Spicy Peanut Noodles are one of those dishes that check all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Whether you need a speedy weeknight meal or a dish that makes takeout jealous, these noodles bring the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, fiery chili, and umami depth. Bonus? You can toss in whatever veggies or protein you have on hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a lifesaver when you need a meal that’s big on flavor but light on effort. A spicy, nutty sauce hugs chewy noodles, making every bite irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes—yes, really!
- Customizable: Works great with any protein or veggies.
- Better Than Takeout: Skip the delivery and make it fresh.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor—it makes a huge difference!
- If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of warm water brings it back to life.
- Try chili crisp or gochujang for a fun twist on the heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sriracha, honey, and water until smooth.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine: Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer briefly. Toss in the cooked noodles and mix until coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped peanuts, green onions, and red pepper flakes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- No peanut butter? Almond butter or tahini works in a pinch.
- Make it protein-packed: Add shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Want it extra saucy? Double the sauce—it stores well in the fridge!
- Avoid mushy noodles: Rinse them briefly in cold water after cooking.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Gluten-Free: Swap noodles for rice noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas.
- Add a Pop of Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lime takes it over the top.
- Spicy Peanut Noodle Bowl: Serve with a soft-boiled egg and sliced cucumbers.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen overnight. Just reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
What’s the best noodle option?
Lo mein or udon work beautifully, but any noodle you have on hand will work—even spaghetti!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste amazing cold, too!
Recipe Card
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1-2 tsp sriracha
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of sesame oil.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sriracha, honey, and water.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the sauce and simmer briefly, then toss in the noodles until well-coated.
- Garnish with peanuts, green onions, and red pepper flakes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Made these Spicy Peanut Noodles? Let me know how they turned out in the comments! And don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram—tag @TheKitchensAid so I can see your delicious plates!
