I love to make this Peruvian green sauce recipe inspired by Aji Verde Sauce!
My recipe is not traditional but inspired by the delicious Aji Verde Sauce. I love the green color of this recipe, thefresh flavor, and the creamy texture.
I enjoy making this recipe in the summer and fall when I have lots of peppers. I ask myself, what can I do with all of these, from hot sauce to salsa to green sauce I am always looking for new saucy ways to use my peppers!
My Love For Sauce
I enjoy it with so many different such as my Air Fryer Tofu and Air Fryer Okra recipes.
I’ll make this sauce/dip and have leftovers. This sauce can bump up a burrito, oven-roasted chicken thighs, salad, oven-roasted french fries, roasted sweet potatoes, and even a spicy kick for ramen noodles.
Now, this Roasted Poblano Pepper Sauce is a bit more advanced than a quick 5-minute salad dressing. However, I promise it is still super easy. You can make this dipping sauce for many different foods and impress your family, friends, and loved ones with your cool sauce skills!
Tools
Food Processor or high-powered blender
Baking sheet
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Key Ingredients: Chili Peppers
I use green chile peppers for this spicy sauce.
Poblano Peppers: Poblano Peppers, are the star of this sauce. They are flavorful and mild peppers, similar to bell peppers. If you want a spicier poblano, let it ripen up to a red color!
Jalapeno peppers: This is the little zing to this sauce. You could go a little hotter if you would like by adding a habanero rather than my favorite, jalapenos.
Other Peppers: Do you have other green peppers such as serrano peppers or banana peppers? You can roast and use them in this sauce!
Other Ingredients
Green Herbs: You can go crazy with the possibilities of herbs with this sauce. I used cilantro leaves for this spicy green sauce.
Red Vine Vinegar: I use a little for a bit of tang and acid.
Greek Yogurt: Greek Yogurt is the touch of creaminess that makes this sauce heavenly. I use Greek Yogurt rather than mayonnaise to lower the fat and bump up the protein without sacrificing flavor.
Optional add-ins: You can add in green onions, garlic clove, and citruses such as fresh lime juice, lime zest, or lemon juice.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Roast Peppers
Preheat oven to 450 ℉ and move the rack to the top 1/3 of the oven.
Place cut poblano pepper and jalapeno peppers onto a baking sheet. Option to remove the ribs and seeds for a less spicy sauce.
Roast peppers for 5 to 10 minutes or until skin is wrinkled and charred.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted poblano pepper, cilantro, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, cumin (optional to include Aji Amarillo paste).
Step 3: Season and Adjust Consistency
Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature with your favorite dishes!
How To Use This Recipe
There are many ways you can use this delicious Peruvian green sauce recipe.
The perfect dipping sauce: Use this for french fries, roasted sweet potatoes, or tofu bites.
A sauce to smother a flavorful Peruvian chicken recipe: For example, this New York Times Cooking Recipe Peruvian Roasted Chicken.
Great platings: Use this sauce to dress up a plate with roasted veggies like potatoes, broccoli, and red onion, and top it with salty cheeses like cotija cheese.
How To Store This Recipe
This recipe is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and three months in the freezer.
Fun Facts: Peppers & Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a molecular compound found in spicy peppers. Capsaicin causes that burning sensation on the tissue it comes in contact with, and yes, this includes your skin!
Most capsaicin is found in the white pith that attaches the seeds to the walls of the pepper. Capsaicin can have a lovely impact on metabolism, pain, and even, pests in the garden! Thereupon, let’s review those a little further.
Metabolism
Research has shown Capsaicin can boost metabolism and suppress appetite in humans. Research has shown Capsaicin seems to raise body temperature which in turn uses up more energy for the body.
Pepper as a Pain Fighter
Yes, the capsaicin found in peppers is a natural pain reliever when applied to the skin. Research has shown capsaicin depletes a chemical released by cells in the body that indicates pain. Capsaicin is a common ingredient in creams and balms used to treat arthritis, back pain, and post-surgery pain.
Capsaicin and Those Garden Pests
The capsaicin found in peppers can help deter garden pests like rabbits, deer, and squirrels. How? it’s all about the birds.
Birds are insensitive to capsaicin. You can add pepper seeds to bird seeds. Doing this deters rodents from rummaging through your garden. Because mammals are sensitive to capsaicin, peppers can be used as a pesticide to deter our furry friends from eating up our gardens!
Preheat oven to 450 ℉ and move the rack to the top 1/3 of the oven.
Place cut poblano pepper and jalapeno peppers onto a baking sheet. Option to remove the ribs and seeds for a less spicy sauce.
Roast peppers for 5 to 10 minutes or until skin is wrinkled and charred.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted poblano pepper, cilantro, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, cumin. (optional Aji Amarillo paste)
Step 3: Season and Adjust Consistency
Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature with your favorite dishes!
This inspired dish, japanese glass noodles recipe (Harusame) is a new mealtime staple. It’s quick and easy to prepare, while also nutritious and delicious.
My GlassNoodle Salad recipe is inspired by a local takeout spot that closed in my area. I loved their Vermachelli Noodle Salad, so much so, I keep coming up with different delicious varioations of this recipe.
To make a Harusame inspired Glass Noodle Salad, you need some fresh veggies, 1 or 2 herbs, glass noodles, and a savory sauce of dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Depending on my mood I’ll whip up different sauces from a harusame-inspired sauce to Nuoc Cham Sauce to peanut sauce.
If it is your first time experimenting with glass noodles in the kitchen this will be one of your favorite new recipes!
Why You Will Love This Japanese Glass Noodles Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and a versatile dish. You will want to create this every week. This recipe is:
Nutrient-Packed: This salad is full of fiber from the glass noodles and veggies. Moreover, fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. This is a great recipe for adding lots of veggies to your day.
Quick and Easy: This is a quick and easy recipe because it is easy to throw together and can be ready in under 30 minutes!
Versatile: This recipe can be inspired by Japanese noodles, Vietnamese noodles, Thai noodles, or Korean noodles. It can be made into a vegan or vegetarian version. It makes for a great main dish or side dish.
Makes Great Leftovers: This recipe might be even better when eaten the next day.
Now, let’s dive into the ins and outs of why I love this recipe, the recipe ingredients, how I make this Glass Noodle Salad, and more information on one of my favorite noodles, Glass noodles.
The Ingredients in This Glass Noodles With Vegetable Recipe
Glass Noodles
Chewy Glass noodles have many names, sometimes sweet potato noodles or Harusame noodles. You can find these noodles at Asian grocery stores or online.
Don’t have Glass Noodles? No worries, you can substitute with another kind of noodles, such as spaghetti, ramen, cellophane noodles, or rice noodles. Sweet potato starch noodles have a chewy texture and are bland with a bit of starchiness. They do not taste like a sweet potato.
The Veggies!
Here are the veggies I used, but feel free to use your favorites!
Grated Carrots: I like to use grated carrots for a light texture, flavor distribution, and sauce adherence.
Chopped Salad Greens: Chopped salad greens means every bite is full of greens.
Cucumber: Half-moon slices make for the perfect bite-size delicate cucumber.
The Garnish: Green Onion, Cilantro, and Peanuts: The garnish for this dish adds flavor, texture, and brightness.
Harusame Inspired Savory Sauce: Dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.
Optional Add-ins: Some other optional ingredients include baby spinach, red bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms, or sesame seeds.
How to Make Glass Noodles With Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables
Cook the Noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the glass noodles. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly.
Arrange the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, place the cooked and slightly cooled noodles. Add the prepared colorful vegetables, arranging them evenly over the noodles.
Step 2: Make the Savory Sauce
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Finish the Salad
Top with Fresh Herbs and Nuts: Sprinkle the salad with freshly cut cilantro, green onion, and chopped peanuts.
Drizzle with Nuoc Cham Sauce: Right before serving, drizzle the salad with your savory sauce.
Step 4: Add Protein (Optional)
Choose Your Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding your protein of choice. Options include baked tofu, pressure-cooked chicken breasts, or grilled shrimp. Add the prepared protein to the top of your salad, and enjoy!
More Glass Noodle Salad Recipe Ideas!
Some other recipes that include glass noodles include:
Korean Japchae Noodles: You can even make a variation of Vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad with glass noodles. Often found in Korean restaurants these Korean glass noodles are made with red bell peppers, beef, and onions. Keep it a vegetarian japchae by using tofu instead of meat.
Vietnamese-inspired noodle salad with Nuoc Cham Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar into 3 tbsp water. Stir in the lime, fish sauce, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and bird’s eye chilis.
Glass Noodles with Peanut Sauce: Toss your glass noodles in a simple, flavorful peanut sauce for a delicious and savory meal.
FAQ: Glass Noodles
What are they: Glass noodles are made from the starch of mung beans, sweet potatoes, or tapioca. They are translucent in appearance when cooked.
These noodles are often sold dried. To rehydrate just soak the noodles in hot water or add to boiling water for 3-5 minutes (or per package instructions.)
Where to buy Glass Noodles: If you are lucky, your local grocer might sell them in the International Food Section. Also, you can find glass noodles in International and Asian Markets.
However, I live in a small town, so I purchase my glass Noodles off Thrive, but they can also be purchased off Weee! or Amazon.
How to use Glass Noodles: Glass noodles are versatile. Use them in stir-fries, soups, rice paper rolls, and salads. They absorb the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish prepared. Oh, and they are a gluten-free food!
Like This Recipe? More Recipes On The Addy Bean
Below are a few other recipes of mine you may enjoy.
Japanese Inspired Glass Noodles with Vegetables Recipe
Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Japanese Inspired Glass Noodles with Vegetables Recipe will be a new favorite. Inspired by one of my favorite Japanese Noodle dishes, Harusame, this salad is bright, refreshing, nutritious and delicious.
1 cupcilantro, choppedor other soft herbs like basil, mint etc
2scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables
Cook the Noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the glass noodles. Once cooked, drain and allow them to cool slightly.
Arrange the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled noodles. Add the grated carrots, chopped salad greens, and cucumber slices. Toss gently to combine.
Step 2: Harusame Sauce
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Whisk together until the ingredients are well blended and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Finishing the Salad
Top with Fresh Herbs and Nuts: Sprinkle the salad with green onions, fresh cilantro, and chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.
Drizzle with Harusame Sauce: Pour the Harusame sauce over the salad and toss until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Protein (Optional)
Choose Your Protein: For a heartier dish, add your choice of protein. Options include baked tofu, pressure-cooked chicken breasts, or grilled shrimp. Arrange the protein on top of the salad.
Notes
Glass Noodles: You can purchase at some grocery store chains. I purchase my sweet potato glass noodles through Thrive Market. Glass Noodles are also available on Weee! and Amazon.
Ode to the most popular seafood in the United States. Here is my Grilled Shrimp on the barbie with a Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce, your new favorite grilling recipe.
Shrimp is, by far, the most consumed seafood product in the United States. Shrimp is delicious, versatile, and better yet, easy to cook with! Below, I’ll review how to make grilled shrimp, the sauce, some pairings, and some nutritional information about shrimp!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is great for meal prepping for the week. I like to grill the shrimp on the weekend and make extra for shrimp salads, grain bowls, and sandwiches!
I love to make this recipe when the weather is nice! I love to spend time outside, so if I can cook dinner outside that’s even better!
Tools
Metal skewers (wooden skewers work too) – if you don’t have skewers you can cook the shrimp on a grill pan or even in a cast iron skillet.
Tongs
Grill – charcoal grill or gas grill works
Serving platter
Ingredients
Shrimp – I use Wild Gulf Large or Jumbo Shrimp
Melted Butter – you could use olive oil
Spice mixture: Old bay seasoning, kosher salt, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper. If you don’t have old bay seasoning a cajun seasoning will suffice.
Garlic cloves
Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh Parsley
Optional Ingredients: Hot Sauce, red pepper flakes, lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, or even some lemon zest.
Step – By – Step Instructions
I usually like to keep a pound of raw shrimp in the freezer. Shrimp is super quick to thaw and easy to cook healthy recipes. From beginning to end, anyone can whip up a shrimp dinner in less than an hour.
Step 1: Prepping Shrimp
To thaw shrimp, take it out of the freezer and dump it into a large bowl. Place the bowl in the sink and run cold water over the shrimp. The shrimp will be thawed out in 15-20 min
Step 2: Cooking Shrimp
To cook this recipe you need a hot grill. Then, all you need to do is to skewer the shrimp and lay them on the grill. Flip the shrimp skewers halfway through and take them off when they are pink and curled in a “C” shape!
Enjoy the grilled shrimp alone, with my Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, or with a delicious dip! Perhaps something creamy, BBQ-y, or spicy!
How to Make The Sauce
Okay, this is possibly the easiest sauce ever.
Microwave option: Add all the ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for a minute. Butter pops when melting in the microwave so make sure you cover your bowl!
Sharper Tip: I cover it with the paper wrapping my butter comes in.
Stove-top option: To make this sauce over the stove-top, add butter to the saucepan and melt over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add garlic salt, and pepper and continue to cook on medium-low heat for 5min. Cut the heat and your sauce is done!
Pairings with Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
There are infinite possibilities of pairing this grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter sauce. I like to make extra shrimp so I can make easy simple shrimp recipes during the week.
Plain alongside a delicious remoulade sauce: Think of this recipe as an easy homemade copycat Outback shrimp recipe.
Grilled Vegetables: I like grilled squash and peppers with my shrimp but any of your favorite veggies works! Potatoes in a foil pocket are delicious, crunchy, and creamy!
Air Fryer Potatoes: Include as many herbs as you would like. Once, I was eating pasta with a friend and they dumped almost the entire dried basil container in the sauce. Honestly, it was frickin’ good.
Rice: Shrimp and wild rice or white rice. Save a little of that garlic lemon butter and spoon it over top of your rice.
Salad: Eat this over top of a colorful green salad with a spritz from a lemon wedge. Some other great salad pairings include Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw or Greek Salad.
Beverages: Some great beverage pairings include a Frozen Strawberry Margarita, white wine, or my favorite, a Komchua Mocktail!
I LOVE Shrimp, But…
I love shrimp, I grew up eating shrimp on summer nights at the beach, but… from a sustainability point, I only enjoy shrimp every so often.
I’ve done some research into how to shop for sustainable shrimp and learned quite a bit!
When purchasing shrimp, stick with shrimp from North America, avoiding foreign imported shrimp. North American-caught shrimp is more likely to be caught sustainably. Specifically, Wild Gulf Shrimp is the best to buy due to its stricter management protocols. However, one 2014 report shows, that despite those stricter management protocols, the discard rate of other sea creatures from those shrimp trawls is still at 64%. You can also look for certifications like Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch, Wild American Shrimp, or the Marine Stewardship Council.
Look for the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) label when purchasing Farm-Raised shrimp. The BAP makes sure the shrimp is raised without antibiotics and in the correct conditions to meet local environmental regulations.
Bottom Line:
Eat less shrimp and more sustainable seafood local to the region. For instance, purchasing from local fishermen and purchasing seafood like mussels, oysters, and clams can have a positive impact on our oceans and their ecosystems.
If you are interested in reading more about sustainable practices in the shrimp industry check out the references below.
I am a big fan of okra! Crispy Fried Okra in The Air Fryer is my take on crunchy southern fried okra. This makes the perfect appetizer, side dish, or delicious snack.
In my recipe, I skip the deep fryer and instead use my air fryer. The air fryer makes super crispy delicious okra with far fewer fat and calories.
I batter up the okra halves which makes a crispy, dredged outer casing. I pair the Air Fryer Okra with a beautifully green, roasted poblano dipping sauce.
Why You Will Love This Crispy Air Fryer Okra Recipe
This is a healthy recipe. I love that this is a healthier alternative to the Southern classic but it also comes together super quickly and doesn’t require a big batch of oil.
This recipe is made of simple ingredients. I love that the okra is highlighted in this recipe and this recipe is a great addition to your okra recipe repertoire.
Maybe the best part, this is a year-round recipe. If you don’t have fresh okra you can use frozen okra. This is a great alternative for crispy air fryer okra year-round.
Ingredients In This Air Fryer Recipe
Fresh Okra – The main ingredient in this crispy air fryer okra recipe is
For The Egg Mixture
Large Egg: The egg binds all the batter ingredients together.
Yogurt: Yogurt adds richness and moisture.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds fat and flavor. This adds some flavor back that is eliminated by air frying vs deep frying.
Hot Sauce
Salt & Black Pepper: It’s so important to the season! Don’t forget it or you will taste the difference. You can use sea salt or kosher salt.
For The Panko Mixture
Panko: Makes for crispy breaded okra fries. I keep this recipe cornmeal-free with panko breadcrumbs however, you can always substitute cornmeal or rice flour.
Garlic Powder
Salt & Black Pepper: Yay! Be sure to season the panko, too!
Optional: Add even more flavor with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite spice blends such as cajun seasoning, garam masala, taco seasoning, or even curry powder.
Optional Dipping Sauces
These Air-Fried Okra are delicious plain perhaps with a sprizel of lemon juice. Feel free to use your favorite sauce as a dipping sauce.
Slice the Okra: Start by cutting the okra lengthwise.
Set Up Battering Station: Fill two plates or shallow bowls—one with your wet mixture and the other with your dry mixture for the batter. Place these dishes side by side to streamline the battering process.
Season the Okra: Don’t forget to season both your wet and dry mixtures to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Batter and Air Fry the Okra
Batter the Okra: Dip each sliced piece of okra into the wet mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the okra to the dry mixture and coat evenly.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the battered okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this could affect the cooking process. You might need to air fry the okra in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the Okra: Set your air fryer to 350°F. Air fry the okra for 10 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, flip the okra and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the okra turns golden brown and crispy.
More About Okra
Okra Slime
A little tidbit on nutrient information in okra!
Okra “slime” gets a bad rap! It is the mucous substance that comes from the okra pods.
Did you know, that mucilage contains soluble fiber, which isexcellent for the bowels? During digestion, the soluble fiber in mucilage can help ease constipation and keep you regular.
So that slimy texture has a purpose and is good for the gut!
Okra in The Garden
Okra is a wonderful hot weather plant. Oftentimes, okra is the last remaining plant in the garden if temperatures get up in the 100s.
Okra is drought-tolerant and loves direct sunlight.
When harvesting okra, wear long sleeves or gloves because most okra varieties are covered in tiny spines that may irritate your skin.
Easy Lemon Cucumber Salad Recipe with a Lemon Vinaigrette
This Lemon Cucumber Salad is a quick, versatile, and entirely plant-based dish that’s the perfect salad or side dish for showcasing fresh, seasonal produce.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a refreshing salad that highlights the crispness of cucumbers, the zing of lemon, and the subtle sweetness of cherry tomatoes.
Why I Made This Recipe
My favorite way to use cucumbers is in a simple salad. This is a great recipe because it lets the natural flavors of fresh produce shine.
When summer and autumn bring an abundance of fresh vegetables, I prefer to keep things simple, using just lemon juice, quality olive oil, and a touch of salt to enhance their natural taste.
For this recipe, I chose lemon cucumbers because they are less bitter, have a beautiful sun-yellow hue, and add a unique twist to traditional cucumber dishes. If you’re growing these cucumbers, you’ll find them to be prolific and relatively easy to care for, making them a fantastic addition to your garden and your kitchen.
Additionally, this makes for a fantastic busy day recipe! Simple salads are a great way to bump up your veggie intake without much effort.
Ingredients in This Cucumber Salad Recipe
Veggies
Fresh Cucumbers – Choose your favorite cucumber slices for this recipe or whatever garden cucumbers you have growing in your garden or picked up from the farmers market.
From English cucumbers, to lemon cucumbers, to Persian cucumbers any will work well in this recipe and you’ll even notice the different flavor profiles.
I like to cut my cucumbers into cubes or quarter inch slices.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
Green Onion (Scallions) – For more flavor you could use red onion
Optional: More fresh herbs such as mint leaves, fresh basil leaves, or fresh dill.
Lemon Vinaigrette
Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon Zest
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Cracked Black Pepper
You have the option to garnish with lemon slices.
How To Make This Easy Recipe
Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients.
Finish and Serve
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad. Serve immediately for a crisp, fresh taste, or refrigerate for up to a day to allow the flavors to marinate and deepen.
Other Ingredient Additions
The beautul thing about this recipe is it is adaptable. If you have some bell peppers feel free to throw some of those in, lots of herbs, or even some yogurt to make this a creamy cucumber salad.
Storing This Recipe
This recipe will last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)
What does lemon cucumber taste like?
Lemon cucumbers do not have a lemon flavor. They taste like a cucumber with no bitterness that sometimes comes with certain cucumber varietals.
They are called “Lemon” Cucumbers because they visually look like a lemon!
How do you eat Lemon Cucumbers?
You can eat lemon cucumbers in many ways, they are quite a versatile vegetable. I love them as an accent in a tomato salad, use them in a grain bowl creation, or make easy lemon cucumber pickles with mustard seed!
However, the recipes do not end there. Lemon cucumbers work in a variety of cuisines from Italian recipes Indian recipes, Japanese recipes, Chinese Recipes, and Mexican Recipes. For more inspiration, check out this article on 8 Must-Try Lemon Cucumber Recipe Ideas.
Can you put lemon and cucumber in water?
Yes, Lemon cucumber water is a delicious and refreshing beverage.
You can use any cucumber you would like, including lemon cucumbers. Lemon and cucumber in water is a refreshing and fun way to stay hydrated all year long.
For more flavor add the juice of a whole lemon or even some bottled lemon juice will taste great.
Growing Lemon Cucumbers
After moving to Washington, my husband and I have a beautiful backyard garden! This is my first year trying to grow Lemon Cucumbers. From what I have heard and researched lemon cucumbers are very easy to grow!
What I do know from growing other varietals of cucumber plants, they grow quickly, they like well-draining soil that is evenly moist. From my experience, when I was inconsistent with watering my cucumbers taste bitter. Additionally, they like full sun but are prone to scorching so they also need some shade (think about those big cucumber leaves!)
Interested in growing cucumbers? Here are a couple of resources.
Vietnamese Inspired Peanut Sauce Recipe For Noodles
One of my favorite takeout foods is Vietnamese food. I love Pho, Vemachelli noodles, summer rolls, and Luc Lac! One item I always order at a Vietnamese restaurant is summer rolls, also known as gỏi cuốn, fresh spring rolls, or salad rolls.
Most often I find peanut sauce served with my Vietnamese summer rolls and it is the perfect dipping sauce. I ensure each bite is saturated in the peanutty goodness of that sauce sweetened by hoisin sauce. I love that sauce so much, I make it and serve it over a deconstructed salad roll bowl, stir-fries, and rice.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
I’ve been making peanut sauce for years and it never gets old. I love this recipe for Vietnamese Peanut Sauce for Spring Rolls by Bryan Huy a Vietnamese American food blogger with an incredible collection of Vietnamese recipes.
My Easy Peanut Sauce doesn’t require any cooking ahead of time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with nutrition thanks to the peanut butter.
You can easily boost the nutrition by adding whatever veggies you have on hand and some protein, like rotisserie chicken, baked tofu, or grilled shrimp. Toss in some rice noodles, and you’ve got a satisfying, feel-good meal.
Now, let’s dive into how to make this Vietnamese-inspired peanut sauce using simple ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store.
Ingredients
All you need to make this sauce is a handful of ingredients. Keep in mind, thatyou can mix and match ratios of ingredients and include additional ingredients depending on how you like your peanut sauce!
Peanut Butter: I use creamy peanut butter but if you have chunky peanut butter that works well too.
Peanut butter is a great nut/seed butter for this recipe because it’s a spin on the classic Thai peanut sauce. Peanut butter is also inexpensive, healthy, and a superstar with the taste buds. When not using peanut butter, I use cashew and almond butter. Both are milder in flavor, allowing other flavors in the dish to shine.
Avocado oil: My go-to oil in this recipe. Avocado oil doesn’t add much flavor and adds healthy monounsaturated fats! I have also used sesame oil in some variations, especially when including tahini (sesame paste).
Hoisin Sauce: This is a must when making Vietnamese-inspired peanut sauce. Most grocery stores carry hoisin in the international section where you would find other items such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fish sauce. If you don’t have hoisin you could substitute brown sugar or maple syrup.
Water: I used water (or even a bit of coconut milk) to thin the peanut sauce to ensure all the veggies get coated. For a thicker sauce, omit the water.
Spicy Peanut Sauce:For those who love a bit of heat, I recommend adding a tbsp of sriracha to this recipe. You can also experiment with other spicy condiments like red pepper flakes, chili crisp, or sambal oelek.
If you prefer a milder sauce, feel free to omit the heat altogether.
Optional ingredients – Soy sauce, lime juice fish sauce, or rice vinegar: Sometimes, I like to add a splash of soy sauce, rice vinegar, or fish sauce to my peanut sauce, depending on my mood.
Each option brings a unique twist to the flavor, so feel free to experiment!
When serving it over vermicelli noodles with plenty of stir-fried fresh vegetables, I might even add all four for a bold and flavorful dish!
How To Make This Simple Peanut Sauce
Combine all ingredients in a food processor, blender, mason jar, or bowl.
Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Your sauce is now ready to drizzle over a big bowl of noodles or to serve as a delicious chicken wing sauce!
How to Serve Peanut Sauce
Make a big batch of this sauce and freeze it! You can use leftover peanut sauce in a variety of ways.
Dip or sauce for wings – I use this recipe as a dip for my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings! Pair that with a side of roasted broccoli, andred cabbage and top it with a bit of green onions for color.
Warm Noodles & rice bowls – spooning this over spaghetti squash and rice noodles, is a great way to incorporate more veggies into my diet. Don’t have rice noodles? You can use spaghetti noodles!
Cold noodle salad – served with your favorite veggies such as red bell peppers, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs. You can even top it with chicken satay or baked tofu. Top it all off with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for a little crunch.
Stir-fry sauce – incorporate your favorite veggies.
Marinade – For Chicken, tofu, or tempeh
Kick up basic instant ramen – Just add a little bit of the ramen seasoning packet to the ramen water, then add some peanut sauce, crack an egg in the hot broth and that’s what I call an easy ramen noodle soup. Bump it up even further with a bit of cooked pork belly!
Salad dressing – add a little minced garlic for a garlicky peanut salad dressing to toss with butter lettuce.
This Vietnamese Inspired Peanut Sauce is easy, nutritious, and delicious! Enjoy it over top of some noodles, in a stirfry, or as a pizza sauce! I especially love this as a dipping sauce for air-fryer chicken wings.
