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Asian Cold Noodle Recipe

Asian Cold Noodle Recipe - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

Asian cold noodles are one of those delightful dishes that get better with time. They can be prepped ahead and served chilled, making them perfect for warm days or busy evenings. The combination of chewy rice noodles with crunchy vegetables and a savory, creamy peanut dressing strikes a balance that’s simply irresistible. If you're looking for something vibrant and packed with flavor, this Asian cold noodle recipe will not disappoint.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • - 7 ounces rice noodles
  • - 1 cup shredded carrots
  • - 1 cup thinly sliced red bell peppers
  • - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • - 4 green onions, chopped
  • - ¼ cup chopped cucumber new addition for extra crunch
  • - Roasted peanuts for garnish
  • - Lime wedges for serving
Dressing
  • - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • - 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • - 2 teaspoons Sriracha or adjust to taste
  • - 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • - 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • - 2 garlic cloves, minced

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Noodles
  1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add in your rice noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This will usually take about 4 to 6 minutes. Once they’re done, drain the noodles in a colander and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Don't rinse them with cold water; you want to keep a bit of warmth to soak up the dressing later.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
  1. Layer the shredded carrots, sliced red bell peppers, chopped cilantro, green onions, and cucumber on top of the warm noodles. These colorful veggies not only make the dish pleasing to the eye but also add crucial nutrients and texture. Toss gently to combine, but be careful not to break the noodles.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a small blender or food processor, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, Sriracha, sugar, ginger, and minced garlic. Blend until everything is well combined and smooth. This dressing packs a punch and binds the dish together, so make sure you get that nice creamy consistency.
Step 4: Toss it All Together
  1. Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles and veggies are well-coated with the dressing. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Serve
  1. You can serve the noodles immediately at room temperature or chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop even more. When serving, sprinkle with roasted peanuts and add lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy!

Notes

- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rice noodles.
- If you prefer a little protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Feel free to switch up the veggies based on what you have—snap peas or broccoli work great too!
- Make sure you adjust the Sriracha according to your spice preference.
- This dish holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days; just give it a good toss before serving.