These noodles with peanut sauce are a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this easy recipe combines tender noodles with a rich, savory peanut sauce that’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice. It’s delicious, versatile, and can be served warm or cold.
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving (depending on the noodles and toppings)
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (any type – soba, rice noodles, spaghetti, or egg noodles work well)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (preferably natural)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup warm water (to thin the sauce)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice (for brightness)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re ready, drain them and set them aside. If you’re using rice noodles, you may want to rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. - Make the Peanut Sauce:
While the noodles are cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha (if using), minced garlic, ginger, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Add warm water a little at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the flavor by adding more soy sauce, honey, or sriracha if desired. - Toss the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to a large bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss well to coat every strand. If you need more sauce, feel free to add a little more peanut butter or water to adjust the consistency. - Serve and Garnish:
Divide the noodles into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and any additional toppings like sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chili flakes will add a little extra crunch and heat if you like. - Enjoy:
Your noodles with peanut sauce are ready to be enjoyed! This dish can be served warm for a comforting meal, or chilled as a refreshing noodle salad.
Tips & Notes
- Make it Vegan: This recipe is easily vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free (or use tamari).
- Protein Boost: For added protein, top your noodles with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Alternatively, you can mix in edamame, chickpeas, or another plant-based protein.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Add more sriracha for spice, more honey for sweetness, or a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Cold Noodle Salad: This dish makes an excellent cold noodle salad for meal prep or a picnic. Simply refrigerate the noodles and sauce separately and toss them together when ready to serve.
- Noodles Variation: While any type of noodle works here, rice noodles or soba noodles are particularly great for soaking up the sauce.
This noodle dish with peanut sauce is a vibrant and versatile meal that you can make in under 30 minutes. The creamy, nutty sauce pairs wonderfully with tender noodles, and it’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Enjoy it as a quick lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side!