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These quick peanut noodles are creamy, savory, a little spicy, and satisfying. A simple, low-budget meal in just 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients!
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Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Noodles
Quick noodle dishes are perfect for lazy weeknights. They’re simple, delicious, and satisfying in no time at all. From easy teriyaki noodles to garlic sesame soba noodles and even ramen noodle salad, there’s an easy noodle recipe for every mood. Today, it’s time for rich and creamy peanut butter noodles.
Made with creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, aromatic garlic and ginger, and optional hot sauce/chili, the sauce is rich, creamy, and full-bodied. Add your favorite noodles for a cozy, low-fuss alternative to takeout (especially when you toss in your favorite veggies and plant protein).
Best of all, it can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it perfect for meal prep! Peanut butter lovers might also enjoy peanut noodle salad, crispy tofu with peanut sauce, Thai peanut salad, or tofu peanut lettuce wraps.
The Ingredients and Substitutes
- Noodles: I made peanut udon noodles this time. However, rice noodles, buckwheat, ramen, and other noodles work.
- Spice: Add sriracha/hot sauce, minced chili, chili crisp, or red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste for your preferred level of spicy peanut butter noodles. Omit for mild peanut butter sauce.
Recipe Add-ins and Variations
- Sesame oil: To add toasty depth.
- Mushroom powder: Just a little for more flavor.
- Miso paste: For salty and savory depth.
- Creamy peanut sauce noodles: Use coconut milk instead of water.
How to Make Peanut Noodles
Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk the peanut butter, 3 tbsp water, agave/maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha/chili (if using) until smooth (1-2 minutes). Then whisk in the remaining water.
Step 2: Cook the udon noodles (or your choice of noodles) per their package instructions, then drain and rinse under cool water to prevent sticking.
For a thinner sauce, add more water, a teaspoon at a time.
Step 3: Toss the noodles and peanut butter sauce until evenly coated, then stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Optionally add chopped peanuts for crunch. Enjoy!
FAQs
Though it won’t taste the same, you can make a similar sauce with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
It’s up to you based on your preferred thickness/texture. Udon noodles are thick, soft, and a little chewy. Ramen is thinner, chewy, and springy. Rice noodles are chewy but softer, etc.
Technically, no, though they’re more likely to stick together.
This versatile peanut noodles recipe tastes amazing either way! Serve it warm with cooked veggies, or chilled with crunchy fresh veggies like cucumber and carrots.
Pro Recipe Tips
- To adjust the sauce consistency: Use more or less water.
- Taste and adjust: i.e., try adding more soy, vinegar, maple, hot sauce, etc.
- Adjust spice to taste: For mild sesame peanut noodles, omit it entirely.
- For milder aromatics: Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy peanut butter udon noodles warm or chilled, either alone or bulked up with:
- Vegetables: Bulk up the peanut butter noodles with steamed or stir-fried broccoli, green beans, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, asparagus, edamame, etc. Alternatively, enjoy it chilled with crunchy vegetables like shredded cucumber, carrots, and cabbage.
- Protein: For vegan peanut noodles, add crispy baked tofu or tempeh, air fryer chickpeas, or vegan chicken alternatives.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: In an airtight container. The sauce keeps for 10-14 days. The combined peanut noodles are best within 3-5 days. Store the sauce and noodles separately for the best texture.
Freeze: Freeze the peanut sauce for up to 3 months. I don’t recommend freezing the noodles, as they become mushy.
Reheat: In a microwave or pan, until hot. Note, the noodles will soften and soak up sauce while they sit. Add a splash of water, broth, or coconut milk if needed.
More Vegan Noodle Recipes
Vegan Dinners
Soba Noodle Salad
Vegan Dinners
Tofu Pad Thai
![completed Vegetable Yaki Udon Noodles [Stir-Fry] on a plate](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Udon-Noodle-Stir-Fry-21-378x378.jpg)
Vegan Dinners
Udon Noodle Stir-Fry
Vegan Dinners
Chili Oil Noodles with Crispy Tofu
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Quick Peanut Noodles
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Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) package of udon noodles (or rice noodles, ramen, or any Japanese-style noodles)
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- 6-7 tablespoons water divided
- 2 tablespoons agave or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 splash sriracha minced chili, or a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 bunch of green onions sliced
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional, for extra texture)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of water, agave or maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and optional sriracha or chili. Whisk for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of water and whisk again. For a thinner sauce, add 1 more tablespoon of water.
- Cook the udon noodles (or your choice of noodles) according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles with the peanut sauce. Toss until all the noodles are fully coated.
- Stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. If desired, mix in or top with chopped peanuts for added crunch.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- To adjust the sauce consistency: Use more or less water.
- Taste and adjust: i.e., try adding more soy, vinegar, maple, hot sauce, etc.
- Adjust spice to taste: For mild sesame peanut noodles, omit it entirely.
- For milder aromatics: Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
![Completed Mini Spider Pizza [Bagel Bites] on a white surface.](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Spooky-Spider-Bagel-Bites-11-e1749532293901-378x378.jpg)
