Description
This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a refreshing cold lunch. It features tender noodles tossed in a creamy, tangy, and spicy peanut sauce made from natural ingredients, with the option to add sautéed vegetables or tofu for extra nutrition and texture. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, it delivers a satisfying balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with a hint of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–4 tablespoons hot water, as needed to thin
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces noodles (spaghetti, soba, rice noodles, or your choice)
Optional Add-ins
- Sautéed vegetables (carrots, peppers, broccoli)
- Tofu
- Edamame
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Gradually add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.
- Toss the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the peanut sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each noodle evenly. Stir in any desired sautéed vegetables, tofu, or edamame to enhance the dish’s texture and nutrition.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or extra chili sauce as preferred. Serve the noodles warm or chilled, depending on your taste and preference.
Notes
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
- For a vegan version, ensure the noodles you choose do not contain eggs.
- Adding sautéed vegetables or tofu boosts the nutritional value and makes it a more filling meal.
- Leftover noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
