Peanut Soba Noodles

I think I must be made of peanut butter. I eat peanut butter on a pretty much daily basis - I even have a jar in my desk drawer as a snack to enjoy with a piece of fruit, whole grain crackers, or even just plain on a spoon! Most people consider peanut butter to be something enjoyed as a snack, like a PBJ sandwich, maybe mixed in some oatmeal (yum!) or as a dip for apples or carrots. Of course those are all fantastic foods that I love too, but there are so many ways to enjoy peanuts and peanut butter as a savory dish for lunch or dinner!

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This peanut soba noodle recipe is a standby in our house. We love making a big batch for dinner and enjoying it as leftovers for lunch the next day. Sometimes I double the sauce recipe and save some to use as a dip with vegetables. It is also a great option to bring to a pot luck (as long as there are no peanut allergies). If you do not like spicy you can definitely leave out the jalapeño pepper, but without the seeds in the pepper it is not as spicy as you might think. I love squeezing a little fresh lime juice over the top before serving – it adds a nice freshness and the tart flavor balances the savory of the peanut sauce.

This recipe is gluten-free, FODMAP friendly, and perfect for a celebration of National Nutrition Month! Let me know what you think in the comments.

Peanut Soba Noodles  

Serves: 6
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients: 

1 package extra-firm tofu
1 red bell pepper
1 small zucchini
2 medium carrots
8 ounces GF soba noodles
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup GF soy sauce
2 Tbsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1/2–inch ginger
half a jalapeno pepper, seeded
optional: ½ cup chopped peanuts, cilantro, basil, lime juice

Preparation Instructions: 

  1. Press and drain tofu of excess water. Dice into small cubes or strips.

  2. Slice bell peppers into thin strips.

  3. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook soba noodles according to package.

  4. Puree all ingredients from peanut butter through jalapeno pepper in a food processor.

  5. Toss noodles, tofu and bell peppers with peanut sauce. Optionally garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro and basil. Serve hot or cold.

Recipe adapted and inspired from Pinch of Yum