Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
This recipe is creamy, savory, slightly spicy, and ready in about 40 minutes. The peanut butter creates a rich broth, while the Thai curry paste adds warmth and depth. It is filling enough for dinner, easy to customize, and perfect for anyone who loves noodle bowls with bold flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon groundnut oil or any neutral cooking oil
100 grams boneless chicken breast
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
3 tablespoons peanut butter
3 tablespoons red Thai curry paste
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 ½ cups chicken stock or water
200 grams cooked udon noodles
200 ml coconut milk
½ cup blanched broccoli florets
2 tablespoons roasted, peeled, and crushed groundnuts
2 tablespoons chilli oil
Directions
Heat oil in a pot or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the peanut butter, red Thai curry paste, soy sauce, salt, and sugar. Stir and sauté for a few seconds until everything begins to combine.
Pour in the chicken stock or water and stir well. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the broth absorbs the flavors.
Add the chicken breast and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the broth and place it on a plate. Once cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips.
Add the cooked udon noodles to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the noodles from the broth using tongs or a slotted spoon and set aside.
Whisk the coconut milk into the broth until smooth and fully combined.
To serve, place about 1 cup of noodles in a bowl. Add sliced chicken, broccoli, and 2 to 3 ladles of broth. Top with crushed groundnuts and chilli oil. Serve hot.
Repeat with the remaining servings.
Servings and timing
Servings: 3
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version, and swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
Add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Use ramen noodles, rice noodles, or soba noodles instead of udon.
For a spicier bowl, add extra chilli oil, sliced fresh chillies, or a little more red Thai curry paste.
For a richer broth, use full-fat coconut milk and creamy peanut butter.
Storage/Reheating
Store the broth, noodles, chicken, and toppings separately if possible. This helps keep the noodles from becoming too soft.
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat the broth gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Add the noodles and chicken just before serving.
If the broth thickens after chilling, add a splash of water, stock, or coconut milk while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use instant ramen noodles?
Yes, instant ramen noodles work well. Discard the seasoning packet and cook the noodles separately or directly in the broth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Use tofu instead of chicken and vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, but creamy peanut butter gives the broth a smoother finish.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the curry paste and chilli oil used. Reduce the chilli oil for a milder version.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, but chicken stock gives the broth a deeper flavor. Water still works if you adjust the seasoning well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but store the noodles separately from the broth to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid.
What vegetables go well with this?
Broccoli, bok choy, mushrooms, spinach, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas all work well.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes. Add cooked chicken near the end, just long enough to warm it through.
Why did my broth become too thick?
Peanut butter and coconut milk can thicken as they cook or cool. Add a little stock, water, or coconut milk to loosen it.
Can I skip the coconut milk?
Yes, but the broth will be less creamy. You can replace it with more stock or use a small splash of cream.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles are creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, with tender chicken, rich broth, chewy noodles, fresh broccoli, crunchy peanuts, and a drizzle of chilli oil. It is a comforting noodle bowl that feels special while still being easy enough for a weeknight meal.
