These peanut noodles are the perfect dish when you’re in a hurry but still want something super tasty. The peanut sauce is creamy, a little spicy, and just so good.
Peanut noodles have been a favorite in Asian cooking for a long time. People love how simple and comforting they are. It’s like having your favorite peanut butter but in a savory, noodle-y way.
These noodles are inspired by traditional Thai peanut sauces. Peanut sauce has roots in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thailand and Indonesia. It’s been a staple for centuries, used in everything from satays to salads. The creamy blend of peanuts, soy sauce, and spices brings a comforting and bold taste that’s simply irresistible.
If you liked other quick noodle recipes, you’re going to love this one even more. It’s easy to make, takes only 20 minutes, and is perfect for busy days or lazy evenings. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a new noodle recipe to try, this one’s a winner. Grab your ingredients and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
PEANUT NOODLES – WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- These Noodles are perfect for when you need a quick and tasty meal.
- The peanut sauce is creamy, a little spicy, and absolutely delicious.
- This dish gives you a taste of Southeast Asia right at home.
- Super easy to make and only takes 20 minutes from start to finish.
- You can use rice noodles or any other type you prefer, making it a versatile recipe.
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 3-4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
- 8 oz/225g long noodles (thin udon, ramen, spaghetti)*
- 1/3 cup/80g unsalted peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
- 1 1/2 tbsp/22ml rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp/15ml maple syrup
- 2 tsp/10ml soy sauce
- 1 clove/5g garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tsp/5ml sriracha
- 2-3 tbsp/30-45ml warm water
- 1/2 large/200g English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium/180g red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Chopped peanuts to serve
- Chopped cilantro to serve
- A dash of Sesame oil
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT NOODLES
1. Wash, dry, and thinly slice the cucumber and bell pepper. Chop peanuts and cilantro. Finely mince, press, or grate the garlic.
2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth. Add 2 tbsp/30ml warm water and whisk until smooth. Add more water until consistency is that of a thick heavy cream.
3. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain immediately. Add in the hot noodles and toss to completely coat.
4. Add in the vegetables and toss to combine. Serve immediately with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Notes
- You can also use rice noodles/thin pad thai style noodles and tamari for a gluten free version.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking the noodles to maintain their texture.
- Sauce Consistency: If the peanut sauce has thickened too much, add water or a bit of lime juice to reach the desired consistency.
TIPS, VARIATIONS, AND SUBSTITUTIONS
🍜 Rice noodles, spaghetti noodles, udon, or soba noodles – You can use rice noodles, spaghetti noodles, udon, or even soba noodles for this peanut noodle recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times.
🍜 Tofu or air fryer tofu – For a protein boost, add tofu or air fryer tofu. Marinate in tamari or soy sauce and then fry until crispy. Fried tofu adds a great texture.
🍜 Snap peas, cabbage, or edamame – Enhance the dish with extra vegetables like snap peas, cabbage, or edamame. These can be added raw for crunch or lightly sautéed for a softer texture.
🍜 Chopped peanuts or almond butter – Sprinkle chopped peanuts or almond butter for extra crunch and nutty flavor. They complement the luscious peanut sauce perfectly.
🍜 Lime juice – Add a squeeze of lime juice to your noodles just before serving. This adds a refreshing tang that balances the creamy peanut sauce.
🍜 Green onions and sesame seeds – Top your noodles with green onions and sesame seeds. These garnishes add color and fresh flavor to your dish.
🍜 Ginger – For a warm, spicy note, add freshly grated or minced ginger to the sauce ingredients. This enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH PEANUT NOODLES
Steamed Vegetables
A side of steamed vegetables complements peanut butter noodles perfectly. Try broccoli, snap peas, or red cabbage. Simply steam them until tender and serve alongside your noodles into bowls. They add a nice crunch and extra nutrition to your meal.
Tofu or Tempeh
For a protein boost, serve your peanut noodles with crispy tofu or tempeh. This makes the dish more filling and adds a delicious texture contrast.
Fresh Salad
A fresh salad can balance the richness of the peanut sauce while the noodles. Use mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a simple dressing. You can even add some shredded red cabbage for extra crunch. This light side dish is easy to prepare and enhances the overall meal.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a fun and tasty side. They can be filled with vegetables like lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers, and served with a dipping sauce made with simple ingredients. They are light, fresh, and pair well with the creamy peanut flavor of the noodles.
Sautéed Greens
Sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or bok choy are excellent sides for peanut butter noodles. Simply sauté the greens with garlic and a splash of gluten free tamari or dark soy sauce. They are quick to make and add a savory element to your meal.
Edamame
Edamame is a great snack or side that pairs well with peanut noodles. Boil them in salted water until tender, and serve them as an appetizer or alongside the noodles. They add a nice texture and are a good source of protein.
Dumplings
Vegetable or tofu dumplings can make a delightful accompaniment. They are typically easy and quick to make or can be bought frozen for convenience. Serve them with a dipping sauce for a complete meal experience.
Pickled Vegetables
A small side of pickled vegetables can enhance the flavors of your spicy peanut noodles. The tanginess from the pickles balances the richness of the peanut sauce, providing a refreshing contrast.
Fresh Fruit
End your meal with some fresh fruit. Pineapple, mango, or even citrus fruits can cleanse the palate after a rich dish like peanut butter noodles. They are light, refreshing, and a great way to finish the meal.
HOW TO STORE
Refrigeration
- Cool Down: Allow the cooked noodles to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Airtight Container: Place the noodles in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Separate Sauce: If possible, store the peanut sauce separately from the noodles. This helps maintain the noodles’ texture.
- Fridge Storage: Store the noodles in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Cool Down Completely: Make sure the noodles are completely cool before freezing.
- Portion Control: Divide the noodles into portion-sized servings. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
- Freezer-Safe Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: Label the containers with the date so you know how long they’ve been stored.
- Freezer Storage: Noodles can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
- Microwave: Reheat the noodles in the microwave. Add a splash of water to thin out the sauce if it has thickened. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat the noodles on the stovetop. Place them in a pot over medium heat, adding a bit of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Add Fresh Garnishes: Refresh the noodles by adding fresh garnishes like green onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF NUT BUTTER?
Yes! If you don’t like peanut butter or have allergies, you can use almond butter or cashew butter instead. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and so easy to make.
HOW DO I ADJUST THE SPICE LEVEL?
If you love spicy food, add more chili or hot sauce to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or leave it out altogether.
WHAT IF I HAVE LEFTOVER SAUCE?
If you have leftover peanut sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be used as a dip, salad dressing, or added to other dishes for extra flavor.
HOW CAN I THIN THE PEANUT SAUCE?
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or lime juice to thin it out. Add the water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
WHAT VEGETABLES GO WELL WITH THIS DISH?
You can add a variety of vegetables like red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. Feel free to shred them for easier mixing.
Easy Peanut Noodles (20-Min Meal!)
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles *see note
- ⅓ cup unsalted peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
- 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 2-3 tbsp water warm
- ½ large cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper thinly sliced
To serve with:
- chopped peanuts
- chopped cilantro
- a dash sesame oil
Instructions
- 1. Wash, dry, and thinly slice the cucumber and bell pepper. Chop peanuts and cilantro. Finely mince, press, or grate the garlic.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth. Add 2 tbsp/30ml warm water and whisk until smooth. Add more water until consistency is that of a thick heavy cream.
- 3. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain immediately. Add in the hot noodles and toss to completely coat.
- 4. Add in the vegetables and toss to combine. Serve immediately with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.