These thick, Peanut Butter Noodles get tossed in the creamiest peanut butter sauce with just the right kick of heat. I first made these on a rainy Tuesday when I had about fifteen minutes before Oliver's soccer practice, and honestly, I've been hooked ever since. The sauce comes together in one pan while the noodles boil, and somehow it tastes like you spent way more time than you actually did.
If you're looking for something quick that doesn't sacrifice flavor, this vegan noodle bowl delivers every single time. For more weeknight wins, try my Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry or One Pot Beef Taco Pasta when you need dinner fast.
Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Noodles
Quick and Easy: These spicy Peanut Butter Noodles are ready in fifteen minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: Made with brown rice noodles and a dairy-free peanut sauce, this dish works for so many different dietary needs without sacrificing any flavor.
Incredibly Flavorful: The homemade peanut sauce balances creamy, savory, tangy, and spicy in every bite. It's the kind of flavor that makes you want to lick the bowl.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting the sriracha and red pepper flakes, so everyone at your table can enjoy it their way.
Meal Prep Friendly: These Peanut Butter Noodles store beautifully and taste even better the next day, making them ideal for lunch bowls throughout the week.
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Peanut Butter Noodles Ingredients
Here's everything for your peanut noodle bowl, broken down nice and simple.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
For the Noodles:
- Brown rice noodles: These gluten-free noodles have a wonderful chewy texture and soak up the peanut sauce beautifully. You can substitute regular pasta or soba noodles if preferred.
For the Peanut Sauce:
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gets sautéed until golden and fragrant, creating a flavor base for the entire sauce. Use large cloves for the best impact.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds bright, zesty warmth that balances the richness of the peanut butter. Fresh ginger works much better than dried here.
- Oil: A neutral oil like olive oil helps sauté the aromatics without burning them.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that makes the sauce thick, nutty, and incredibly satisfying. Choose a low-salt or no-salt variety so you can control the seasoning.
- Low sodium tamari or soy sauce: Brings deep umami and saltiness to the sauce. Tamari keeps it gluten-free, but regular soy sauce works too.
- Hot water: Thins the peanut butter to a silky, pourable consistency. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens all the other flavors and cuts through the richness.
- Toasted sesame oil: Gives the sauce that authentic Asian noodle flavor with its nutty, toasted aroma.
- Sriracha: Brings the heat and a touch of sweetness. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Maple syrup or honey: Balances the heat and saltiness with just a hint of sweetness. Either one works perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds another layer of warmth and a little texture to the sauce.
- Chili garlic sauce: An optional ingredient for those who want even more complex, garlicky heat.
How to Make Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Making these easy Peanut Butter Noodles is straightforward and forgiving.
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the brown rice noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain them in a colander and set aside while you make the sauce.
Sauté garlic and ginger: Mince your garlic finely so it cooks evenly. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan over low heat, then add the garlic. Let it cook gently for about 2 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells amazing. Stir in the grated ginger and cook for 1 more minute, being careful not to let anything burn.
Make the peanut sauce: Take the pan off the heat to prevent scorching. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and chili garlic sauce if you're using it. Pour in ⅓ cup of hot water and whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it looks too thick, add more hot water a little at a time until it reaches a consistency you like.
Season and adjust: Taste your sauce and make any tweaks. If it needs more saltiness, add a splash more soy sauce. Want it spicier? Stir in extra sriracha. This is where you make it yours.
Combine noodles and sauce: Pour about half of the peanut sauce over the cooked noodles and toss everything together with tongs or a large spoon. Start with half and see if you want it saucier, then add more as you go.
Serve and garnish: Divide the noodles into bowls and top with crushed peanuts, sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like. Serve them with your favorite veggies or protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp on the side.
Substitutions and Variations
Noodle Options: Swap brown rice noodles for regular spaghetti, soba noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter for a nut-free take on this recipe.
Protein Additions: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, edamame, or a soft-boiled egg to make it more filling.
Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or steamed broccoli for more color and nutrition.
Sweetener Swap: Use agave nectar or a touch of brown sugar instead of maple syrup or honey.
Equipment For Peanut Butter Noodles
- Large pot: For boiling the noodles.
- Sauté pan: To cook the garlic, ginger, and sauce.
- Whisk: Helps blend the peanut sauce until it's perfectly smooth.
- Knife and chopping board: For mincing garlic and prepping any garnishes.
- Measuring spoons: To keep your flavors balanced and consistent.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftover peanut butter noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so add a splash of water when reheating.
Freezer: These Peanut Butter Noodles don't freeze particularly well because the sauce can separate, but if you want to try, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the Peanut Butter Noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon or two of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.
Expert Tips
Don't Skip the Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger makes a huge difference in flavor compared to dried. It adds brightness and a little zing that really brings the sauce to life.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: The sauce should coat the noodles without being too thick or too runny. Add hot water gradually until it reaches the texture you want.
Taste as You Go: Everyone's spice tolerance is different, so start with less sriracha and build up from there. You can always add more heat, but you can't take it away.
Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: If your peanut butter is cold from the fridge, it won't whisk as smoothly into the sauce. Let it sit out for a bit before starting.
Serving Suggestions
With Crispy Tofu: Pan-fry some cubed tofu until golden and serve it on top for a protein-packed vegan dinner.
Alongside Fresh Veggies: Serve with cucumber slices, shredded cabbage, or a simple side salad to add crunch and freshness.
As a Cold Noodle Salad: Let the Peanut Butter Noodles cool completely and serve them chilled as a peanut noodle salad for lunch or picnics.
With Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken on top for a heartier meal that's still quick and easy. If you need more dinner inspiration, my Turkish Ezme or Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad are great options too.
FAQ
What can I add to peanut butter noodles to make them spicy?
You can add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or even fresh sliced jalapeños to boost the heat. Start small and taste as you go. A little cayenne pepper works too if that's what you have on hand.
Can I make peanut butter noodles without soy sauce?
Yes! Swap the soy sauce or tamari for coconut aminos for a soy-free version. You might want to add a tiny pinch of extra salt since coconut aminos are a bit milder.
How do I store leftovers of peanut butter noodles?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken, so just add a splash of water when you reheat them. They're delicious cold too, straight from the fridge.
What are some protein options to add to peanut butter noodles?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, tempeh, edamame, or a soft-boiled egg all work wonderfully. I love adding crispy baked tofu for a fully vegan meal that's really satisfying.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Peanut Butter Noodles
Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Ingredients
- 16 ounces brown rice noodles or other gluten-free noodles
- 3 large cloves garlic or 4-5 small cloves finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger adds a zingy freshness
- 1 tablespoon oil used for sautéing any neutral oil works
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter low or no salt recommended
- 4 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- ⅓-1 cup hot water helps thin the sauce for desired consistency
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar adds tang
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil adds depth of flavor
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha for spiciness adjust to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey for sweetness
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for extra spice
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce optional for additional heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat the oil in a sauté pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Add the grated ginger to the pan and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
- Remove the pan from heat and add the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and chili garlic sauce (if using). Whisk everything together, adding hot water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the noodles are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Pour in half of the peanut sauce and toss to coat the noodles evenly.
- Taste the noodles and adjust the flavor by adding more soy sauce, sriracha, or any other seasonings as needed. Serve the noodles with additional toppings like crushed peanuts, sliced scallions, and extra red pepper flakes.
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