If you’re craving something both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and spicy—all wrapped up in tender rice noodles and vibrant veggies. This dish is incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight yet tastes like you put in hours of effort. Each bite delivers that satisfying nutty richness balanced with a hint of lime brightness and a gentle kick of sriracha. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become your go-to recipe for a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how simple yet essential these ingredients are in creating the magic behind this dish. Every item plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color, turning humble noodles into something truly special.
- 8 oz. rice noodles: The perfect tender base that soaks up the sauce beautifully and adds a lovely chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (divided): Adds a subtle nutty aroma, and helps stir-frying the veggies with just the right touch.
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips): Brings a pop of vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1/3 cup carrots (julienned): Adds a fresh, crisp bite and bright orange hue.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that wakes up the palate.
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth: Creates a savory base for the sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides that essential salty depth and umami boost.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to perfectly cling to noodles and veggies.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that balances the richness of peanut butter.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Offers subtle sweetness to marry all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: A gentle spicy kick that livens up every mouthful.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Warms the dish with a touch of aromatic spice.
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings creamy, nutty indulgence to the noodles.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (roughly chopped): Adds herbal freshness as a bright finishing touch.
- ¼ cup roughly chopped peanuts: For delightful crunch and an extra burst of peanut flavor.
- 2-3 green onions (sliced): Adds a mild oniony crispness and beautiful green garnish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining all the sauce ingredients except the peanut butter in a large measuring cup with a spout—this makes pouring easier later. Make sure these ingredients are at room temperature or cooler so the cornstarch doesn’t activate prematurely and clump. Once everything is well mixed, stir in the peanut butter last; it will melt perfectly when heated during cooking. Taking a moment to prep the sauce sets the foundation for the creamy, rich flavor we’re after.
Step 2: Cook and Toss the Noodles
Follow the package instructions to boil the rice noodles until tender but not mushy. After draining, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Toss the noodles with one tablespoon of peanut oil to keep them silky and separate. This step ensures that each noodle is perfectly coated and ready to soak up that decadent peanut sauce later on.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Combine
Heat the remaining peanut oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Toss in the red bell peppers and julienned carrots, cooking for about three minutes while stirring frequently to keep them crisp-tender and vibrant. Then pour in the prepared sauce, bringing it to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer before adding the noodles, tossing everything together until the noodles are fully coated and heated through. This final cooking step melds all the ingredients beautifully into one harmonious dish.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once off the heat, sprinkle fresh cilantro, crunchy chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions over the top. These garnishes not only add pops of color and texture but also fresh layers of flavor that take the dish to the next level. Now your Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and crunch are key to brightening up the creamy noodles. Adding chopped cilantro lends a burst of herbal zest, while crushed peanuts provide a satisfyingly nutty crunch. Thinly sliced green onions bring a mild bite that complements the dish’s richness perfectly. These simple garnishes elevate the noodles both visually and in taste, making every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with light, bright sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed snap peas. You could also serve it alongside grilled chicken or tofu for added protein and balance. The creamy, spicy noodles act as a star on their own but get even better when rounded out with fresh, crisp vegetables or proteins on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your peanut butter noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or sprinkle a little toasted sesame seed for extra depth. If you’re hosting a gathering, turn this recipe into a DIY noodle bar where everyone adds their own garnishes and proteins. Presentation is a playful way to make this comforting dish feel even more special and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Noodles keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and prevent drying out. The noodles will soak up even more sauce overnight, making leftovers surprisingly delicious, but it’s best to stir well before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind that the texture of rice noodles might soften slightly after freezing, so reheating gently is key.
Reheating
When reheating your peanut butter noodles, do so gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the dish feels thick or dry—this helps loosen the sauce and brings back that fresh-from-the-pan creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and heat evenly for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with spaghetti, soba, or even udon noodles depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the right texture.
Is this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, so it’s easy to customize while keeping the rich peanut flavor intact.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of sriracha, which adds a gentle mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level—add more sriracha for a kick or reduce it if you prefer something milder. It’s totally flexible to fit your heat tolerance.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce that silky texture that clings perfectly to the noodles and veggies. Without it, the sauce would be thinner and less cohesive, so it’s an important ingredient for the ideal consistency.
Can I prepare this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe in advance for a gathering?
You can prep components like the sauce and vegetables ahead of time, but for the best texture, it’s ideal to cook the noodles and combine everything just before serving. This keeps the noodles from getting overly soft and the veggies fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome, quick enough for an easy weeknight but special enough to impress friends. Its creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors create a perfect harmony that’s hard not to love. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a favorite in your home as it has in mine!
Print
Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Peanut Butter Noodles are a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender rice noodles coated in a creamy, tangy peanut sauce with a hint of spice. Tossed with sautéed bell peppers and carrots, and garnished with fresh cilantro, crunchy peanuts, and green onions, this meal is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz. rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1/3 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (e.g., Frank’s)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup roughly chopped peanuts
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine all sauce ingredients except the peanut butter. Ensure the ingredients are cool or at room temperature to prevent prematurely activating the cornstarch. Stir well, then mix in the peanut butter until combined. Set the sauce aside; the peanut butter will incorporate fully when heated.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the rice noodles following the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of peanut oil to coat evenly and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Combine: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red bell pepper strips and julienned carrots, cooking for about 3 minutes while stirring frequently until slightly tender. Add the prepared sauce to the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, then add the cooked rice noodles. Toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles with the sauce and heat through thoroughly.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh cilantro, roughly chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful peanut butter noodles.
Notes
- Alternative noodle options include spaghetti or udon noodles if rice noodles are unavailable.
- Adjust sriracha amount based on desired spice level.
- Vegetarian version can be made by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
