Name: Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti; 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1/4 cup hot water (to thin sauce); 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 2 green onions, chopped; Fresh cilantro (for garnish); Crushed peanuts (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly fast and easy — from start to finish in about 15 minutes.
The sauce is creamy, nutty, slightly sweet, savory and has just the right amount of heat.
It’s very versatile — you can serve it as-is, or add your favorite vegetables, tofu, or other protein to make it more substantial.
It works warm or cold, which makes it a good option for meal prep or leftover lunches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
16 ounces brown rice noodles
3 large cloves garlic (or 4–5 small)
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon oil
⅔ cup creamy peanut butter (low‑ or no‑salt recommended)
4 tablespoons low‑sodium tamari or soy sauce
1/3–1 cup hot water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1–2 tablespoons sriracha
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for more spice)
Optional: 2 teaspoons chili‑garlic sauce

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Finely mince the garlic and sauté it in a pan with oil over low heat for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the grated ginger and sauté for another minute.
Remove the pan from heat and add the peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup or honey, red pepper flakes (if using), and chili‑garlic sauce (if using). Gradually whisk in hot water until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed — more soy sauce for saltiness, more sriracha for heat, more maple syrup for sweetness.
Add about half the sauce to the cooked noodles and toss to coat. Add more sauce as needed to suit your preference.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped scallions, crushed peanuts, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs. Add steamed vegetables or protein for a more complete meal.

Servings and timing

Serves: about 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
Stir in tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
Use whole‑wheat spaghetti, soba, or udon noodles instead of rice noodles.
Make it nut-free by swapping peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water, broth, or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Brown rice noodles are ideal, but you can also use soba, udon, whole-wheat spaghetti, or regular pasta based on preference.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, it’s completely plant-based and also gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I add vegetables or protein?

Absolutely. Tofu, tempeh, chicken, or vegetables like broccoli and carrots pair wonderfully with this dish.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Use less sriracha or skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version. For more heat, increase either one or add chili-garlic sauce.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. You can make both the sauce and noodles ahead of time and store separately. Toss them together just before serving.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it makes a great cold noodle salad or meal prep option. The flavors deepen as it chills.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored properly, the noodles will last up to 4–5 days in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together when reheating?

Add a splash of water or broth and stir gently as you reheat to loosen the noodles and sauce.

Can the sauce be used for other dishes?

Definitely. It works well as a dip for spring rolls, a salad dressing, or a sauce for stir-fried vegetables.

Conclusion

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles are the perfect balance of bold flavors and easy preparation. With a rich, creamy sauce and flexible ingredients, this dish fits effortlessly into busy weeknights or thoughtful meal prep. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins and enjoy it hot or cold — either way, it’s sure to satisfy.