Imagine a meal that transforms your wilderness dining from mundane to extraordinary - a dish so vibrant and flavorful that it makes every backpacking trip a gourmet experience! These Chili Lime Peanut Noodles are not just a recipe; they're a compact, lightweight culinary journey that packs a punch of tangy, spicy, and creamy goodness into every single bite. Whether you're conquering mountain trails or seeking a quick, delicious meal that requires minimal preparation, this recipe is your ultimate trail companion that proves gourmet cooking isn't confined to restaurant kitchens.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Backpacking
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Rice noodles
- Peanut butter
- Lime juice
- Chili flakes
- Vegetable broth
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: rice noodles, peanut butter, lime juice, chili flakes, vegetable broth, green onions, and cilantro. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready for a smooth cooking process.
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. This will serve as the cooking liquid for your rice noodles.
- Once the broth is boiling, add 4 ounces of rice noodles to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4-6 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your heat preference.
- Once the noodles are cooked, reserve about 1/4 cup of the vegetable broth, then drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In the pot you used for the noodles, combine the drained noodles with the peanut butter sauce mixture. Gradually add the reserved vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency, stirring well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated.
- Chop the green onions and cilantro finely. Add half of the green onions and cilantro to the noodle mixture, reserving the other half for garnish.
- Mix everything thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice or chili flakes according to your preference.
- To serve, divide the chili lime peanut noodles into two bowls. Top with the remaining green onions and cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy your backpacking chili lime peanut noodles!
Tips
- Pre-measure and pack ingredients in lightweight, sealable bags to save space and weight in your backpack.
- Choose quick-cooking rice noodles that require minimal boiling time to conserve fuel.
- For easier preparation, mix the sauce ingredients before your trip and store in a small, leak-proof container.
- Opt for individual peanut butter packets to reduce bulk and ensure precise measurements.
- If carrying fresh herbs is challenging, consider bringing dried cilantro or green onion flakes as lightweight alternatives.
- Always keep a small lightweight pot with a lid for efficient cooking and heat retention.
- Use a camping spork or lightweight utensil for mixing and serving to minimize gear weight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
