Some of the best recipes come from a little kitchen experimentation, and this one is proof! My husband and I stumbled upon coconut peanut butter at a local farmers market and couldn’t resist getting creative with it. The result? Spicy, creamy, nutty noodles with a hint of coconut richness, perfectly balanced with fresh veggies and crispy tofu. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together easily—perfect for a weeknight stir-fry with a unique twist!
What you will need:
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp coconut peanut butter (or sub with ½ tbsp PB2 + ½ tbsp coconut oil)
- 2 tbsp PB2
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- Drizzle of chili oil (optional)
Vegetables & Protein: (handful of each, cut into thin strips ~1.5 inches long):
- Broccoli florets & stems
- Red cabbage
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Onions
- Tofu, cut into strips (air-fried or sautéed until golden brown)
Other:
- Stir-fry rice noodles
- Crushed peanuts & green onions (for garnish)
Instructions (makes 4 servings):
1. Prep the tofu – Cut into strips and either air-fry or pan-fry until golden brown.
2. Prep the veggies – Chop the vegetables into thin strips (~1.5 inches long).
3. Make the sauce – In a bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
4. Prep the noodles – Boil the rice noodles according to package instructions.
5. Sauté the veggies – Heat a pan on high heat, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then lower the heat.
6. Thin out the sauce – While the noodles are boiling, add 3 tbsp of noodle water to the sauce and mix until smooth.
7. Combine everything – Drain the noodles (do not rinse!) and immediately mix them into the pan with the veggies. Add the sauce and toss to coat.
8. Serve immediately – Top with crushed peanuts and green onions.
Additional Notes:
- Coconut Peanut Butter? This unique nut butter combines the creaminess of peanut butter with a subtle coconut flavor, adding depth to the sauce. If you can’t find it, the PB2 + coconut oil substitute works just as well!
- Don’t Rinse the Noodles – This keeps them warm and starchy, helping them absorb the sauce better.
- Customizable – Swap tofu for tempeh, add more chili oil for heat, or throw in extra veggies for crunch!
This dish has quickly become a go-to favorite in our kitchen, and I hope it does in yours too! Let me know if you try it.
