Description
This Broccoli Rabe Peanut Soba Noodles recipe is a vibrant and hearty dish combining sautéed broccoli rabe with tender soba noodles in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, it balances the bitterness of the greens with a rich, flavorful sauce and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 6 ounces soba noodles or whole grain spaghetti
- 1 pound broccoli rabe
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for sprinkling
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium tamari or reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
Garnishes
- Small handful of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small lime wedge
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli Rabe: Rinse the broccoli rabe thoroughly and pat it dry. Trim off the tough lower ends of the stems and discard. Remove any remaining stems thicker than 1/4 inch as they will be too fibrous even after cooking.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, whisk together peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, honey or agave nectar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Set aside.
- Sauté the Broccoli Rabe: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared broccoli rabe, sprinkle with fine salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and toss to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the leaves wilt and stems become tender enough to pierce with a fork, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook until just al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Toss and Combine: Return the drained noodles to the pot, add the sautéed broccoli rabe, and pour in the peanut sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles and greens are evenly coated with the sauce. You might not need to use all the sauce, so adjust to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the noodles and broccoli rabe to serving bowls. Top with chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and additional red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
Notes
- This dish offers a lovely balance of spicy, nutty, and slightly bitter flavors, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Doubling the broccoli rabe adds extra greens for a more nutrient-rich bowl.
- For a vegan-friendly option, use agave nectar instead of honey.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- To save time, prepare the peanut sauce in advance and refrigerate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about half the recipe)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 10.7 g
- Sodium: 1210.2 mg
- Fat: 24.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: estimated 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49.9 g
- Fiber: 3.3 g
- Protein: 17.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
