Spicy Peanut Noodles

Spicy Peanut Noodles are saucy, delicious, and so easy to make! Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re full of flavor for a satisfying vegan dish everyone will love. Serve them on their own, as a side, or bulk them up with extra protein to satisfy all your needs!

If you’ve never had spicy peanut noodles, you’re seriously missing out. Budget-friendly and super quick to make, they’re one of my go-to recipes when I’m pressed for time and need something in a pinch. Serve it with orange chicken or honey walnut shrimp for a complete dinner meal.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Apart from the fact that these noodles are unbelievably delicious, there are so many reasons to love this dish! For instance:

• Just 10, budget-friendly ingredients are all you’ll need. 
• From start to finish, this recipe is ready in 15 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze! 
• Leftovers keep well, meaning you can make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. 
• Naturally vegan, these noodles can easily be customized to fit all your flavor preferences and dietary needs.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that the ingredients are all pantry staples you’re likely to already have on hand, meaning you won’t even have to run to the store! Here’s everything you’ll need: 

• Spaghetti – Spaghetti is my favorite pasta to use for this dish, but any long, thin pasta will work. 
• Sesame Oil – This is used to sauté the garlic, creating a rich caramelized flavor with a hint of sweet, nuttiness that makes these noodles truly out-of-this-world delicious. 
• Garlic – For the best flavor, I recommend using a full garlic clove, and mincing it yourself. 
• Soy Sauce – To help control the flavor and avoid overpowering the dish, I always opt for a lite or low-sodium soy sauce. If needed, you could swap it out for tamari or coconut aminos instead. 
• Peanut Butter – Creamy peanut butter works best to create a smooth sauce that coats the noodles well. If needed, replace it with almond butter or sunflower butter for an allergy-friendly recipe. Just note that the flavor will change slightly depending on what you use. 
• Sriracha – A little goes a long way to add extra heat! 
• Water – This helps thin out the peanut butter, making it saucy so that it coats the noodles well.  
• Garnish: Add a dash of lime juice, cilantro, and chopped peanuts on top for a light, refreshing flavor that balances out the heaviness of the rest of the ingredients while also providing a bit of extra crunch.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

These spicy noodles are super filling on their own, thanks to the fat and fiber from the peanut butter. However, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make this dish your own. 

• Add chicken, shrimp, or beef.
• Keep the recipe plant-based with tempeh or tofu. 
• Stir-fry veggies like mushrooms, onions, and broccoli for extra nutrients. 
• You can use Ramen noodles instead of spaghetti. 
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles. 
• Omit the Sriracha if you aren’t a fan of spice.

FAQs

Can I freeze leftover spicy peanut noodles? 

I do not recommend freezing leftovers as they are likely to clump up and do not thaw well. Luckily, you can whip up this recipe in just a few minutes! 

Can I use chunky peanut butter? 

You can use chunky peanut butter, but it will be harder to mix and may result in a slightly gritty texture. For the best results, I highly recommend sticking with creamy varieties! 

What if I can’t eat peanuts? 

No worries! Swap out the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter instead. Then, omit the extra peanuts completely. Or, replace them with any other chopped nuts or sesame seeds for a similar taste and texture!

TOP TIPS FOR THE ULTIMATE SPICY NOODLES

• These noodles have a medium level of spice. However, you can lessen it even more by reducing the Sriracha to just 1 tablespoon. 
• I like my noodles extra saucy. However, feel free to use less sauce, if preferred, and save it for later. Or, use it for salads, spring rolls, and more! 
• To avoid an overpoweringly salty dish, use unsalted peanut butter if you can. 
• Don’t overcook the pasta! Follow the instructions, boiling your noodles to al dente. Any longer, and they’re likely to become mushy. 
• Work quickly, adding the sauce to the noodles while both are still warm to ensure it clings to the pasta. 
• Serve your spicy peanut noodles cold or warm!

STORAGE 

These spicy peanut noodles are a great meal prep option and keep really well, meaning leftovers are great for quick meals or packed lunches! Once the ingredients are combined and fully cooled, they can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Then, when you’re ready to eat, enjoy them cold. Or, pop them in the microwave for a few minutes to warm them back up!

MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Tallarines Verdes (Green Noodles)
• Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
• Spicy Honey Broccoli and Shrimp
• Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

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