Citrusy, Peanutty Pork With Rice Noodles

Salsa de cacahuate is far from your everyday peanut sauce. The rich, nutty, spicy sauce may hail from cozy taquerias in the southern states of Mexico, but it packs just the right punch and velvety body for the rice noodles in this recipe. The heat comes from a healthy handful of árbol chiles, toasted to wake up those dormant oils. Roasted peanuts lend texture and earthy flavor, and paprika deepens the sauce’s warm, smoky profile. Fresh lime juice and orange juice lend a zesty, sweet note, making the sauce a balanced vehicle for braising the pork. To avoid overcooking the rice noodles, you’ll bring a pot of water to a boil, drop the noodles in, and remove the pot from the heat, letting the noodles to come to life in just a few minutes. We’re looking for a silky sauce, with enough body to stick to our noodles. If it is reducing too quickly or too much, simply add a small amount of noodle cooking liquid to bring it to the ideal consistency.

This recipe is part of Make Your Own Noodles. Check out all of the recipes—plus expert tips, handy guides, and more.