Name: Spicy Peanut Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 oz (about 225g) noodles (spaghetti, rice noodles, or your favorite type); 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1–2 tbsp chili paste or hot sauce (adjust based on your spice preference); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp lime juice; 2-3 scallions (for garnish)

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Craving something a little spicy, a little creamy, and full of bold flavors? These Spicy Peanut Noodles are just what you need! They’re the perfect balance of heat, savory, and sweet, all wrapped up in a comforting noodle dish that you can enjoy in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired dishes that pack a punch, then these Spicy Peanut Noodles will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The peanut sauce is rich and creamy with a nice little kick, and the noodles are perfectly tender. This recipe is easy to whip up, and you likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or serving it as a side dish for a gathering, these noodles will definitely impress.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for the Spicy Peanut Noodles. Full ingredient details can be found below, so no worries!

Noodles (spaghetti, rice noodles, or your favorite type)
Peanut butter
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Honey
Garlic
Chili paste or hot sauce
Sesame oil
Lime juice
Scallions (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked to your desired tenderness, drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, chili paste (or hot sauce), and sesame oil. The sauce should be smooth and creamy with a bit of heat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little warm water to thin it out until you get the consistency you like. Taste it and adjust the heat by adding more chili paste if you prefer it spicier!

Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, toss it with the cooked noodles. Make sure every noodle is coated in that delicious peanut sauce. If you like a little crunch, you can also add some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top at this stage.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Serve your spicy peanut noodles with a sprinkle of sliced scallions and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten up the dish. You can even throw in some chopped cilantro for extra freshness. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Adjust the spice level: If you’re not into a lot of heat, go easy on the chili paste or hot sauce. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
Peanut butter choice: Smooth peanut butter works best for this dish, but crunchy peanut butter can add a fun texture.
Make it a meal: Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this into a more filling meal. The sauce complements all kinds of proteins.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Noodles: You can use any noodles you like. Rice noodles are a great option for a more authentic flavor, but spaghetti works perfectly too if that’s what you have on hand.
Nut butters: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, try substituting with almond butter or cashew butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Sweeteners: You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave if you want a vegan-friendly version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Spicy Peanut Noodles are perfect on their own, but if you want to make it a full meal, serve them alongside some sautéed veggies, grilled meat, or tofu. It also pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for an Asian-inspired feast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce, but they’ll still be delicious!
Reheating: To reheat, add a little bit of water or extra soy sauce to loosen up the noodles and warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

4 FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. You can also cook the noodles and store them separately, so when you’re ready to eat, you just toss them together.

Can I freeze this recipe?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the noodles, as they might get soggy when reheated. However, the peanut sauce can be frozen for up to a month!

How can I make it spicier?
Add more chili paste or hot sauce to the peanut sauce to give it a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos is a great substitute. It has a similar flavor and is a good option for those following a gluten-free or soy-free diet.

Conclusion

These Spicy Peanut Noodles are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to spice up your dinner rotation, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll be a hit at your table!

Spicy Peanut Noodles

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Asian-Inspired
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian, Thai-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Craving something a little spicy, a little creamy, and full of bold flavors? These Spicy Peanut Noodles are the perfect balance of heat, savory, and sweet, all wrapped up in a comforting noodle dish that you can enjoy in no time.

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, chili paste (or hot sauce), and sesame oil until smooth. Adjust consistency with warm water if needed and add more chili paste for extra heat.
Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated. Optionally, top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for crunch.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced scallions, a squeeze of lime juice, and chopped cilantro if desired.