Lunch for One: Scallion Peanut Noodles

This recipe is fitting as I just gobbled this up for lunch at 2:00 in between a Zoom call and attempting to get my two toddlers to sleep. This is the perfect lunch for you when you’re craving Asian takeout but you’re on a time crunch and have limited ingredients at home. By the way- that combination is my life almost every day. ;) I first doctored up a package of ramen noodles in high school. I added soy sauce and peanut butter and concocted a quick and delicious noodle dish. I *think* I’ve perfected it, and I definitely think you should try it! If you are opposed to keeping Top Ramen in your house, just grab some rice noodles or soba noodles. You’ll need roughly 6 ounces.

SCALLION PEANUT NOODLES
Serves 1. Prep time: Less than 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 package ramen noodles without flavor packet, or 6-oz ramen or soba noodles
- 1 scallion stalk, diced and separated
- 2 T soy sauce
- 1 heaping T peanut butter
- 1 T sesame oil
- 1/2 T rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 T brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:
1.) Boil your ramen or soba noodles until cooked
2.) In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients aside from scallions
3.) Drain noodles and return to pot. Add half of scallions and heat through alongside warm noodles. Once wilted, add sauce and stir to coat.
4.) Add remaining fresh scallions to top. Cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or crushed peanuts would also be delicious on top!

Note: This is another recipe that is highly adaptable. Close your eyes and take a bite. If you’re craving heat, add a shake of red pepper flake or a drizzle of chili sauce. If you are craving a sweeter flavor, add in another half tablespoon of brown sugar or a small drizzle of honey. If it’s acid you want, add a touch more vinegar or a squeeze of lime. This is how I prefer my noodles, but you have an entirely different palette. Jump off from here and create something you love!