Spicy peanut noodles are a mouthwatering noodle dish that combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with tangy lime juice and sriracha.
This easy one-pot meal comes together in just 20 minutes and is loaded with veggies, protein from eggs, and plenty of spice.
Keep reading for the full recipe, tips for making it, serving suggestions, nutrition information, and answers to frequently asked questions about this irresistible noodle dish!
Tips for Making Perfect Spicy Peanut Noodles
- Look for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. The peanut flavor really shines through.
- Rice vinegar adds a nice, mild acidity. Substitute white vinegar if needed.
- Sriracha brings the heat! Adjust amounts according to your spice preference.
- Sesame oil provides nuttiness, and ginger gives a subtle kick.
- Use linguine or spaghetti noodles; they hold the thick sauce nicely.
- Rinsing the cooked noodles cools them down, so they don’t overcook when combined with the hot sauce.
- Add any extra veggies you like! Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are all tasty.
- Crushed peanuts make a nice, crunchy garnish. Cashews or sesame seeds also work.
- Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for 2–3 days. The noodles may dry out slightly.
Nutrition Information
One serving of spicy peanut noodles provides:
- Calories: 479
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 106mg
- Sodium: 491mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 57g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
A hearty portion of noodles and vegetables combined with protein from the eggs makes this a nutritious one-pot meal. The peanut butter adds a good dose of healthy fat. Make it vegetarian by omitting the egg.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy peanut noodles make for a fun and casual meal any night of the week. They’re also great for potlucks, barbecue side dishes, or meal prepping for healthy lunches. Here are some serving ideas:
- As a Main course, Serve noodles warm in a bowl for a satisfying veggie-loaded dinner. Provide extra sriracha and crunchy garnishes for topping.
- Stuffed in a Pita: Spoon noodles into a warm pita pocket for an easy hand-held meal.
- Over Lettuce Wraps: Use peanut noodles to fill crunchy lettuce cups for a fun presentation.
- Meal Prep Lunches: Portion into individual containers to pack for work or school. Stir in shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Summer Cookouts: Bring this to barbecues as a unique and hearty potluck dish to share. Sprinkle with peanuts or scallions.
Get creative with servings! The noodles pack well for meals on-the-go all week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of peanut butter works best?
Choose a natural peanut butter that contains just peanuts and maybe a bit of salt. Avoid products with added sugars or oils. The simple peanut flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Can I use a different nut butter?
You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter, but the flavor will be quite different. Peanut butter provides the classic taste people expect in this dish.
What if I can’t find rice vinegar?
White vinegar or champagne vinegar can substitute for the rice vinegar. Balsamic vinegar would also work in a pinch.
How spicy are these noodles?
The amount of Sriracha determines the spice level. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more according to your personal taste and heat tolerance. Serve extra on the side for folks who like it extra spicy!
Can I use dry-roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts can be used to garnish the noodles. The crunch and nutty flavor are delicious either way.
What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Stir in shredded or cubed cooked chicken, beef, pork, or tofu. You can also top individual servings with a fried egg for extra protein.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen up the noodles. The ends of the noodles may dry out slightly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the entire recipe in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat individual portions as needed throughout the week. The noodles may need a splash of water to rehydrate.
Spicy Peanut Noodles: A Tangy and Savory Noodle Dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound of linguine or spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more if you like extra heat)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 4 scallions, sliced (white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1 - Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Peanut sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, sriracha, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger until smooth. Taste and add salt if needed.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the eggs. Cook, stirring frequently, until scrambled and just set, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and set aside.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the carrots, bell pepper, and half of the scallions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the Noodles and sauce.
- Add the cooked noodles and peanut sauce to the skillet and toss to coat evenly, allowing some starch from the noodles to thicken the sauce slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the scrambled egg, cilantro, and remaining scallions.
Step 5: Serve immediately.
- Divide the spicy peanut noodles between bowls. Garnish with crushed peanuts, if desired. Enjoy this flavorful meal while it's hot!
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Rice vinegar provides mild acidity, but white or champagne vinegar also works.
- Adjust Sriracha to your desired spice level.
- Top with crushed peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds for crunch.
- Add shredded chicken, beef, or tofu for extra protein.
- Swap noodles for zoodles for a low-carb option.
- Stir in additional vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 2–3 days.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.