If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to whip up, this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. The marriage of velvety peanut butter, a hint of spice from sriracha, and the freshness of scallions creates a noodle experience that’s both satisfying and addictive. Whether you want a quick dinner after a busy day or a meal to impress without fuss, these creamy peanut noodles are bound to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the nutty richness of peanut butter to the zingy brightness of fresh ginger, every component brings its own magic to the dish.
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti: A neutral, sturdy base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 scallions, diced, green and white parts separated: Adds freshness and a mild oniony crunch, divided to enhance both cooking and garnishing.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Brings a toasty depth and luscious aroma to the sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Offers a pungent warmth that complements the peanut flavor perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger: Adds a bright, zesty note that lifts the sauce away from being overly heavy.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient delivering the sauce’s signature creamy, nutty richness.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances sweetness with savory umami without overpowering the peanut taste.
- ¼ cup hot water: Helps loosen the sauce just enough to coat the noodles smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Injects a subtle tang that keeps the dish lively and well-rounded.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Provides a gentle spicy kick to awaken your senses.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Enhances the sauce with a hint of molasses sweetness, tying all flavors together.
- ½ small carrot, peeled and sliced into julienne/matchsticks: Adds vibrant color and a refreshing crunch.
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish: For an irresistible textural contrast and extra nutty punch at the end.
How to Make Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still with a pleasant bite to it. Don’t forget to save about one-third cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This reserved water will come in handy later for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Set a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add the sesame oil. Toss in most of the scallion whites, saving some for garnish, and sauté until they soften and release their sweet aroma. Then, add minced ginger and garlic, cooking just briefly (around 20 seconds) until everything smells fragrant and inviting. This step builds the foundational flavor of the sauce.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
Now, stir in the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and the reserved scallion greens. Mixing this medley off the heat helps keep the vibrant flavors fresh and lets the peanut butter melt smoothly without clumping. The combination of tangy, spicy, sweet, and salty notes is what makes the Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe truly addictive.
Step 4: Combine Noodles with Sauce and Veggies
Return your drained noodles to the pot or a large mixing bowl and toss them with the julienned carrots and the luscious peanut sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect glossy, silky coating that clings lovingly to each strand. This is where your noodles transform into a creamy, satisfying dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Plate your peanut noodles immediately and sprinkle generously with chopped peanuts and the reserved scallion whites. This simple finishing touch adds an irresistible crunch and a fresh bite, rounding out the texture beautifully. Dig in while warm and enjoy the symphony of flavors in this comforting bowl.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe with garnishes is easy and fun. Try tossing on chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime for brightness, or toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness. Each garnish elevates the dish and adds a layer of freshness or texture that makes the experience even more memorable.
Side Dishes
This versatile noodle dish pairs beautifully with light sides like crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or crunchy Asian slaw to add balance and contrast. If you want something heartier, grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp make excellent proteins alongside the noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with colorful veggies arranged artfully or make peanut noodle lettuce wraps for a hand-held option. You can also drizzle a little extra peanut sauce over the top just before serving to make each mouthful extra indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any garnishes separate to retain their freshness and texture until serving again.
Freezing
While not ideal due to the creamy peanut sauce, you can freeze the noodles without garnishes in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but be aware that the sauce’s texture may shift slightly when frozen.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the sauce smooth and prevent clumping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can swap in rice noodles, udon, or even soba noodles to suit your preference or dietary needs. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the noodle type.
How spicy is this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe?
The sriracha adds a gentle heat that complements rather than overwhelms the dish. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha depending on how fiery you want your noodles.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and can be vegan if you ensure your soy sauce contains no animal products. It’s a delicious plant-based option that feels indulgent without any animal ingredients.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap regular spaghetti for a gluten-free noodle alternative and use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari). This way, you can enjoy the creamy, peanutty goodness without worrying about gluten.
What can I add to make this a more balanced meal?
Adding grilled tofu, cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas can turn this into a heartier, protein-packed meal that satisfies all your nutritional needs.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is one of those rare meals that’s quick, comforting, and dazzlingly tasty all at once. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it never fails to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious dinner can be!
Print
Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Peanut Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal. It features al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, spicy peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and scallions, topped with fresh julienned carrots and crunchy chopped peanuts for added texture. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy stovetop recipe blends savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for a deliciously balanced dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 scallions, diced, green and white parts separated
Other
- ½ small carrot, peeled and sliced into julienne/matchsticks
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve â…“ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Make Sauce: Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sesame oil and most of the scallion whites, reserving some for garnish, and sauté until tender. Add the minced ginger and garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and scallion greens until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the sliced carrot and peanut sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved scallion whites and chopped peanuts for a crunchy finish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help thin out the peanut sauce if needed.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the level of spiciness.
- Use creamy peanut butter for best sauce texture; natural peanut butter may result in a less smooth sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh texture of the carrots and scallions.
