Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Equipment
-
Pot
-
Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Noodles & Sauce
- 6 oz udon noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1.5 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp chili oil
- 2 tbsp reserved noodle water
Optional Garnishes
- crushed peanuts
- chili flakes
- scallions
- extra chili oil
Instructions
-
Cook the noodles until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the cooking water before draining.
-
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and the reserved noodle water until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
-
Add the hot noodles to the bowl and toss thoroughly so every strand is coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more noodle water to loosen it.
-
Serve immediately and top with crushed peanuts, scallions, chili flakes, or an extra drizzle of chili oil if you like.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
What Makes Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Creamy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Good
If you want bold flavor with almost no fuss, these noodles deliver. Rich peanut butter, savory soy sauce, bright rice wine vinegar, and a hit of chili oil combine into a silky sauce that clings to chewy noodles. The sauce is made in one bowl and comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Make Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Over and Over Again
This dish balances savory, sweet, spicy, and creamy in a way that’s both satisfying and versatile. It works as a quick weeknight dinner, a chilled noodle salad for meal prep, or a base to add protein and vegetables. Once you try it, it’s easy to keep coming back to.
Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Most ingredients are pantry basics. The sauce needs no cooking—just whisk and toss.
Noodles
- 6 oz udon noodles
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons reserved noodle water
Optional Garnish
- Scallions
- Crushed peanuts
- Chili flakes
- Extra chili oil
How to Make Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles until just under al dente. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the cooking water, then drain.
Whisk the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and reserved noodle water in a large bowl until smooth.
Add the hot noodles to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen with a splash more reserved noodle water.
Serve right away and finish with your choice of garnishes.
Tips and Variations
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes—ramen, rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti will work well.
Want it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the chili oil. The peanut butter keeps the sauce rich and flavorful without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes—crunchy peanut butter adds texture and still tastes great.
Does this work cold as a noodle salad?
Absolutely. These noodles are excellent chilled and make a good meal-prep option.
How long will it keep in the fridge?
Store up to 3 days. Noodles may absorb sauce; add a splash of water to loosen before serving.
You Might Also Like
Looking for more spicy or creamy noodle ideas? Try other quick noodle recipes in your collection or add protein and vegetables to this one to make it a complete meal.