Ready for a delicious twist on dinner? This Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Noodle Stir Fry is packed with flavor and nutrients. You’ll love how the creamy peanut sauce melds with fresh veggies like red bell peppers and snap peas. Plus, spiralizing sweet potatoes makes this dish fun and unique! Follow my easy recipe and impress your friends and family with a meal they won’t forget. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, spiralized
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Sauce Ingredients
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
Garnishes
– Chopped cilantro
– Crushed peanuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
When I make this dish, I love using sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the salty sauce. I spiralize the sweet potatoes into noodles. It gives a fun twist to the dish. A spiralizer works best, but you can use a peeler if needed.
Coconut oil adds a nice flavor. It works well for cooking at high heat. I add garlic and ginger for a fragrant base. The red bell pepper, snap peas, and broccoli add crunch and color. You can change these veggies if you prefer others.
For the sauce, I mix creamy peanut butter with soy sauce. Lime juice adds a zesty kick. Maple syrup brings a hint of sweetness, while sriracha gives it some heat. You can adjust the spice to your liking.
Finally, I garnish the stir fry with cilantro and crushed peanuts. They add freshness and crunch. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Enjoy this colorful, tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potato Noodles
To start, you need to spiralize the sweet potatoes. This makes long, fun noodles. Use a spiralizer to get perfect shapes. If you don’t have a spiralizer, don’t worry! You can use a vegetable peeler. Just peel the sweet potatoes into thin ribbons. Set your noodles aside when finished.
Making the Peanut Sauce
Now, let’s make that tasty peanut sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together these ingredients:
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon sriracha
Whisk until it’s smooth. You can adjust the spice by adding more sriracha if you like it hot. Set the sauce aside for later.
Cooking Process
First, heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok. Use medium-high heat until the oil looks shiny. Next, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these for about 30 seconds. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Then, throw in the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the veggies for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp.
Now it’s time for the sweet potato noodles. Add them to the skillet and pour the peanut sauce over everything. Stir well to coat the noodles and veggies. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. You want the sweet potato noodles to be tender, but don’t let them get mushy.
Finally, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove it from the heat and toss in sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
To serve, plate your stir fry. Garnish it with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts. This adds a nice crunch and flavor!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Stir Fry
To make the best stir fry, timing is key. Cook your veggies just right. I usually sauté bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli for about 3-4 minutes. This keeps them crisp and colorful.
Sweet potato noodles can turn mushy fast. To avoid this, cook them for only 3-5 minutes. Stir them gently with the sauce until they are just tender.
Ingredient Substitutions
Not a fan of certain veggies? No problem! You can use carrots, zucchini, or even bok choy. Each brings its own flavor and color.
If you have a peanut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter. They work well and taste great too.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to boost your meal? Adding protein can make it heartier. You can toss in tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Cook them first, then set aside before adding the veggies.
Feeling adventurous? Swap the sauce! Try hoisin sauce or teriyaki for a different taste. Just keep the balance of flavors in mind for a tasty dish.
Variations
Gluten-Free Options
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. These options give the same great flavor without gluten. You can also swap out regular peanut butter for a gluten-free brand. Check labels to ensure all ingredients fit your needs.
Vegan Modifications
To keep this recipe vegan, ensure all your ingredients are plant-based. Use maple syrup instead of honey. Double-check your peanut butter, as some brands may contain animal products. This way, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal that fits a vegan diet.
Adding Heat
If you like spice, adjust the heat with more sriracha. You can also try chili paste or hot sauce for a different kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a burst of flavor. For even more depth, consider adding crushed red pepper or a dash of curry powder.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Thai peanut sweet potato noodle stir fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. This dish stays good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, the goal is to keep the noodles tender and the veggies crisp. For best results, use the stovetop. Heat a bit of oil in a pan, add the stir fry, and toss until warm. If you choose the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid sogginess.
Freezing Guidance
You can freeze sweet potato noodles, but be careful. They can become mushy once thawed. To freeze, place your stir fry in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. For thawing, take it out the night before and leave it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
How long do sweet potato noodles take to cook?
Sweet potato noodles cook faster than regular pasta. They usually take about 3-5 minutes. If you cook them too long, they can turn mushy. Keep an eye on them while cooking. They should be tender but firm. This quick cooking time makes them perfect for stir-fries. Just add them to the pan after the veggies are almost done.
Can I use regular pasta instead of sweet potato noodles?
Yes, you can use regular pasta. However, there are pros and cons. Regular pasta has a different taste and texture. It also takes longer to cook, about 8-12 minutes. Sweet potato noodles add more nutrition and a slight sweetness. If you need a gluten-free option, sweet potato noodles are great. Think about your dietary needs before choosing.
What is the best way to spiralize sweet potatoes?
The best way to spiralize sweet potatoes is with a spiralizer. Choose firm sweet potatoes for the best noodles. Cut off the ends to make them easier to spiralize. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler. This will make thin ribbons. Just make sure to cut them evenly for even cooking.
You learned how to make a tasty stir-fry using sweet potato noodles and a creamy peanut sauce. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, you can easily swap ingredients to fit your diet or taste. Whether you want a vegan or gluten-free meal, this recipe works well. Enjoy your stir-fry, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Cooking should be fun and tasty for everyone.
