dileenthompson 
This recipe features linguine coated in a rich, creamy, and tangy peanut sauce made with coconut milk, lime, and soy sauce. Topped with fresh, crunchy vegetables and herbs, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Noodles & Toppings:
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 large carrot, shredded or julienned
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup canned full-fat coconut milk, well-shaken
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1-2 limes)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Just before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine all the ingredients for the peanut sauce—peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, garlic, and ginger—in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the hot, drained pasta. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously with tongs until the pasta is evenly coated, adding more pasta water as needed until the sauce is silky and clings to the noodles.
- Serve: Divide the noodles among bowls. Top generously with shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts, and sliced scallions. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Key Flavors & Notes
- Creamy & Nutty: The combination of peanut butter and coconut milk creates a luxuriously rich and creamy base.
- Tangy & Bright: Fresh lime juice is essential, cutting through the richness and balancing the flavors.
- Salty & Spicy: Soy sauce provides the salty, umami depth, while sriracha adds a customizable level of heat.
- Pro-Tip: If your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to use more pasta water. It’s the key to achieving a smooth, restaurant-quality sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so a little extra liquid is beneficial.
- Variations:
- Add Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, baked tofu, or a few cooked shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
- Add Crunch: Along with the peanuts, try adding thinly sliced bell pepper or cucumber for more fresh crunch.
- Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
