Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles: A Quick Weeknight Favorite

Some nights, you just want something fast, spicy, and satisfying — without skimping on flavor. That’s where these savory peanut butter noodles come in. They hit all the right notes: nutty, fiery, a little tangy, and gloriously slurpable. Best of all, the sauce comes together in the time it takes to boil your noodles. Consider this your new weeknight MVP.

Ingredients

For the Noodles and Garnish:

• 225 g (8 oz) noodles (spaghetti, soba, or ramen)

• 1 small cucumber, julienned

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

• Handful of roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

• Lime wedges, for serving

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons (48 g) creamy peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chili crisp or chili oil (plus more to taste)

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

• 60 ml (¼ cup) hot water (plus more if needed)

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

2. Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, honey, sesame oil, and garlic. Slowly whisk in the hot water until the sauce is smooth and pourable. Adjust with more hot water if needed.

3. Toss the noodles with the sauce until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more chili oil if you like it spicier.

4. Top and serve: Pile the noodles into bowls. Garnish with cucumber, scallions, peanuts, and cilantro if using. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips:

• Use Cold Noodles: Leftover or refrigerated noodles work perfectly for this dish. Just toss them with the sauce straight from the fridge for an instant cold noodle salad.

• Customize It: Add any sautéed veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra crunch and flavor. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes this meal more substantial. You can also experiment with other pasta shapes or noodles.

• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of water in the sauce depending on whether you want a creamy or more runny consistency. If you're serving over cold noodles, a thicker sauce is preferred.

Disclaimer: The recipes and food recommendations in this article are for general inspiration and enjoyment. Since dietary preferences and restrictions vary, we recommend consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions. Please note that ingredient availability and cooking times may also vary based on location and personal preferences. Lastly, this page may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no cost to you. We are also part of the Amazon Associates program.

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles

Serves 2

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