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+ servings
Bowl of spicy peanut butter noodles garnished with herbs and vegetables

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles

A warm and cozy dish featuring rich, slightly smoky, and mildly spicy peanut butter noodles, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles

  • 12 oz rice or wheat noodles Use rice noodles for a gluten-free version

For the Sauce

  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter Use room-temperature for easier mixing
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili paste or sambal oelek Adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup warm water To thin the sauce

For Topping

  • 1 cup shredded carrots For freshness
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts For garnish
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds For garnish
  • 1 cup thinly sliced scallions For garnish and in the noodles

Optional Protein

  • grilled halal chicken, tofu, or edamame Add for a heartier meal

Instructions
 

Cooking the Noodles

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.

Making the Sauce

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili paste, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  • Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.

Warming the Sauce (Optional)

  • For a silkier finish, gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly—do not boil.

Combining Noodles and Sauce

  • Place the cooked noodles in a large bowl. Add shredded carrots and most of the scallions.
  • Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Finishing Touches

  • Serve hot or at room temperature, topped with chopped roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and remaining scallions. Add a squeeze of lime if you like a citrusy pop.

Notes

Use room-temperature peanut butter for easier mixing and a smoother sauce. If your sauce is too thick, thin with warm water or a splash of broth one teaspoon at a time. To keep noodles from sticking if serving later, toss them with a teaspoon of sesame oil before mixing with sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8g
Keyword comfort food, Easy Recipe, Gluten-Free Option, Peanut Butter Noodles, Spicy Noodles
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