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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Entrees

    Spicy Peanut Noodles

    Published: Jan 26, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Spice up your noodles with this spicy peanut noodles recipe. Thick and decadent, these easy spicy peanut noodles take less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Don't like it spicy? Make it mild with a few simple adjustments.

    Spicy peanut noodles served in a bowl garnished with cilantro, green onions, and peanuts.

    I love noodles and Asian food, so I made spicy peanut noodles today. There's something delicious about noodles in spicy peanut noodle sauce. Not only is my spicy peanut noodle recipe simple, but it's also quick. And, I love any recipe that takes less than 20 minutes from the pan to the fork. Although easy spicy noodles imply spiciness, they can also be mild with a few adjustments. So, if you love creamy, peanutty flavors but spicy sensitive, check out the mild recipe version. 

    Jump to:
    • Spicy Peanut Noodles Ingredients
    • Spicy Peanut Noodles Ingredient Substitutions
    • Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredients
    • Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredient Substitutions
    • How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Enjoy these Vegan Asian Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews
    I am tossing the noodles in spicy peanut sauce.

    Without a doubt, spicy peanut noodles rank high on my family's favorite dinners. However, even though my kids love spicy food, there's always someone who likes it milder and hotter. Therefore, I make the sauce and allow everyone to adjust their spice preferences after serving the noodles. This way, everyone's happy. 

    The trick, however, is always to taste as you cook and never add spice carelessly. Since everyone has different preferences regarding spiciness, it's important to remember that removing spice is impossible once added. So, tread lightly, and add spice as you go. 

    Also, spices often come a little later, once absorbed into sauces and other food. Initially, spice tastes mild but enhances over time. So again, add slowly and be aware of how spices improve over time. 

    Spicy Peanut Noodles Ingredients

    Spicy peanut noodles in a bowl on the counter with peanuts, cilantro, and green onions.
    • Rice Noodles: Rice noodles are one of my favorite noodles. Gluten-free and low in calories, these noodles are a great way to enjoy peanut noodles.
    • Garlic: Fresh garlic is best when making any recipe. Fresh garlic has a deeper flavor than jarred garlic.
    • White Onion: White onion, although strong in flavor, caramelizes and gets sweeter as it cooks.
    • Ginger: Fresh ginger is preferred in this spicy peanut noodles recipe because of its deep flavor.
    • Sriracha Tofu: I used Trader Joe's pre-cooked Sriracha tofu.
    • Green Onions: Green onions. In most recipes, you will be cooking scallions or green onions; you'll use the white and the pale green portion of the onion just above the root. But the darker green leaves are a delicious garnish for everything from soups to casseroles without any cooking needed.
    • Peanuts: Peanuts are used as a garnish and are optional.
    • Cilantro: Cilantro is also a garnish added at the end for additional flavor and taste.

    Spicy Peanut Noodles Ingredient Substitutions

    • Any noodles work as a base for this recipe. There are several different brands of rice noodles, so pick your favorite thickness and shape.
    • One clove of fresh garlic equals ¼ teaspoon of granulated garlic powder. The same conversion applies to dehydrated or freeze-dried garlic or even minced refrigerated garlic.
    • Yellow onion is similar to white onion in taste and texture.
    • Converting fresh ginger to ground ginger and vice versa is easy. You'll need to use more because ground ginger is more concentrated. For every ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, use 1 tablespoon of fresh-grated ginger in recipes. This works in the opposite direction as well.
    • Make your own tofu by selecting extra firm tofu and marinate it in 1 teaspoon Sriracha and 2 Tablespoons soy sauce overnight.
    • If you don't like cilantro, try parsley or basil, or skip this ingredient.

    Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredients

    As with all recipes, the spicy peanut sauce is the secret to this Asian noodle recipe. 

    • Natural Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is without sugar or additives. Its peanuts are blended in a food processor until it's creamy, or purchase natural peanut butter in ajar at the store.
    • Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds an umami flavor to the peanut butter.
    • Hot Water: Hot water thins out the sauce. You need hot water because the peanut butter is thick.
    • Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds acidity and sweet flavoring to the sauce.
    • Sriracha: Sriracha gets its heat from red jalapeños peppers. Surprisingly, the sauce is only moderately spicy. On the Scoville scale, developed to measure chile heat level, sriracha measures 2,200. By contrast, Tabasco sauce clocks in at 3,750 and cayenne pepper at a startling 50,000!
    • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a natural way of flavoring sauces and dressings without adding sugar to the peanut noodles recipe.
    • Chili Garlic Sauce: Chili garlic sauce is made with chili peppers, garlic, rice vinegar, and salt. The sauce is spicy, tangy, and fragrant. It's similar in flavor to Sriracha, but the texture is chunky rather than smooth, with chili pepper pieces and seeds still visible in the sauce.
    • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you want to turn up the heat, as I do, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you don't like it hot, skip this ingredient.

    Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredient Substitutions

    • PB Fit is an option for creamy peanut sauce with fewer calories and fat.
    • Choose Tamari for a gluten-free option. Liquid aminos work well, also.
    • Champagne vinegar is similar to rice vinegar in terms of flavor and sweetness.
    • Try any hot sauce you have in the pantry or refrigerator if you don't have Sriracha.
    • Date syrup or agave replace maple syrup in recipes.
    • Try sriracha sauce, Sambal Oelek sauce, chili paste, harissa paste, and chili-garlic paste to substitute chili garlic sauce.
    • Cayenne pepper is similar to red pepper flakes.

    How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe

    Cooking and rinsing rice noodles in a colander.

    First, prepare the rice noodles following the instructions by soaking them in hot water, rinsing them in a colander, and setting them aside. 

    Next, prepare the spicy peanut noodle sauce by adding all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blending until smooth. 

    Then, cut the pre-cooked, Sriracha tofu into bite-sized pieces, approximately ½-inch cubes.

    I am cooking tofu, onions, and garlic in a skillet on the stove.

    Note: If using uncooked extra-firm tofu, cut the tofu, marinate in Sriracha sauce and soy (Tamari) overnight, and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Or, for a more crunchy option, air-fry the tofu at 370 degrees for 15 minutes. 

    Now, saute the onion and garlic in a non-stick pan, and add the cooked tofu. 

    Cook until the onions are translucent and the tofu is warm. Then, add the cooked, drained rice noodles to the pan and toss them with the other ingredients. 

    Add the rice noodles to the skillet with the tofu, garlic, and onions.

    The final step is to add the sauce, again tossing and coating the noodles. 

    Serving the spicy peanut noodles recipe

    For the garnish, add peanuts, green onions, and cilantro. Serve with additional Sriracha and red pepper flakes for the spice lovers like me. 

    I never have leftovers when making a peanut noodles recipe, so you may want to double the recipe. 

    Recipe FAQs

    What is Chinese Peanut Sauce?

    Chinese peanut sauce is delicious peanut butter and soy sauce. You can use it as a marinade or make a pan sauce for cooking.

    What are peanut noodles made of?

    To make Thai Peanut Noodles, you only need two ingredients: noodles and peanut sauce. Cook noodles according to the directions on the package. Whisk all ingredients for the peanut sauce and combine with noodles.

    Are peanut skins safe to eat?

    Peanuts can be eaten raw, blanched, roasted, boiled, fried, powdered, or made into peanut butter. Eating them with their thin, papery skin is most nutritionally beneficial, as the skin contains many antioxidants and phytochemicals.

    Tips

    • When blending the sauce, use hot water, not old water to avoid clumps.
    • If using uncooked extra-firm tofu, cut the tofu, marinate in Sriracha sauce and soy (Tamari) overnight, and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Or, for a more crunchy option, air-fry the tofu at 370 degrees for 15 minutes. 
    • Marinating tofu overnight helps the tofu absorb the flavors of the marinade.
    • If you don't want spicy marinade, leave out the Sriracha.
    • Remember to add spicy ingredients in small amounts and to adjust to taste preference. I love spicy food, but everyone does not have the same palette.
    • Make this recipe mild in spice by following the adjustments provided in the recipe.
    • Add additional vegetables like broccoli, carrots, edamame, bok choy, or any favorite combination.
    • Use soba noodles, rice noodles, or any noodles preferred.

    If you like a little spice in your life, try these spicy peanut noodles! Add tofu or eat the noodles plain; this recipe is delectable!

    Enjoy these Vegan Asian Recipes

    • Tofu Banh Mi
    • General Tso Cauliflower
    • Dan dan Noodles
    • Peanut Thai Dressing

    If you love this spicy peanut noodles recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Spicy Peanut Noodles

    Spicy Peanut Noodles

    Kathy Carmichael
    Spice up your noodles with this spicy peanut noodle recipe. Thick and decadent, this easy spicy peanut noodle recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Don't like it spicy? Make it mild with a few simple adjustments. A low-fat option is also available.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Entrees
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 573 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Spicy Peanut Noodles

    • 16 ounces rice noodles or noodles of choice
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 small white onion cut into slivers
    • 1- inch fresh ginger grated
    • 7 ounces Trader Joe's baked Sriacha Tofu Cut into cubes, or 7 ounces extra-firm tofu marinated in 3 Tablespoons soy sauce and 2 teaspoons Sriracha.

    Spicy Peanut Sauce for Noodles

    • ⅔ cup creamy natural peanut butter or 12 Tablespoons PB Fit plus ¼ cup water mixed
    • 4 Tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari
    • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1 cup HOT water tap water hot
    • 1 Tablespoon Sriracha begin with a teaspoon and taste as you add
    • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup or date syrup
    • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for added heat!

    Garnishes

    • ½ cup peanuts
    • ½ cup cilantro
    • 1 bunch green onions chopped
    • Extra Sriracha on the side optional
    • Extra red pepper flakes on the side optional

    Instructions
     

    Noodles

    • Cook noodles following the package instructions by soaking them in hot water, then rinsing them in a colander.
    • Set aside.

    Spicy Peanut Sauce

    • In a high-speed blender, combine all the ingredients, adding the peanut butter last to prevent sticking to the bottom of the blender.
    • If using PB Fit, combine peanut butter powder and ¼ cup water before adding to the blender.
    • Note: Add Sriracha 1 teaspoon at a time if you are sensitive to spicy food. Taste and adjust to individual preference.
    • Omit red pepper flakes for a milder version.

    Preparing Spicy Peanut Noodle Recipe

    • In a large non-stick skillet, saute the garlic and onions until the onions are translucent.
    • Add the grated ginger and stir.
    • Add the cooked tofu. Stir and combine with onions and garlic until the tofu is warmed.
    • Note: If not using pre-baked tofu, marinate extra firm tofu cubes in 3 Tablespoons of soy sauce (or Tamari) and 12 teaspoons of Sriracha overnight. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Or air-fry the tofu at 370 degrees for 15 minutes.
    • Now, add the cooked, drained noodles. Toss to combine.
    • Add the spicy peanut sauce and toss again to combine.
    • Serve with optional garnish of peanuts, cilantro, and green onions
    • For those who like it spicy, offer extra Sriracha and red pepper flakes.

    Notes

    • When blending the sauce, use hot water, not old water to avoid clumps.
    • If using uncooked extra-firm tofu, cut the tofu, marinate in Sriracha sauce and soy (Tamari) overnight, and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Or, for a more crunchy option, air-fry the tofu at 370 degrees for 15 minutes. 
    • Marinating tofu overnight helps the tofu absorb the flavors of the marinade.
    • If you don't want spicy marinade, leave out the Sriracha.
    • Remember to add spicy ingredients in small amounts and to adjust to taste preference. I love spicy food, but everyone does not have the same palette.
    • Make this recipe mild in spice by following the adjustments provided in the recipe.
    • Add additional vegetables like broccoli, carrots, edamame, bok choy, or any favorite combination.
    • Use soba noodles, rice noodles, or any noodles preferred.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6gCalories: 573kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 16gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 601mgPotassium: 421mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 183IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    1. Amelia

      January 27, 2023 at 4:32 pm

      Odd question, perhaps, but under optional toppings, you list green onions. I don't have any to use in this recipe right now but I do have leeks; if I cut them small, do you think those would work well in place of the green onions?

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        January 28, 2023 at 6:44 am

        Hi Amelia, that's a great question and a great idea! Leeks can be used in recipes that call for green onions. I hope you enjoy the recipe.

        Reply
    2. Michael and Ruth

      August 07, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      Thank you Kathy. I enjoy seeing your recipes & sometimes try them. The, "sometimes," is bc my hubby will not eat anything healthy. Haha, but he never complains. So, my question is, will the leftovers freeze & defrost for later ?

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        August 07, 2021 at 2:10 pm

        Hi Ruth, unfortunately, rice noodles do not freeze well .hey will, however, last in the refrigerator for 5 days. When my husband is traveling, and I eat alone, I just cut the recipe in half or smaller. But, if you used whole grain noodles, this will freeze and defrost for reheating.

        Reply
    3. Anna Harb

      June 03, 2021 at 11:25 am

      Hi Kathy,

      Decided to make this for lunch but I can't see in your instructions where the ginger comes in. I see it in the ingredients but... Is it for garnish? Is it to be put in with the onions? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        June 03, 2021 at 12:10 pm

        Hi Anna, it goes in with the onions while sauteing. Sorry about that. I'll fix it 🙂 I hope you enjoy it.

        Reply

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