There’s something truly magical about a bowl of noodles that hits all the right notes—creamy, spicy, garlicky, and just a little bit sweet. These Spicy Peanut Garlic Noodles are one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Made with pantry staples and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Creamy peanut sauce delivers bold, complex flavors—spicy sriracha, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a lively citrus kick from fresh lime create the perfect balance. Tossed with your favorite noodles and crunchy veggies, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a meal-prep go-to, these noodles have you covered.
Serve it warm for cozy vibes or enjoy it chilled as a refreshing noodle salad—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
-
¼ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
-
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
-
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice for a citrusy kick)
-
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
-
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
-
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
-
1 tsp ginger, minced
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes – omit if you prefer milder flavors.
-
1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin out sauce)
-
1 tsp sesame oil (for depth of flavor)
For the Noodles:
-
8 oz noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or spaghetti work well)
-
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
-
½ cup scallions, chopped
-
½ cup shredded carrots (optional, for crunch)
-
½ cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
-
¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed (for garnish)
-
½ cup cilantro or basil, chopped (for freshness)
-
Sesame seeds & lime wedges for serving
Execution
-
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
-
To make the sauce, simply whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
-
Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing just until aromatic (about 30 seconds) Add bell peppers and carrots if using.
-
Combine: Add the drained noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss to coat evenly.
-
Garnish: Take off the heat and stir in scallions, crushed peanuts, and cilantro. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dash of lime juice.
-
Serve warm and enjoy!
Additional Tips
✔ Customize the spice level: Add more sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili oil.
✔ Balance flavors: If the dish is too salty, balance it with a touch more honey, maple syrup, or lime juice.
✔ Make it creamy: Use coconut milk instead of water to thin the sauce for a richer texture.
✔ Add protein: Toss in tofu, chicken, shrimp, or a fried egg for extra protein.
✔ Cold or hot? These noodles taste great warm but are also delicious as a cold noodle salad!
Q&A About Spicy Peanut Garlic Noodles
Q: Can I use any type of noodles?
A: Yes! Ramen, rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti work great. Use whichever you prefer or have available.
Q: Is this dish vegetarian or vegan?
A: It’s vegetarian by default. To make it vegan, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey and check that your noodles don’t contain egg.
Q: How spicy is it?
A: Mild to medium by default. You control the heat—adjust sriracha and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Enjoy it cold as well—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, mix in a splash of water or lime juice to thin the sauce.
Q: What protein can I add?
A: Tofu, grilled chicken, shrimp, or a fried/boiled egg all work well. Prepare this component separately and combine right before serving.
Q: Can I skip peanuts or peanut butter?
A: Sure! Swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
Q: What vegetables pair well with this?
A: Carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, snap peas, and shredded cabbage are great. Use raw for crunch or sautéed for softness.
Why You Should Make Spicy Peanut Garlic Noodles
✅ Quick & Easy – 15 minutes is all it takes! Minimal prep, simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Bold Flavors – A delicious balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and savory that hits all the right taste buds.
✅ Customizable – Perfect for cleaning out the fridge – toss in any noodles, vegetables or protein you need to use up.
✅ Versatile – Love it steaming hot or chilled – your choice changes the whole experience!
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
✅ Naturally Vegetarian – Easily made vegan and gluten-free with simple swaps.
✅ Satisfying & Nourishing – Loaded with protein, good fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied and powered for hours.
🍜 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Estimates based on standard ingredients and portion size)
-
Calories: ~450–500 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: ~45–55g
-
Protein: ~12–15g
-
Fat: ~20–25g
-
Saturated Fat: ~3–4g
-
-
Fiber: ~4–6g
-
Sugar: ~6–8g (from honey/maple syrup and peanut butter)
-
Sodium: ~800–1000mg (depends on soy sauce used)
Happy Cooking
Diana
