Best Creamy Thai Peanut Noodle Soup with Vegetables and Tofu

Added by kocky, September 25, 2024
soups → bean-and-pea-soup
Thai cuisine

This creamy Thai peanut noodle soup blends the rich flavors of peanuts, coconut milk, and spicy Thai chili paste, creating a hearty and comforting meal. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

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Recipe:

Ingrediens

• 200g rice noodles
• 400ml coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 200g firm tofu, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small zucchini, spiralized or julienned
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Noodles: Soak or cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, red Thai curry paste, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
3. Cook the Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the red bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from heat.
5. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the vegetables and pour the peanut sauce over the top. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce.
6. Add the Tofu: Stir in the cooked tofu gently to avoid breaking it. Ensure it's well-coated with the sauce and mixed evenly with the vegetables.
7. Serve: Divide the noodle soup into bowls and garnish with spring onions, cilantro, roasted peanuts, and sliced red chili (if desired).

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the Right Noodles: Opt for thin rice noodles for the best texture. You can also use soba noodles if preferred.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder soup, reduce the amount of red Thai curry paste. If you prefer more heat, add sliced red chili or extra chili paste.
3. Tofu Tip: Press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
4. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what's in season. Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy work well in this dish.

Historical & Cultural Overview

Thai peanut noodle dishes are a fusion of traditional Thai ingredients and Western flavors, with peanut-based sauces being introduced through trade. This soup incorporates common Thai elements such as coconut milk, lime, and red curry paste. Peanut sauces, widely popularized in the West, have evolved into beloved Thai-inspired dishes like this one, though they are not as common in traditional Thai cooking.

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