Craving a quick, flavorful meal? This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles recipe is the perfect vegan recipe for busy days, delivering bold, savory flavors in just 20 minutes. Combining chewy rice noodles with a luscious, spicy peanut sauce, this dish is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch, this Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles dish is versatile and customizable. Follow our easy recipe to whip up this delicious vegan recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles dish is a standout vegan recipe, blending bold flavors with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Super Fast: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for quick meals or last-minute cravings.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Uses rice noodles and plant-based ingredients, suitable for various diets.
- Bold and Balanced: Spicy, savory, and slightly sweet peanut sauce delivers an addictive flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy hot or cold, with veggies, tofu, or as a simple, satisfying dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners.
What Makes Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Special?
The Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles elevate a simple noodle dish into a crave-worthy vegan recipe with its irresistible peanut sauce. The sauce, made with creamy peanut butter, tamari, sriracha, and a hint of maple syrup, coats perfectly cooked rice noodles, delivering a balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors. The chewy texture of the noodles, paired with the rich, velvety sauce, creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether served as a quick dinner or a cold noodle salad, this Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles dish brings Asian-inspired comfort to your table in record time.
Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
To prepare this flavorful Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles (serves 4), gather these ingredients:
- 16 oz brown rice noodles (fettuccine or pad Thai-style)
- 3 large cloves garlic (or 4-5 small), finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp oil (olive, coconut, or avocado)
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter (unsalted or low-salt)
- 4 tbsp low-sodium tamari (or soy sauce, gluten-free if needed)
- 1/3–1 cup hot water (to thin sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional, for bold flavor)
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, scallions, crushed peanuts, or red pepper flakes
Ingredient Tips:
- Rice Noodles: Brown rice noodles are gluten-free and vegan; soba or spaghetti can substitute if gluten isn’t a concern.
- Peanut Butter: Use unsalted or low-salt for better flavor control; natural peanut butter works best.
- Tamari: Low-sodium tamari keeps the sauce from being too salty; soy sauce is a fine alternative.
- Sriracha: Adjust to your spice tolerance for a personalized vegan recipe.
How to Make Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Follow these steps to create delicious Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles:
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook 16 oz brown rice noodles according to package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over low heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: To the pan, add 2/3 cup peanut butter, 4 tbsp tamari, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1–2 tbsp sriracha, 1–2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), and 2 tsp chili garlic sauce (if using). Gradually whisk in 1/3–1 cup hot water until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with half the peanut sauce. Add more sauce gradually to taste, reserving extra for serving or add-ins like veggies or tofu.
- Serve: Serve hot or cold as a flavorful vegan recipe. Garnish with chopped cilantro, scallions, crushed peanuts, or red pepper flakes for crunch and flair.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: ~450 per serving
Servings: 4
Macros per Serving: 60g carbs, 15g protein, 20g fat, 5g fiber
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
- Control Saltiness: Use unsalted peanut butter and low-sodium tamari to keep the sauce balanced.
- Adjust Spice: Start with 1 tbsp sriracha and add more for heat; omit red pepper flakes for milder flavor.
- Prevent Sticky Noodles: Rinse cooked rice noodles briefly to avoid clumping in this vegan recipe.
- Thin Sauce Gradually: Add hot water slowly to achieve the desired sauce consistency without making it too runny.
- Taste and Tweak: Sample the sauce before tossing and adjust maple syrup or sriracha to suit your taste.
Creative Variations for Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Customize this Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles with these delicious twists:
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, or cabbage for a colorful, nutritious vegan recipe.
- Protein Add-In: Toss in crispy tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Cold Noodle Salad: Chill the noodles and add shredded carrots, cucumber, and mint for a refreshing summer dish.
- Nut Swap: Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lime juice or orange zest to the sauce for a bright, tangy note.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles dish is a versatile vegan recipe that shines in any setting. Try these serving ideas:
- Serve in shallow bowls topped with crushed peanuts and scallions for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
- Pair with steamed broccoli, grilled veggies, or a summer salad for a balanced meal.
- Offer as a cold noodle salad for picnics or meal prep, packed in portable containers.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, or a lime wedge for an Instagram-worthy vegan recipe.
- Serve alongside spring rolls or dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add a splash of water, broth, or tamari when reheating to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as rice noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
- Prep Ahead: Make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge; cook noodles fresh for best texture.
- Refresh: If noodles stick together, rinse briefly or reheat with a bit of liquid to loosen.
FAQs About Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Can I use other noodles for this vegan recipe?
Yes, soba, spaghetti, or udon work well, but use rice noodles for a gluten-free Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles dish.
How do I make this vegan recipe less spicy?
Reduce sriracha to 1 tsp, omit red pepper flakes, and skip chili garlic sauce for a milder flavor.
Can I add protein to this vegan recipe?
Absolutely! Toss in tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for a heartier Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles meal.
How do I store leftovers of this vegan recipe?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat with a splash of liquid to restore sauciness.
Can I serve this vegan recipe cold?
Yes, chill the noodles and sauce for a refreshing cold noodle salad, perfect for warm days.
More Vegan Recipes You’ll Love
- Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal)
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup – A Cozy Vegan Recipe for Any Season
- Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu – A Flavor-Packed Vegan Dinner
Conclusion
This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles dish is a quick, flavorful vegan recipe that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table in just 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Try this recipe today and enjoy a bowl of spicy, savory goodness that’s sure to satisfy!
Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Ingredients
- 16 oz brown rice noodles fettuccine or pad Thai-style
- 3 large cloves garlic or 4-5 small, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp oil olive, coconut, or avocado
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter unsalted or low-salt
- 4 tbsp low-sodium tamari or soy sauce, gluten-free if needed
- 1/3 –1 cup hot water to thin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 –2 tbsp sriracha adjust for spice preference
- 1 –2 tbsp maple syrup or honey for non-vegan
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce optional, for bold flavor
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro scallions, crushed peanuts, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook 16 oz brown rice noodles according to package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over low heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: To the pan, add 2/3 cup peanut butter, 4 tbsp tamari, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1–2 tbsp sriracha, 1–2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), and 2 tsp chili garlic sauce (if using). Gradually whisk in 1/3–1 cup hot water until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with half the peanut sauce. Add more sauce gradually to taste, reserving extra for serving or add-ins like veggies or tofu.
- Serve: Serve hot or cold as a flavorful vegan recipe. Garnish with chopped cilantro, scallions, crushed peanuts, or red pepper flakes for crunch and flair.
Notes
- Control Saltiness: Use unsalted peanut butter and low-sodium tamari to keep the sauce balanced.
- Adjust Spice: Start with 1 tbsp sriracha and add more for heat; omit red pepper flakes for milder flavor.
- Prevent Sticky Noodles: Rinse cooked rice noodles briefly to avoid clumping in this vegan recipe.
- Thin Sauce Gradually: Add hot water slowly to achieve the desired sauce consistency without making it too runny.
- Taste and Tweak: Sample the sauce before tossing and adjust maple syrup or sriracha to suit your taste.
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!
