Peanut Butter Ramen Noodle Salad

In the whirlwind of busy schedules and hectic routines, finding a filling meal that strikes the perfect balance between convenience, flavor, and nutrition can feel like a culinary quest. Enter this Peanut Butter Ramen Noodle dish! A tantalizing fusion of comforting ramen noodles, vibrant vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy peanut sauce.

This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of simplicity and indulgence! And it offers a deliciously easy solution for those seeking a satisfying vegan lunch or dinner option. It’s plant-based, packed with plant protein, budget-friendly, and easy to make in just 15 minutes.

Whether you’re craving a wholesome meal to power you through a busy workday or seeking a vibrant dish to impress guests at your next gathering, this delicious spin on traditional ramen noodle soup is sure to become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients! Sharpen your chopsticks. And prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more with each delicious bite.

Meal Prep Peanut Ramen Noodles to Simplify Your Week

This recipe isn’t just a one-time wonder; it’s a meal prep marvel that allows you to conquer your week with ease. By cooking a big batch and portioning it into single-serving meal prep containers, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals on-the-go or at home with minimal effort.

This ramen noodle dish can be enjoyed cold or room temperature, making it perfect for packed lunches! There’s no need to find a microwave to heat it up. You can pack it in lunchboxes for work or school, bring it on an airplane for a mid-flight vegan meal, or take it along on road trips. It’s a perfect option for busy days on the move.

Star Ingredients

This recipe is a crowd favorite because the base is made with pantry ingredients you likely already have. Plus, the fresh produce is customizable and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. It’s a great pasta dish to use up any vegetables that are about to expire.

Ramen Noodles

The foundation of this dish, ramen noodles bring a comforting texture and hearty base to the salad.

The soy sauce-flavor of Nissin Top Ramen is vegan, and you’ll need four packets for this recipe. You won’t use the flavor packet, so save that for soup broth another time.

You can also use other varieties of vegan ramen noodles—or even spaghetti for a version like this cold peanut noodle salad or this peanut soba noodle salad. Just make sure to choose a noodle variety that will hold up for several days in the fridge.

Peanut Sauce

The star of the show, the peanut sauce lends a luxurious creaminess and irresistible nutty flavor to the salad. It’s made with peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and a blend of aromatic spices. This sauce transforms the humble ramen noodles into a gourmet delight. It’s only a slight variation on our favorite peanut dipping sauce!

Colorful Vegetables

Vibrant and nutritious, the addition of purple cabbage, red bell pepper, carrots, edamame or snap peas, and green onions not only enhances the visual appeal of the salad but also provides a burst of freshness and crunch with every bite. Use what you have—you can swap in any crunchy veggies you have at home. The trick is to shop, slice, shred, or julienne the vegetables very finely so they blend nicely with the noodles.

Green Onions

Also known as scallions or spring onions, green onions are a versatile and flavorful addition to this peanut butter ramen noodle recipe. These slender, onion-like vegetables boast a mild onion flavor with a hint of freshness. If you don’t have green onions, chives or thinly sliced leeks can be used in their place. Or you can leave them out altogether.

Optional Toppings

For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding sesame seeds (white or black) and chopped roasted peanuts as optional toppings. These additions elevate the salad, adding a delightful crunch and a subtle nuttiness that perfectly complements the creamy peanut sauce.

The Perfect Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce is the star of the show! It infuses each bite of the salad with a luxurious creaminess and irresistible nutty flavor. This delectable sauce is made from a blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients, including:

• Peanut Butter: Creamy and indulgent, peanut butter serves as the base of the sauce, providing a rich and nutty flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Adding depth of flavor and a savory umami kick, soy sauce enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: With its mild acidity, rice vinegar balances the richness of the peanut butter and adds a subtle tanginess to the sauce.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Infusing the sauce with a deep, toasty aroma, toasted sesame oil contributes a distinct nuttiness and depth of flavor.
• Minced Garlic and Ginger Powder: Aromatic and flavorful, minced garlic and ginger powder add a hint of warmth and complexity to the sauce. For the garlic, you can use jarred garlic, fresh minced garlic, or even substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. For the ginger, you can use ginger powder or substitute 2 teaspoons of fresh garlic that’s finely minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Enjoy a subtle kick of heat? Red pepper flakes are added to the sauce, adding a delightful element of spice.
• Maple Syrup (or Sugar): Providing a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and salty flavors! Pure maple syrup rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile perfectly. But if you don’t have maple syrup, you can use granulated sugar, agave nectar, vegan honey, or any sweetener of your choice.

Simple Peanut Noodle Swaps

Nut-Free Variation: Have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor profile? You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter in the sauce.

Spice Level: Turn it up or down! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the peanut sauce to control the spice level according to your preference. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely for a kid-friendly version.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional ramen noodles for gluten-free ramen or rice noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences.

Protein Boost: Add tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken for an extra protein boost and a more substantial meal. We recommend super-firm or extra-firm types of tofu. The tofu can be finely diced and added in raw—there’s no need to cook it!

Print

Peanut Butter Ramen Noodle Salad

This peanut butter ramen noodle dish is a protein-rich and budget-friendly meal-prep staple. Made with classic ramen noodles and our favorite savory sesame peanut sauce, it brings together the comforting familiarity of ramen noodles with the creamy richness of peanut butter. Tossed with crisp vegetables, it's loaded with nutrition but holds up beautifully in the fridge for packed lunches all week long.

Course Lunch, Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine asian

Keyword meal prep, quick, summer

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 337kcal

Author World of Vegan

Ingredients

Ramen Noodle Salad

• 4 3-oz packages ramen noodles the soy sauce flavor is vegan
• ½ cup purple cabbage finely shredded
• 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
• ½ cup carrots finely shredded
• ½ cup edamame or snap peas
• ⅓ cup green onions sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds white or black (optional)
• ⅓ cup roasted peanuts chopped (optional)

Peanut Sauce

• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon water plus more if needed to achieve desired consistency

Instructions

• In a large pot, boil water and cook ramen according to package directions. Drain, rinse in cold water, and pour into a large serving bowl.
• Add the cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, green onions, and optional sesame seeds and peanuts.
• In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger powder, maple syrup (or sugar), red pepper flakes, and water, and whisk or stir vigorously until you have a completely uniform sauce. If you'd like a thinner sauce, add more water (just one tablespoon at a time).
• Pour peanut butter sauce over the ramen noodle salad and mix until everything is evenly coated. Enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1236mg | Potassium: 431mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2591IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Peanut Butter Ramen Noodle Salad appeared first on World of Vegan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to shift to a plant-based lifestyle?

Although it may seem daunting to change to a plant based diet, it doesn't have be. You can easily transition to a plant based diet by making small tweaks. Each person's individual needs mean that the transition should be tailored to their lifestyle. To make it easier, you can arrange meals around whole foods instead of processed items. This will allow for adequate intake of both macronutrients and essential vitamins and mineral. Individuals should focus on creating delicious meals that are enjoyable to eat and meet their dietary requirements.

Building a support system full of friends, family members, or certified health professionals can help individuals stay on track with their goals for transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. The best part is that you can try out new recipes along the way. Many delicious vegan recipes are available to ensure that you don't feel deprived or bored while making this lifestyle change. A successful journey to plant-based living can be achieved by slowly changing your diet while paying attention to your daily nutrient intake.

Are plant-based diets less expensive than other diets.

Plant-based diets might not be as expensive as other diets. A balanced plant-based diet is possible without spending a lot, depending on how many foods you consume. Rice, beans, eggs, nuts, potatoes and other vegetables can all be inexpensive and provide excellent protein sources at lower prices. Furthermore, with proper meal planning, buying in bulk or taking advantage of sales may help reduce overall food expenses. You don't have to buy individual ingredients. There are many ready-to eat meals made from plant-based foods that will help you reduce your grocery bill.

Are there any athletes or celebrities who advocate a plant-based lifestyle?

Yes, celebrities and athletes are big supporters of a plant based diet. Kyrie Irving is a NBA player. Lewis Hamilton is a Formula 1 World Champion. Natalie Portman is an actress. Meghan Trainor is a singer. Kenneth Farrow is the NFL running back. Each of them have chosen the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle because it was best for them and have had impressive achievements in their respective fields, whether they are athletes or artists. Actress Alicia Silverstone even wrote a book titled Kind Diet, about her experiences with veganism. Novak Djokovic, a professional tennis player, has attributed his success to his unusual habit of eating mostly organic vegan food during competitions. His stats have dramatically improved since he began this diet. All four professional athletes report significant benefits, such as increased energy and faster recovery from injuries. Plant-based diets can prove to be a useful tool in improving athleticism.

Can I eat meat if I follow a plant-based diet

Plant-based diets allow for certain foods that are not made up of animal products, such as fish, meat, and poultry. For instance, some people on a plant-based diet still consume dairy or eggs in moderation. There are many options for those who want to make the switch to a plant diet. Plant-based diets are primarily based on fresh fruits and veggies, legumes like beans and lentils as well as nuts and seeds such as oatmeal, quinoa, and soy products. They also include fortified foods such as non-dairy almond milk or coconut milk.

Many grocery stores carry vegan products. Soy-based meats such as tofu, seitan (wheat gluten), tempeh (fermented soybeans), and mock duck made from mushrooms can all mimic the flavor and texture of traditional meat dishes. You can get a vegetarian burger made from black beans and quinoa, which are very similar to beef burgers.

Moreover, many plant-based alternatives exist for people who want more than just meal replacements for their carnivorous favorites. There are many vegan alternatives, including coconut bacon strips or eggplant bits; tofu mighto; veggie hotdogs made with seasoned and textured soy proteins; and faux chicken strips made of wheat gluten. Some processed forms of fermented fungal species, like mushrooms, can be similar to steak and pork, but they are much more sustainable than livestock production. The best part about switching to a plantbased diet is that meat that was once consumed can be replaced by these alternatives.

Statistics

• In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

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• Weight Loss


• Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Plant-Based Diets

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• Effects of Plant Based Diets on Weight Status: a Systematic Review - PMC


• For healthcare professionals, plant-based nutrition: Implementing diet as a primary mode of treatment and prevention of chronic diseases - PMC

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• Plant-Based Diets for Personal, Population, and Planetary Health - ScienceDirect

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• What is a plant based diet and should you try it out? - Harvard Health

How To

How to make the transition from a plant-based diet easy without feeling overwhelmed

Making the transition to a plant-based diet can be overwhelming at first - however, with adequate preparation and education, it is achievable. You can start slowly by taking small steps and gradually changing your diet. Opt for whole foods rather than processed substitutes, as they are generally healthier and more filling.

When it comes to meal prep and planning, dedication yields maximum results - consider mapping out meals in advance so that you know what to shop for and how much time to allocate for each dish. It is a good idea to invest in kitchen appliances like multi-cookers, slow cookers, and multi-cookers. Batch cooking makes it easy to have multiple meals ready at once.

Don't be afraid to try new flavours. Different cuisines can offer a variety in your vegan diet. Think Chinese tofu and Indian curries. Aim to create a grocery list based on recipes instead of relying on impulse shopping at the grocery store. It will be easier to make the switch if you have the right ingredients and some helpful preparation tips.

Resources:

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