Spicy peanut noodles are everything you can ever dream of in a noodle dish. They are spicy, creamy, savory, and ultra comforting all in one bite. Plus, they only take less than 15 minutes to make, which is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner to fit into your busy schedule.

This Asian fusion-inspired spicy peanut noodles recipe uses a handful of pantry staple ingredients and is so incredibly satisfying. You can also easily customize this recipe to your taste by using your favorite type of noodle and adjusting the amount of chili oil to your liking.

Ingredients

You can find all the ingredients for this spicy peanut noodles recipe at your local Asian grocery store. Full measurements and links to all the ingredients I used are listed in the recipe card below.

• Knife Cut Noodles: are my favorite fun noodle variety because they have a beautiful texture, light, cook quickly and absorb the flavors of sauces well.
• Peanut Butter: either creamy or crunchy is the star ingredient. Use your favorite type of peanut butter!
• Garlic: is the main aromatic ingredient that brings a savory richness.
• Soy Sauce: adds a savory, umami richness to the peanut sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: adds a sweet, tangy, acidic element that brightens up the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Chili Oil: adds a complex layer of spice and warmth to the spicy peanut noodles. You can use a homemade chili oil or store-bought. Other recipes that feature chili oil include spicy asian cucumber salad, garlic chili oil noodles, Sichuan chili oil wontons, or silken tofu.
• Gochugaru: known as Korean red pepper flakes that an extra layer of heat.
• Honey: is the main sweetener that balances out the spicy ingredients.
• Noodle Water: be sure to save some hot boiling water from the noodles.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Noodles: you can use spaghetti, udon noodles, ramen noodles, rice noodles, or any noodles you prefer.
• Soy Sauce alternatives: tamari or coconut aminos are good alternatives
• Vinegar: Chinese black vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar.
• Chili flakes: instead of gochugaru.
• Sweetener: granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup or agave.

Additions

• Protein: for a more well balanced meal add chicken, beef, pork or tofu.
• Vegetables: quickly stir fry some bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, baby corn, etc for added nutrients.
• Spice: for added heat, try adding fresh chili peppers or sambal oelek.

How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make this spicy peanut noodles recipe.

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of water.

2. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, gochugaru, honey, and the reserved water.

3. Combine the noodles with the sauce.
4. Garnish the spicy peanut noodles with cilantro and green onion and enjoy!

Storage Instructions

You can store these spicy peanut noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Pan-fry the peanut noodles on the stove in a wok until warm, or microwave the chow mein covered until warm.

Freeze: You can freeze the cooled peanut butter noodles in an airtight container in the freezer for 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe in advance?

These peanut noodles are best served immediately as the peanut sauce gets absorbed by the noodles over time. So I recommend making the sauce and storing the noodles separately until serving.

Is this spicy peanut noodles vegetarian or vegan friendly?

Yes! This peanut butter noodle recipe is both vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use different noodles?

Yes! I used knife cut noodles because they have a fun texture, but you can use whichever noodles you prefer such as flat wide rice noodles, udon noodles, spaghetti noodles, or linguine noodles.

Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe