Meanwhile, place the red pepper in a colander over sink. When the noodles are cooked, drain them over the red pepper in the colander to slightly cook the peppers. Transfer noodles, peppers, and cabbage to a serving bowl, add the sauce, and toss until combined.
6. To serve, garnish with chopped cilantro, fresh squeezed lime juice (a must!), and a generous helping of crushed peanuts.

Notes

*Napa cabbage is also called Chinese cabbage: it’s oblong-shaped and has thick, crisp stems and frilly yellow-green leaves. Do not substitute green or red cabbage in this Napa cabbage recipe! The Napa cabbage has a totally different texture and flavor.

• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Soba Noodles, Soba, Vegetarian, Vegan, Cabbage, Red Pepper, Peanut Sauce, Peanut Noodles

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About the Authors

Sonja Overhiser

Cookbook Author and writer

Sonja Overhiser is author of Pretty Simple Cooking, named one of the best healthy cookbooks of 2018. She’s host of the food podcast Small Bites and founder of the food blog A Couple Cooks. Featured from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Sonja seeks to inspire adventurous eating to make the world a better place one bite at a time.

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Alex Overhiser

Cookbook Author and photographer

Alex Overhiser is an acclaimed food photographer and author based in Indianapolis. He’s host of the food podcast Small Bites and founder of the recipe website A Couple Cooks. Featured from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Alex is author of Pretty Simple Cooking, named one of the best vegetarian cookbooks by Epicurious.

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