Rice Noodle Bowls with Peanut Sauce

Rice noodle bowls with peanut sauce are a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender rice noodles with fresh vegetables, protein of choice (such as chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef), and a rich, creamy peanut sauce. The sauce—typically made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of sweetness—adds a savory, slightly tangy depth that ties everything together. Often finished with crunchy toppings like chopped peanuts, herbs, or shredded carrots, this dish is customizable, balanced, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 3½ tsp sugar (divided)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (divided)

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (separate whites and greens)

• 1 lime (halved)

• 10 oz beef stir-fry strips

• 1 tsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (divided)

• ¼ cup peanut butter

• 4 oz rice noodles

• 1 carrot, shredded

• ¼ bunch cilantro (leaves picked)

• 1 tsp Sriracha (or to taste)

• Salt & Pepper

• Oil (for cooking)

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients

   Wash and dry all produce.

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   In a small bowl, toss sliced cucumber with rice vinegar, ½ tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to marinate.

   Mince garlic and slice scallions, separating whites and greens.

   Cut lime in half; cut one half into wedges.

2. Marinate the Beef

   Pat beef dry with paper towels.

   In a medium bowl, combine:

   • Beef

   • Fish sauce

   • Half the garlic

   • Half the soy sauce

   • 1 tsp sugar

   Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Cook the Beef

   Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

   Add beef and cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).

   Remove from pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Noodles

   Add rice noodles to the boiling water, then remove from heat.

   Let soak, stirring occasionally, until tender (3-4 minutes).

   Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss to separate and set aside.

5. Make the Peanut Sauce

   In the same pan, heat a little oil over medium heat.

   Add remaining garlic and scallion whites; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

   Reduce heat to low and stir in peanut butter.

   Slowly whisk in ½ cup warm water until smooth.

   Stir in:

   • Remaining soy sauce

   • 2 tsp sugar

   • Juice from remaining lime half

   Taste and adjust with more lime juice if needed.

6. Assemble and Serve

   Drain the cucumbers.

   Divide noodles between bowls. Top with:

   • Beef

   • Pickled cucumber

   • Shredded carrot

   Drizzle with peanut sauce.

   Garnish with cilantro and scallion greens. Add Sriracha to taste.

   Serve with lime wedges on the side.