If you’re craving a dish that’s wildly flavorful but incredibly easy to whip up, this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Creamy peanut butter meets a perfect balance of tangy lime, a hint of heat, and the satisfying chew of rice noodles, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that’s endlessly comforting. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant lunch that feels like a treat, these noodles deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the crisp sweetness of red bell pepper to the creamy richness of peanut butter, ensuring every bite tastes like a little celebration.
- 8 oz. rice noodles: Soft and chewy, they soak up all those delicious flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (divided): Offers a subtle nutty aroma and helps sauté veggies for a tender crunch.
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips): Adds bright color and a juicy sweetness.
- 1/3 cup carrots (julienned): Provides a slight natural sweetness and crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic base.
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth: Creates a rich, flavorful sauce foundation.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect clingy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a refreshing tang to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: For that gentle kick of heat, adjustable to your taste.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers warm, zesty spice that brightens the dish.
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter: The star ingredient giving creaminess and depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (roughly chopped): Fresh herbaceousness that livens each bite.
- ¼ cup roughly chopped peanuts: Adds delightful crunch and extra nuttiness.
- 2-3 green onions (sliced): Provides fresh onion flavor and vibrant color on top.
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 includes the chicken broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, lime juice, honey, sriracha, ginger, and garlic. It’s important that these ingredients aren’t warm to prevent the cornstarch from activating prematurely. Once everything is whisked together until smooth, stir in the peanut butter. Although it might not blend fully now, don’t worry; it will melt into a luscious sauce as the dish cooks. Pro tip: prepping this first makes the cooking process seamless!
Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions — usually around 5 to 7 minutes. After draining, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of peanut oil gently; this keeps them from clumping and adds a subtle nutty touch that complements the sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Combine
Heat the remaining tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the red bell peppers and julienned carrots, stirring frequently for about 3 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and vibrant. Next, 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. Toss everything together carefully to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated with that creamy peanut flavor and let it warm through for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the noodles generously with freshly chopped cilantro, crunchy chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions. These final touches add freshness, texture, and popped-with-flavor accents that make this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe feel restaurant-quality right at home.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible finish, garnishes make all the difference. Cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness, green onions contribute subtle sharpness, and chopped peanuts bring pure crunch and nutty happiness. Feel free to toss in a squeeze of fresh lime for an added zing that will brighten every forkful.
Side Dishes
This creamy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Consider a crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy seasoned simply with soy sauce and garlic. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or tofu on the side can bring extra protein and make it even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve these noodles in small bowls topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and perhaps a drizzle of chili oil for those who like it spicy. Even better, try wrapping a small portion in butter lettuce leaves for a hand-held, refreshing twist that’s fun and unique.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days. Just remember the noodles might soak up more sauce, so when reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen them up.
Freezing
While you can freeze peanut butter noodles, the texture may change slightly due to the noodles becoming softer upon thawing. If you do freeze, separate the noodles from any fresh garnishes beforehand and store the sauce-coated noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a little water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Stir frequently to heat evenly and keep that silky texture. Microwaving works too but watch closely to avoid drying out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce wonderfully, you can also use spaghetti, soba, or even linguine if that’s what you have on hand. Just watch the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe vegan or vegetarian friendly?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure your soy sauce is vegan. Everything else is naturally plant-based and equally delicious!
How spicy is the sriracha in this recipe?
The 1 teaspoon of sriracha adds a gentle, pleasant heat that won’t overwhelm your palate. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance, or leave it out if you prefer no heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the sauce and noodles separate if possible and combine them just before serving for the best texture. Adding fresh garnishes last-minute keeps the dish bright and fresh.
What if I don’t have peanut butter on hand?
Peanut butter is essential for that creamy, nutty profile, but if you’re allergic or out of it, almond butter or tahini can be interesting substitutes. The flavor will change slightly but still offer a rich taste.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a bowl. The balance of flavors, the ease of making it, and the endless ways to customize make it a winner every time. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a dish that’s super tasty and totally satisfying without any fuss.
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
A quick and flavorful Asian-inspired recipe featuring rice noodles tossed in a creamy peanut butter sauce with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner packed with a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)
- 1/3 cup carrots (julienned)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 2–3 green onions (sliced)
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped peanuts
Noodles & Oils
- 8 oz. rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (divided)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (I use Frank’s)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients except the peanut butter in a large measuring cup with a spout. Ensure the ingredients are at room temperature to prevent cornstarch activation. Once well mixed, stir in the peanut butter and set aside. The peanut butter will fully blend once heated.
- Cook and prep noodles. Boil the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of peanut oil and set aside to keep them separated.
- 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. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Combine noodles and sauce. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them well to coat evenly in the sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the skillet from heat. Top the noodles with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious peanut butter noodles!
Notes
- Use rice noodles for the best texture, but you can substitute with other Asian noodles like udon or soba if preferred.
- Make sure the sauce ingredients are not warm before mixing to avoid premature thickening from the cornstarch.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control the spiciness level to your taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently on a skillet or microwave.
