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If you are seeking a delightful and satisfying dish that effortlessly marries creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, colorful bowl of tender rice noodles coated in a luscious peanut sauce that brings together bold notes of garlic, ginger, and lime—all balanced with a gentle kick of sriracha. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a crowd-pleaser, this dish hits all the right spots with its perfect harmony of taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe lies in a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds a unique layer that transforms simple noodles into a flavor-packed masterpiece. From the nutty richness of peanut butter to the fresh crunch of veggies, these ingredients work together beautifully.
- 8 oz. rice noodles: Tender and light, they soak up the peanut sauce beautifully and give the dish its perfect texture.
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (divided): Adds subtle nuttiness and is perfect for sautéing vegetables without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips): Brings a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up every bite.
- 1/3 cup carrots (julienned): Adds a fresh, crisp crunch and a touch of natural sweetness that complements the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for depth and aroma, garlic infuses the dish with warm, savory notes.
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth: Helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce base without being too heavy.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami richness and helps balance the flavors with a hint of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy zing that lifts the peanut sauce and keeps it fresh.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Just enough sweetness to round out the spicy and savory elements harmoniously.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (I use Frank’s): Provides a mild heat that enhances the dish without overwhelming it.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Warm and slightly spicy, it deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter: The star of the dish, giving that creamy, nutty foundation everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (roughly chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a garnish to finish the dish perfectly.
- ¼ cup roughly chopped peanuts: For an irresistible crunch and extra peanut flavor on top.
- 2-3 green onions (sliced): Adds mild oniony freshness and enhances the overall presentation.
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. It’s important that the ingredients are cool or at room temperature to prevent the cornstarch from activating prematurely. Once you have everything fully mixed, stir in the peanut butter. This method ensures the peanut butter will blend in seamlessly once heated during cooking, creating that silky smooth sauce everyone raves about.
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Boil the rice noodles according to the package instructions until they’re tender but still have a delightful chew. Then drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of peanut oil so they stay separate and glossy, ready to soak up the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Combine
Heat the remaining tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vivid red bell pepper strips and crisp julienned carrots, cooking them for about 3 minutes while stirring often until they are just tender and full of color. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the noodles are fully coated and warmed through.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions. These finishing touches add layers of flavor, texture, and bright visual appeal to your Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe from delicious to extraordinary. A handful of roughly chopped peanuts adds crunchy contrast, while fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbaceous freshness. Sliced green onions lend a mild, inviting bite and add vibrant green color that makes the dish even more enticing.
Side Dishes
Pair these noodles with light and crisp sides to balance the richness of the peanut sauce. A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame seeds complements the flavors perfectly. You could also serve steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans or broccoli to add some bright, wholesome greens to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the peanut butter noodles in individual bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens. You can also layer the noodles with shredded chicken or tofu to turn it into a hearty main dish. To impress guests, try building a noodle bar where everyone can add their own garnishes and spices!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover peanut noodles into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain their delicious flavor, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Since the noodles and sauce have delicate textures, freezing isn’t ideal as rice noodles can become mushy upon thawing. For the best taste and texture, enjoy the Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe fresh or refrigerate leftovers instead of freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, you can also use spaghetti, udon, or soba noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the noodles are tender and not overdone.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit any animal-based additions. The peanut sauce is naturally vegetarian and packed with flavor, so this dish works wonderfully as a vegetarian meal.
How spicy is the Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe?
The level of heat is moderate thanks to the teaspoon of sriracha, which adds just a gentle kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice preference, or leave it out entirely for a milder version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?
You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quick assembly later. However, it’s best to cook the noodles and combine everything fresh to maintain the ideal texture and flavor.
What can I add to make this dish more protein-rich?
Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even cooked edamame are great protein additions that complement this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe. Adding protein makes it a fuller meal while keeping the flavors balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience you’ll want on repeat. With its perfect combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy, it’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorites too!
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Print
Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious and creamy Peanut Butter Noodles featuring rice noodles tossed in a savory, tangy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make dish combines crunchy veggies, aromatic cilantro, and crunchy peanuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ready in just 25 minutes.
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 (Frank’s recommended)
- 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: Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha, ground ginger, cornstarch, and garlic in a large measuring cup with a spout. Make sure the mixture is cool to prevent premature activation of cornstarch. Stir in the smooth peanut butter until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the noodles: Boil rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss noodles with 1 tablespoon of peanut oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook vegetables and make sauce: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add red bell pepper strips and julienned carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly tender. Pour in the prepared peanut sauce and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the peanut sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Top the noodles with chopped fresh cilantro, roughly chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful peanut butter noodles!
Notes
- Alternative noodle options: rice vermicelli, soba, or thin spaghetti can be used if rice noodles aren’t available.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spice level.
- Make sure the sauce ingredients are cool before adding cornstarch to avoid clumping.
