Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Crunch

1. Cook Soba Noodles

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it's bubbling vigorously, add the soba noodles and give them a good stir. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they’re just tender but still have a bit of bite. This usually takes around 4-6 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water until they’re completely cool. Rinsing them well is crucial to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.

2. Make the Sauce

While the noodles are cooling, let's make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, sesame oil, chile oil or hot sauce, and the grated garlic. Gradually add water, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and pourable. This step is key because the sauce needs to be just the right consistency to coat the noodles and veggies evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

3. Prep Vegetables

Next, prep your vegetables. Cut the zucchini or cucumber and radishes into matchstick-sized pieces, and slice the bell pepper into thin strips about 1/8-inch thick.

4. Toss Noodles with Vegetables

Once the noodles are thoroughly rinsed and cooled, place them in a large bowl. Loosen them up with a bit of water if they’re sticking together, then drain off any excess. Toss the noodles with the sliced vegetables and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This helps to ensure everything mixes together smoothly and the sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma.

5. Assemble Dish

Now, it’s time to assemble the dish. Drizzle the spicy peanut sauce over the noodles and vegetables, making sure to coat everything well. Top with the roughly chopped peanuts, finely chopped scallions, and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing of freshness.