Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe

These Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles are a satisfying and flavorful dish with the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory. The rich peanut butter sauce is enhanced by the zing of fresh garlic, ginger, and sriracha, making this dish both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces brown rice noodles (or any noodles of your choice)
• 3 large cloves garlic (or 4-5 small cloves)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil or any preferred cooking oil)
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter (low/no salt for a healthier option)
• 4 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• ⅓ to 1 cup hot water (hot water helps mix the peanut butter easily)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Optional: 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce for extra spice

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: While the noodles cook, finely mince the garlic and heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan over low heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it turns golden brown. Stir in the grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Peanut Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and add the creamy peanut butter, tamari (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup (or honey), and red pepper flakes (optional). Start by adding ⅓ cup of hot water and whisk everything together until smooth. Add more hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The amount of water needed may vary based on your peanut butter brand and your personal preference.
4. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce for extra saltiness, more sriracha for more spice, or a bit more honey/maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also mix in chili garlic sauce for an additional spicy kick.
5. Toss the Noodles: Add about half of the peanut sauce to the cooked noodles and toss to coat. Start with a smaller amount of sauce and add more as needed to suit your taste. If you like it extra saucy, feel free to use the entire batch of sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the noodles in bowls and top with crushed peanuts, chopped scallions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles are a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that combines creamy peanut butter with a spicy kick. The balance of flavors from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha creates an irresistible sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. It’s customizable, easy to make, and can be served as a main dish or side, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prepping. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and can be made gluten-free with the right noodle choice!

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Noodles: While brown rice noodles are used in this recipe, you can swap them out for any noodles you prefer, such as soba noodles, udon, or spaghetti. Gluten-free noodles work well for a gluten-free option.
• Nut Butter Options: If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a slight twist on the taste.
• Heat Level: Adjust the spice level based on your preference. Add more or less sriracha, and use more or less red pepper flakes as desired. You can also add chili garlic sauce for a bolder flavor.
• Add Protein: For extra protein, add tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp. You can also add cooked tempeh or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
• Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, or carrots to the noodles to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut butter sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce with a little extra water or broth to thin it out, and toss with freshly cooked noodles.

Can I freeze the peanut sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the peanut sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat with a bit of water before using.

Can I use cold water instead of hot?
Using hot water helps the peanut butter mix more easily and creates a smoother sauce. However, you can use cold water if necessary, just know it may take a bit more whisking to achieve the same consistency.

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Serving Suggestions

These Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and toppings:

• Crispy tofu or grilled chicken for extra protein.
• A side of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch.
• Fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.
• A light side salad with a citrus dressing to complement the rich peanut sauce.

This dish makes for a great meal prep option, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun addition to any Asian-inspired feast!