Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
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!
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.