These spicy peanut noodles deliver bold heat, creamy richness, and slurp-worthy texture in every bite. A go-to for busy weeknights, they’re endlessly customizable and ready fast.
Perfect for solo meals or easy lunches, the spicy peanut noodles recipe balances savory soy, nutty peanut butter, and a fiery chili kick for instant comfort and flavor.
Star Ingredients in Spicy Peanut Noodles
Peanut butter – Brings creamy richness and nutty depth that forms the base of the sauce. Chunky or smooth both work well.
Soy sauce – Adds salty umami and deepens the flavor profile.
Garlic chili oil – Delivers spice and aromatic punch from chili flakes and infused oil.
Gochugaru – Korean red pepper flakes give vibrant color and a warm, lingering heat.
Rice vinegar – Brightens the sauce with acidity, balancing the richness.
Wheat noodles – Knife-cut noodles offer chew and soak up sauce beautifully; rice noodles also work for a gluten-free version.
Fresh herbs & sesame – Green onions, coriander, sesame seeds, and sesame oil add texture and freshness to finish.
Quick Steps to Spicy Peanut Noodle Bliss
Whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. Cook noodles to a chewy bite. Toss hot noodles into the sauce and mix well, loosening with noodle water if needed. Garnish generously and serve warm.
Tips for Mastering Spicy Peanut Noodles
To mellow the heat, reduce chili oil or gochugaru slightly. For extra creaminess, use a touch more peanut butter. Add sautéed veggies like bok choy or bell pepper for a complete meal, or toss in tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken for protein.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Spicy Peanut Noodles
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Not ideal for freezing, as the noodles may turn mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use rice noodles and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish fully gluten-free.
How spicy is it?
It has medium spice with 1 tbsp chili oil and gochugaru. Adjust up or down based on your heat preference.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but mix it well before using and taste-test the sauce since natural peanut butter is often unsweetened and oilier.
15-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles
These vibrant spicy peanut noodles come together in just 15 minutes, blending the bold heat of chili with the creamy depth of peanut butter. Ideal for a quick meal, they offer flexibility with toppings and are perfect for customizing with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Info
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, East Asian
Course: Main Course
Servings: 1
Calories: 659 kcal
Ingredients
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic chili oil or chili oil with sediment
- 1.5–2 tbsp peanut butter, plain or chunky
- 2–3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp dark mushroom soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 tbsp gochugaru or any preferred chili flakes or powder
- 1–2 tbsp soy sauce, adjust to taste
- 2 tsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- ½–1 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
For the Noodles
- 3.5 oz dry wheat noodles (knife-cut recommended; rice noodles for a gluten-free option)
To Finish
- Drizzle of sesame oil
- Chopped coriander
- Chopped green onions or spring onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the sauce, stirring thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency—unless using chunky peanut butter, where texture is expected. Adjust seasoning to suit personal taste, especially if the peanut butter is pre-sweetened.
Boil the noodles according to the directions on the package, ensuring they are cooked to a pleasantly chewy texture. Once done, drain promptly and transfer the hot noodles directly into the prepared sauce.
Toss the noodles with the sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate 1–2 tablespoons of the noodle cooking water to loosen it.
Garnish with fresh coriander, green onions, sesame seeds, and a dash of sesame oil before serving. Enjoy hot.
