Shredded cabbage and crisp bean sprouts provide a refreshing, cooling base for this quick-to-assemble crunchy noodle salad. By toasting instant noodles in butter along with sesame seeds and chopped peanuts, you create a satisfying, golden-brown topping that introduces a deep, nutty aroma and a necessary contrast to the fresh vegetables.
The dressing ties everything together with a balance of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a hint of honey for sweetness. A dash of shichimi togarashi adds a subtle, warming spark that rounds out the savory notes of the soy and toasted components. It relies on pantry staples to deliver a complex variety of textures in just a few minutes of stovetop work.
This side dish works well alongside grilled proteins or as a light lunch when you want something substantial but not heavy. It is best enjoyed immediately after tossing to ensure the noodles retain their toasted snap against the crisp julienned carrots and garden-fresh greens.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the vibrant contrast of textures found in this crunchy noodle dish, you might also appreciate the bright, herbaceous profiles of our refreshing Vietnamese noodle salad. For those who enjoy experimenting with bold, cross-cultural flavor profiles, the zesty Mexican caprese salad offers a similarly unexpected and satisfying take on classic salad assembly.
Key Ingredients
- Instant noodles: Toasted in butter, these provide the signature crunchy element of the salad.
- Peanuts: Coarsely ground and toasted with the noodles for added nutty texture.
- Cabbage: Shredded leaves form the fresh, crisp base of this salad.
- Carrots: Julienned carrots add vibrant color and a mild sweetness to the mix.
- Bean sprouts: These provide a light, refreshing crunch that complements the toasted noodle topping.
- Soy sauce: Forms the savory, salty foundation of the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the dressing.
- Honey: Balances the salty and acidic components of the dressing with a touch of sweetness.
Elevate Your Salad Game
- Crisp watercress salad provides a peppery bite that balances the savory, nutty notes of our noodle-based crunch.
- Ottolenghi’s unique spring green salad is the perfect companion if you are looking to incorporate more seasonal greens into your weekly rotation.
- Simple protein-packed tofu salad works wonderfully when you want a heartier plant-based lunch that mirrors the satisfying mouthfeel of a noodle bowl.
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