Why You’ll Love Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The peanut butter creates a rich, creamy sauce, while garlic, ginger, sriracha, sesame oil, and tamari add bold flavor. It is also easy to customize with tofu, chicken, vegetables, or extra toppings.
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 to 5 small cloves
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon oil
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
1/3 to 1 cup hot water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional: 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Finely mince the garlic. Add the oil to a sauté pan, then cook the garlic over low heat for about 2 minutes, until lightly golden. Add the grated ginger and sauté for 1 more minute.
Remove the pan from the heat. Add the peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup or honey, red pepper flakes, and chili garlic sauce if using. Start with 1/3 cup hot water and whisk until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust as needed with more soy sauce, sriracha, sweetener, or seasonings.
Add about half of the sauce to the cooked noodles and toss well. Add more sauce as desired, depending on how creamy and saucy you like the noodles.
Serve with crushed peanuts, sliced scallions, and extra red pepper flakes.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
Add crispy tofu, shredded chicken, shrimp, or edamame for extra protein.
Stir in vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or spinach.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes.
For extra heat, add more chili garlic sauce or a drizzle of chili oil.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of hot water to loosen the sauce, since it will thicken as it chills.
These noodles can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or cold.
FAQs
Can I use regular noodles instead of brown rice noodles?
Yes. Spaghetti, ramen, soba, udon, or rice noodles all work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use brown rice noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Use less sriracha and omit the red pepper flakes and chili garlic sauce.
Can I make it extra spicy?
Yes. Add more sriracha, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or chili oil.
Why do I need hot water for the sauce?
Hot water helps the peanut butter blend more smoothly into the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Steamed, roasted, or sautéed vegetables are a great addition.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It stores well and is great for meal prep.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Peanut butter thickens quickly. Add more hot water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter works if you like extra texture.
What toppings go best with these noodles?
Crushed peanuts, scallions, sesame seeds, cilantro, lime juice, and extra chili flakes are all great options.
Conclusion
Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles are quick, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. With a simple peanut sauce and tender noodles, this recipe is easy to make, easy to customize, and perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
