Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe  

Deliciously nutty and irresistibly flavorful, peanut noodles are a delightful dish that will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and refreshing with a harmonious blend of creamy peanut butter, tangy soy sauce, and vibrant vegetables.

Below, you will discover a simple and delightful recipe for peanut noodles that can be effortlessly prepared. Whether you're a busy bee looking for a quick and satisfying meal or a food enthusiast eager to explore new taste sensations, we've got you covered.

Note: If you are allergic to peanuts, swap them for other nut options. 

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to the package instructions until they reach the desired texture. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine sauce ingredients: peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until they are fully blended. If the sauce appears too thick, add a water splash to achieve your preferred consistency.

3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked noodles with the sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, cucumber, and toasted sesame oil.

4. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the noodles and vegetables, ensuring they are well coated in the delectable sauce. Carefully toss the mixture to distribute the sauce across all ingredients evenly.

5. Serve the peanut noodles in individual bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.

Consistency of the peanut sauce: In case the peanut sauce appears too thick, you have the option to gradually add a small amount of water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. It is important to exercise caution and avoid adding excessive water at once to avoid diluting the flavors.

Customize with additional vegetables: While the recipe calls for bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber, you can get creative and add other vegetables, such as bean sprouts, snap peas, or thinly sliced cabbage. By incorporating these additional ingredients, you will not only boost the nutritional value of your dish but also introduce an array of vibrant textures and colors.

Fresh ingredients make a difference: Whenever possible, use fresh lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic for optimal flavor. These ingredients' vibrant and zesty notes will elevate the taste of your peanut noodles.

What Is Peanut Noodles

Peanut noodles, also known as peanut sauce noodles or peanut butter noodles, are a dish that combines noodles with a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce. This dish has its roots in Asian cuisine, particularly in regions like Thailand and China, where peanuts are a common ingredient.

Peanut noodles are loved for their rich, creamy, and nutty flavor profile. The noodles are often served cold or at room temperature, making them a refreshing and convenient option for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on a warm day.

Apart from the peanut sauce, peanut noodles offer the opportunity for personalization by incorporating a diverse range of ingredients. Common additions include thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, or bean sprouts.

Consider including fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil to infuse your dish with a burst of freshness and aroma. Additionally, for a heartier meal, some variations of peanut noodles incorporate protein sources such as shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

What Ingredients You Will Need To Make Peanut Noodles

Noodles

Choose your preferred types of noodles, such as spaghetti noodles, linguine, soba noodles, ramen noodles, or rice noodles. Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier option. You can also try spiralized vegetable noodles as a low-carb alternative.

Peanut Butter

For the best results, it is recommended to use natural peanut butter, which typically consists solely of peanuts and, in some cases, a minimal amount of salt. This type of peanut butter contributes a luscious and velvety texture to the sauce. Look for varieties without added sugars or hydrogenated oils.

You have the option to choose between either smooth peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter. The crunchy peanut butter will add a texture to the noodle recipe and will release more peanut flavor.

If you are looking for a peanut butter alternative, try natural almond butter or cashew butter. Sunflower seed butter can be used for those with peanut allergies. The butter imparts different flavors to the noodles, but the overall result can still be delicious. Please note that there may be slight variations in taste and texture based on the choice of peanut butter.

Soy Sauce

Also known as tamari or shoyu, soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the creamy peanut sauce. Opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce or use tamari for a gluten-free option. To add a healthier aspect to the dish and make it gluten-free, you can substitute coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

Toasted Sesame Oil

This aromatic oil made from toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty and distinctive flavor to the sauce. Use it in moderation, as a small amount can significantly impact the flavor of the dish.

Garlic

Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic taste to the sauce. Renowned for its remarkable health advantages, including enhancing the immune system.

Ginger

The peanut noodles acquire a delightful warmth and subtle spiciness by incorporating freshly grated ginger. Ginger's renowned qualities, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation, further enhance its appeal.

Rice Vinegar

Infusing the sauce with a gentle touch of sweetness, this vinegar introduces a tangy dimension, harmonizing the flavors while contributing a delicate acidity. If rice vinegar is not available, you can use apple cider vinegar instead.

Sweetener

A small amount of sweetener, such as sugar or honey, is often added to the sauce to balance the flavors. Traditionally, brown sugar and cane sugar are used. You can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar or omit the sweetener altogether for a healthier option.

Vegetables

Common vegetables used in peanut noodles include bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and bean sprouts. These add freshness, crunch, and a colorful appearance. You can add other vegetables like shredded cabbage, snow peas, or edamame for added nutrition.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, chopped green onions, or basil can be used as garnishes to enhance the flavor and appearance of the dish. Consider garnishing with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and satisfying crunch.

Lime Juice

Adding lime juice imparts a vibrant and zesty flavor that elevates the dish's overall taste. It adds a refreshing and tangy note that balances the richness of the peanut sauce. It acts as an acidic element in the recipe, helping cut through the peanut butter's richness and adding a tangy kick to the noodles. In addition, the aroma of freshly squeezed lime juice can awaken the senses and contribute to the overall experience of the dish.

How To Elevate This Peanut Noodles Dish

Add Protein

Adding a protein source boosts the nutritional value and makes the dish more filling. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh can be marinated and added to the noodles. This addition not only adds substance but also creates a well-rounded meal.

Toasted Sesame Seeds

As a finishing touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the noodles. This garnish imparts a delightful crunch and infuses a nutty flavor.

Fresh Herbs

Enhance the freshness and aroma by incorporating additional herbs. Chopped fresh cilantro, mint, or Thai basil are excellent options. Introducing these herbs brings forth an aromatic burst that beautifully complements the flavors of the peanut sauce.

Spicy Kick

If you enjoy the heat, add chopped fresh chili peppers, chili oil, chili garlic sauce, or chili flakes to make spicy peanut noodles. This adds a spicy kick that pairs well with the peanut sauce's nutty and tangy flavors. Tailor the level of spiciness to your personal preference.

Crunchy Vegetables

Add more crunchy vegetables to the noodles to experiment with different textures. Thinly sliced red cabbage, bean sprouts, or julienned snow peas can provide a delightful crunch and vibrant color.

Crunchy Toppings

Enhance the texture by adding crushed roasted peanuts, toasted cashews, or crispy fried shallots as toppings. These add a delightful crunch to each bite.

Pickled Vegetables

Incorporating pickled vegetables can add an extra layer of tanginess and crunch. Pickled radishes, onions, or cucumbers can add a refreshing element and balance out the richness of the peanut sauce.