🍜 Golden Lightning Noodles

Description: A quick, creamy, and savory-sweet noodle dish that packs a punch of flavor using staples you likely already have. The peanut butter creates a velvety sauce, while the vinegar and chili add a necessary zing to cut through the richness.

Estimated Time: 15 Minutes (5 min prep, 10 min cook)

Ingredients

1. Spaghetti (or any dried pasta)
2. Creamy Peanut Butter
3. Soy Sauce
4. Brown Sugar
5. Rice Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar)
6. Garlic Powder
7. Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil (salt for the water is assumed for cooking, not counted among the 7 ingredients). Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Crucial Step: Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. If the mixture seems too thick, add a tiny splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
3. Combine: Drain the pasta and immediately return it to the warm pot. Pour the sauce over the hot noodles. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with 2 tablespoons) to help the sauce coat every strand evenly.
4. Finish: Toss vigorously until the sauce is glossy and creamy. Taste and add more red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Serve immediately.

Storage Tip: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days; the sauce will thicken, so just add a splash of warm water when reheating.