Last Updated on 27 January 2024 by cooksimply
If you’re after a quick meal that is really easy to make and only takes around 15 minutes, then these spicy peanut noodles really should be part of your regular rotation of meals. Like most Chinese and Asian food that is packed with flavour, you can easily turn simple ingredients including wheat noodles, garlic and chili oil into a satisfying meal that will really impress all those who’ll taste it.
What I love about this spicy peanut noodle recipe is that it’s hugely adaptable to what you have in your larder or cupboard, so you can add or change up these spicy noodles really easily and without fuss. So if you’re a fan of Chinese noodle dishes, you’ll love the perfect balance of spicy, savoury, and tangy flavour in your peanut sauce, while also being able to customise the dish to your liking. Whether you’re a skilled cook or a novice in the kitchen, these easy spicy peanut noodles are sure to become a staple in your household.
What ingredients are needed for easy spicy peanut noodles
For this fantastic recipe, which can easily be adapted, you’ll need:
-
knife-cut dried wheat noodles, or any noodle of your choice
-
smooth peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter.
-
light soy sauce
-
dark soy sauce
-
Chinese black vinegar
-
Chinese garlic chilli oil
-
Chilli flakes or red pepper flakes
-
Warm water
-
Sesame seeds
-
Sesame oil
-
Spring onions [green onions] for garnish
How to make these spicy peanut noodles
The first thing to do is to boil a large pot of water on a medium-high heat. In the meantime, you’ll need to prepare the simple peanut sauce first. Get the sauce ingredients together – the soy sauce, natural peanut butter, Chinese black vinegar, garlic chilli oil and chilli flakes. Add them to a small bowl and combine well, you will need some warm water too, to loosen the consistency of the peanut sauce.
Add the noodles to the large pan, and cook according to the package instructions. For knife-cut noodles, cook very quickly, so around 1-2 minutes are all that is needed. Once done, drain immediately and add the spicy peanut sauce and combine. If you feel the sauce is still too thick, add some extra hot water to loosen the sauce and the noodles.
Before serving, drizzle with some sesame oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions, as well as some extra garlic chilli sauce.
Can you use different types of noodles?
Yes, that’s the beauty of this spicy peanut noodles recipe. Use whatever noodles you have in your cupboards – egg noodles, ramen noodles, soba noodles, rice noodles – they will all work in this recipe.
What can be substituted for Chinese black vinegar?
If you’re struggling to find Chinese black vinegar, which is available at all good Asian supermarkets or online, you have other great options including rice vinegar or even apple cider vinegar – they will both work well.
What if you don’t like too much spice?
These delicious spicy peanut noodles do have a kick to them, due to the chilli element. If you’d prefer these noodles not to be spicy, you can leave out the chilli oil or add less. Spicy food isn’t to everyone’s taste, so adjust the level to suit your spice preferences.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the spicy peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, take the sauce out so it comes to room temperature, then simply cook the noodles and toss them with the sauce.
Can I freeze the peanut sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the peanut sauce for up to 3 months. Just be sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight before using it.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
I like to use smooth regular peanut butter but you can use crunchy peanut butter for a different texture, but bear in mind that it may not coat the noodles as evenly as creamy peanut butter.
Serving suggestions for spicy peanut noodles
These spicy peanut noodles are great on their own as a main dish or paired with some steamed or stir-fried vegetables. These noodles are vegan, but if you wanted to add protein such as sliced chicken breasts, or vegetables including bean sprouts, sliced peppers or even mushrooms, these would work well, too. I would stir fry the chicken and vegetables separately, then when combining the peanut sauce with the noodles, you can add the stir-fried ingredients too. They also make a great base for a Buddha bowl or meal prep option. Simply divide the quick spicy peanut noodles into individual containers and add some protein and veggies on top for a complete and satisfying meal.
Other noodle recipes
Singapore noodles
Chicken chow mein
Chicken noodle soup
Spring onion noodles
Spicy prawn noodles
Vietnamese pho
Chicken pad thai
These vegan spicy peanut noodles are a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavour. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish when you’re craving a spicy hit. So whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or to serve alongside other Chinese dishes, give these spicy peanut noodles a try and see just how easy and delicious they are.
Easy spicy peanut noodles
Ingredients
- 400 g knife-cut noodles or noodles of your choice
- 3 tbsps peanut butter of your choice
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp garlic chilli oil
- 1-2 tsp chilli flakes optional
- 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar/cider vinegar
- 4 tbsps water or more if needed
- 1-2 spring onions chopped
- 2-3 tsps sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to the boil
- Prepare the sauce. In a bowl, add the soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, peanut butter, garlic chilli oil, chilli flakes and water
- Using a fork or small whisk, mix the peanut chilli sauce well, until it's a smooth consistency. You can add a little more water if you need to loosen the mixture
- Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions, for knife-cut noodles around 1-2 minutes
- Drain the noodles, then immediately add to the peanut sauce and combine
- Make sure all the noodles are coated in the sauce
- Divide into bowls, sprinkle over spring onions and sesame seeds
- Drizzle with extra chilli oil/and or some sesame oil
Nutrition
Did you make these easy spicy noodles?
Please let me know if you made this noodle recipe. Leave a comment below and tag @cooksimplyathome on Instagram. You can find other easy meal ideas here.
