Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines creamy peanut butter with a kick of heat. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or protein.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces brown rice noodles
- 3 large cloves garlic or 4-5 small cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon oil (such as olive oil)
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1/3 to 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for less spice)
- Optional: 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Finely mince the garlic cloves. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan over low heat, then add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 3: Add the grated ginger to the pan and sauté for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.
- Step 4: Remove the pan from heat. Add the peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup or honey, red pepper flakes, and chili garlic sauce if using.
- Step 5: Whisk the sauce ingredients together, starting with 1/3 cup of hot water. Add more hot water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired smoothness and consistency.
- Step 6: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or sriracha for heat.
- Step 7: Toss about half of the peanut sauce with the cooked noodles until well coated. Add more sauce if you prefer a saucier dish.
- Step 8: Serve the noodles topped with crushed peanuts, sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy with your choice of veggies or protein on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Use warm water when mixing the peanut sauce to help it blend smoothly without lumps.
- For a less spicy version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and sriracha.
- Add cooked chicken, tofu, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a heartier meal.
- Substitute tamari with gluten-free soy sauce if needed for dietary preferences.
Storage
Store leftover noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice noodles with any noodle you prefer such as soba, udon, or even spaghetti.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted to your liking by varying the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes, or omitting them for a milder flavor.
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Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles recipe offers a creamy, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of heat and savory elements. Made with brown rice noodles and a rich peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, tamari, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness, it is perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. The sauce is easily customizable to your preferred spice level and pairs excellently with vegetables, tofu, or chicken.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 16 ounces brown rice noodles
Peanut Sauce
- 3 large cloves garlic or 4–5 small cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil recommended)
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1/3 to 1 cup hot water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, omit for less spice)
- Optional: 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
To Serve (Optional Garnishes)
- Crushed peanuts
- Chopped scallions
- Extra red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic and Ginger: Finely mince the garlic cloves. Grate fresh ginger if not already done.
- Saute Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until golden brown but not burnt.
- Add Ginger: Add the grated ginger to the pan and sauté for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Make Peanut Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and add creamy peanut butter, low sodium tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup or honey, red pepper flakes, and chili garlic sauce if using. Start by whisking in 1/3 cup of hot water to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add more hot water, up to 1 cup total, to reach your desired sauce thickness. Whisk continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, sriracha for heat, or maple syrup/honey for sweetness.
- Combine Sauce with Noodles: Add about half of the peanut sauce to the cooked noodles and mix thoroughly to coat evenly. You can add more sauce depending on your preference.
- Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with crushed peanuts, chopped scallions, and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve alongside your choice of veggies or protein such as chicken or tofu.
Notes
- Use hot water to mix the peanut butter as it helps achieve a smoother sauce consistency.
- Adjust sriracha and red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your liking.
- Extra sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and stirred before use.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of proteins and steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Brown rice noodles can be substituted with other types like soba or udon if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: spicy peanut butter noodles, peanut sauce noodles, Asian noodles, vegetarian noodle dish, brown rice noodles, quick Asian recipes
