A few weeks ago, Mark Bittman did a piece in his Minimalist column on the virtues of peanut butter, one of the most “flavor and reliable single-ingredient processed foods”. Not only is peanut butter insanely healthy, but it is also extremely versatile and has far more uses than the traditional PB+J that we all know and love. Admittedly, in my case Bittman is preaching to the choir. I could eat peanut butter all day, every day, in any variety of ways. Curries, stir fries, burgers (did you know it is the secret ingredient in White Castle burgers), cookies, cake, ice cream, etc. The list actually is endless since peanut butter is both savory and sweet and thus goes well in almost any type of dish.

I did not always used to feel way, however, and it is strange to think that once upon a time I scorned at the idea of a peanut butter sandwich. I mean, it was something my mom fed me when I was five. You don’t see me trying to revisit the days of eating Gerber Graduates, do you?

So what changed? I can only imagine it is the fact that peanut butter, for all of its simplicity, is actually quite complex. It’s like that guy who you were obsessed with in high school or college (or dare I say medical school). You can’t quite figure it out. One minute it’s a remnant of your past, right up there with ramen noodles and Kraft’s Mac and Cheese, and the next it’s being served to you in a five star restaurant (and is completely blowing your mind). And as much as you try to resist – to convince yourself that there are other, better nut butters out there – ones that aren’t quite so schizophrenic – you just keep coming back for more. It’s an addiction that you just can’t shake.

And so you find yourself sitting at home on a Tuesday night after running practice making peanut sauce. Marveling at how ground legumes can be so satisfying.

Coco-Peanut Butter Noodle Salad
Serves 4, adapted from A Year In The Kitchen

1 lb pasta
2 zucchini
1 green bell pepper
4 scallions
1 clove garlic
3/8 cup peanut butter
3/8 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
3/4 tbsp brown sugar
3/4 tsp sriracha

1. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the bag/box.

2. Saute the zucchini and peppers until soft, along with the garlic and the scallions. Whisk together the ingredients for the sauce. When the pasta has about 2-3 minutes left to cook, pour the sauce over the zucchini and pepper mixture to warm it.

3. Toss everything together.

I am submitting this to Presto Pasta Nights which is being hosted this week by Sarah of Imafoodblog.

You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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20 Responses to Coco-Peanut Butter Noodle Salad

  1. Muneeba says:

    This sounds like it was made for my tastebuds … coconut, peanut butter AND sriracha .. doesn’t get much better!!!

  2. Thank goodness it’s healthy, because I can’t stop eating it! I make a dish just like this one … one of my favorites!

  3. Lo says:

    I love a good peanut sauce, especially one with a little kick (thank YOU, Siracha!).

    That said, I’m not the biggest fan of peanut butter, overall. When it comes to my toast, I’m an almond butter girl. All that calcium, who can resist?? 🙂

  4. girlichef says:

    SLURP!!!! Yum, I love PB sauces and this is no exceptions. Delicious. Plus, I mean…Mark Bittman. I listen to that man 😉

  5. Kim says:

    Yum- I could eat the whole plate. Sounds like a very spicy and zesty dish. Peanut butter in a whitecastle burger is an interesting thought!

  6. Xiaolu says:

    Mm that sounds great. I’m not a huge fan of PB alone but somehow I love the depth and creaminess it adds to sauces, frostings, whatever!

  7. Palidor says:

    It’s amazing how tastes change, isn’t it? I used to absolutely hate coconut and peanut butter. Now I love the former and like the latter! So, this dish that combines coconut and peanut butter is absolutely brilliant! Not to mention tasty. 🙂

  8. Justin says:

    i’m always looking for a good peanut noodle recipe

  9. Amy says:

    I read that Bittman piece, too. I share your love of peanut butter and have been known to finish off an entire container in one afternoon – just me and my spoon. Sort of gross, now that I think about it. Haven’t had an actual peanut sauce in a long time, though. Thanks for reminding me!

  10. Mari says:

    Just when I think you can’t top yourself…BOOM you come up with PB recipe! You know how much I looooooove PB.

  11. What an excellent homage to peanut butter. I love it too but I think you have me beat! I love peanut sauce – this looks incredibly delicious!

  12. Debinhawaii says:

    Yum! Nothing like a good peanut sauce!

  13. This looks delicious! I love peanut butter, but I’m allergic to peanuts. (FWIW, I can eat the commercial, highly-processed brands with no problem, but react strongly to the more natural brands.) The smell is so tantalizing! There’s something about peanut butter that just gets the mouth watering.

  14. burpandslurp says:

    I used to hate PB, too. But during recovery, I suddenly craved PB…I think it’s because it’s got the perfect blend of calories and fat that my body REALLY needs. NOw, I no longer crave it as much, but I still DO enjoy some good peanut-buttery dish! AWESOME noodles! You really need to cook pasta for me next time! PLEASE!

  15. Don’t you just love the many ways you can use peanut butter, especially in Asian inspired dishes? this looks so scrumptious and fresh!

  16. Pam says:

    I am always searching for just the right peanut noodles, I’ve got to try this!

  17. Juliana says:

    Yummie, I already can tell you that I’ll like this noodles…peanut butter sauce and coconut milk! totally delicious 🙂

  18. Sara says:

    I also really love peanut butter, I could eat it all day everyday. I have only had peanut sauce with noodles a few times, but it is always so good. Thanks for sharing this with Presto Pasta Nights this week.

  19. Shannon says:

    did not know that about white castle burgers, but i’ve never had them. and don’t really want to! these looks fabulous 🙂

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