Hey there! Have you ever tried a vegan Thai peanut noodles bowl? Well, let me introduce you to the Quick and Easy Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles Bowl. This recipe is loaded with delicious flavors and packed with veggies, making it a perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians. The best part is that it’s incredibly simple to make from scratch. All you need is some creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chili garlic sauce (if you want a little kick), maple syrup, lime juice, hot water, garlic, ginger, brown rice noodles (or white if you prefer), baby bok choy, red bell pepper, red cabbage, and peanuts. You can even customize it by adding your favorite veggies! Give it a try and let me know what you think. I’m sure it will become a favorite in your kitchen!

Preparation

To prepare this delicious high-protein veggie noodle bowl, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients and make sure you have the right utensils and equipment. First, gather the following ingredients:

• 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos as a substitute)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional)
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave as a substitute)
• Juice of a lime
• 1/3-1 cup hot water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 16 oz brown rice noodles (or white rice noodles as a substitute)
• 3 baby bok choy, sliced in half or chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups red cabbage, sliced
• 1/3 cup peanuts, chopped

Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. Additionally, prepare your kitchen tools, such as a knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, a skillet or wok, and a pot for boiling the noodles.

Ingredients

The star ingredient of this dish is the creamy peanut butter, which provides a rich and nutty flavor to the sauce. However, if you have allergies or preferences, you can substitute it with tahini or sun butter. For the soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos or vegan Worcestershire sauce as alternatives. These options will help you achieve a similar taste profile while accommodating different dietary needs.

Additionally, if you prefer a slightly stronger umami taste, you can use dark miso instead of soy sauce. Just be aware that miso might require you to adjust the amount of water in the recipe to achieve the desired texture.

When it comes to the noodles, it’s recommended to use rice noodles. They have a great texture and tend to absorb the sauce well, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. However, if you prefer, you can use other types of pasta noodles or even chickpea noodles for a different twist.

Substitutions

In case you want to add more protein and greens to your veggie noodle bowl, there are several options you can consider. Adding broccoli or edamame to the boiling water alongside the noodles is a great way to incorporate more nutrients. Just make sure to fish them out before draining the pasta. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of their added protein and greens without overcooking them.

For those following a vegan diet, you can skip the step of adding any type of meat or fish to the dish. The plant-based ingredients, such as the peanut butter, tofu, or edamame, will provide enough protein to make it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Cooking Process

To cook this dish in the most efficient way, follow these steps. First, make the sauce by combining the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce (or alternative), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chili garlic sauce (if desired), maple syrup (or agave), and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Gradually add hot water while whisking the ingredients together until you achieve the desired consistency. Set the sauce aside.

Next, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

In a skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing them until fragrant. Then, add the sliced red bell peppers and red cabbage, cooking them until slightly softened. You can also add any additional vegetables you prefer at this stage.

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet or wok. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the vegetables and noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables, mixing well to ensure everything is coated.

Sauce Options

The homemade peanut sauce is the key to creating the rich and flavorful taste of this veggie noodle bowl. However, if you have dietary restrictions or prefer different flavors, there are some options you can explore. Apart from the previously mentioned substitutions, you can also experiment by adding different spices or herbs to the sauce. For example, a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cilantro can add an extra kick to the dish.

Noodle Options

Choosing the right type of noodles is crucial for the success of this recipe. Rice noodles are highly recommended due to their ability to absorb the sauce and enhance the overall flavor. However, if you want to try something different, basic pasta noodles or chickpea noodles can also be used. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Adding More Protein and Greens

If you’re looking to increase the protein content and incorporate more greens into your veggie noodle bowl, there are various options available. Broccoli florets and edamame are both excellent choices. Simply add them to the boiling water alongside the noodles for a few minutes, then remove them before draining the pasta. This way, you can enjoy the added nutrients without compromising the texture of the vegetables.

Order of Cooking

To ensure that the dish is cooked efficiently, it’s best to follow the correct order of cooking. Start by preparing the sauce to allow the flavors to meld while you cook the other components. Cook the rice noodles separately according to the package instructions and set them aside. Then, sauté the garlic, ginger, and vegetables before mixing everything together. This method will help keep the noodles hot and loose, making it easier to mix with the sauce and vegetables.

Adding Aromatics

To deepen the flavors of your veggie noodle bowl, you have two options for incorporating the aromatics. You can either add the raw ginger and garlic to the bowl where everything is mixed for a more direct flavor, or you can sauté the ginger and garlic in a skillet before adding all the ingredients. This variation allows the aromatics to infuse the sauce and other components, creating a more complex and well-rounded taste.

Conclusion

This high-protein veggie noodle bowl is a simple yet flavorful vegan dish that can be enjoyed year-round. With a versatile homemade peanut sauce and various substitution options, you can customize it to your taste and dietary needs. By following the proper order of cooking and adding additional protein and greens, you can create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter or looking for a new vegan recipe to try, this veggie noodle bowl is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious and repeat-worthy dish!