I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Vegetarian

Speedy Spicy Peanut Noodles

Whip up these addictive, savory, and perfectly spicy peanut noodles in minutes for a satisfying meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Speedy Spicy Peanut Noodles

Got a craving for takeout but want something homemade and lightning-fast? These Speedy Spicy Peanut Noodles are here to save the day! Chewy noodles coated in a rich, creamy, and spicy peanut sauce come together quicker than you can order delivery. This vegetarian dish is endlessly customizable and truly a weeknight hero.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Noodles

  • 12 oz ramen noodles (without seasoning packets), spaghetti, or linguine
  • Optional: 1 cup shredded carrots
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped cucumber or bell pepper

For the Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup warm water (or more, for desired consistency)

Garnish

  • Chopped roasted peanuts
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.

  2. Step 2

    While noodles cook, prepare the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha until smooth.

  3. Step 3

    Gradually whisk in the warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. You might need a little more or less water.

  4. Step 4

    Add the drained noodles to the bowl with the peanut sauce. If using, add shredded carrots and chopped cucumber/bell pepper. Toss until the noodles and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the sauce.

  5. Step 5

    Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts, green onions, and sesame seeds. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Add cooked chicken, tofu, or edamame for extra protein.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors even more.
  • Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, though you might need to add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

More recipes you'll love

Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry
Weeknight•35 min
Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry

A rich and fragrant vegetarian curry packed with chickpeas and tomatoes in a luscious, spiced coconut sauce.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Easy•20 min
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Flavorful black beans and sweet corn are layered with melty cheese in crispy tortillas for a quick, satisfying meal.