šŸ„œ Crunchy Peanut Noodle Slaw

A vibrant, crunchy Asian-inspired slaw with peanut sauce and ramen noodles. Original Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4-6

For the Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 3-4 tablespoons warm water (to thin sauce)

For the Slaw

  • 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 medium head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons crushed roasted peanuts

Instructions

1
Make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Add warm water a little at a time, whisking until you reach a pourable consistency. Set aside.
2
Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions, but drain them immediately and rinse with cold water. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
3
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ramen noodles, sliced cabbage, shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
4
Pour the peanut sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
5
Top with sliced almonds and crushed peanuts. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

šŸ’” Chef's Tips

  • Noodle Texture: For extra crunch, reserve some uncooked noodle pieces and sprinkle on top just before serving.
  • Sauce Consistency: Make the sauce a bit thinner than you think you needā€”the noodles will absorb liquid as they sit.
  • Cabbage Prep: Slice the cabbage thinly and massage lightly with salt for 5 minutes before tossing with sauce for a softer texture.
  • Make Ahead: Keep the sauce separate from the noodles and vegetables. Toss together just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
  • Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make this a complete main course.
  • Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
  • Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. If you only have ground ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon instead.