If you are craving a dish that hits all the right notes—rich, tangy, spicy, and irresistibly smooth—the Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. With a luscious peanut butter sauce that clings to every strand of perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients coming together in total harmony. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something uniquely delicious, these noodles bring warmth and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step in creating a bowl of creamy goodness that’s bursting with flavor. Each component plays a key role—from the nutty richness of peanut butter to the zesty brightness of fresh scallions, and the gentle heat from sriracha. Together, they combine texture, taste, and color into a perfectly balanced dish.
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti: The perfect base to soak up that creamy peanut sauce and provide satisfying chewiness.
- 2 scallions, diced (green and white parts separated): Adds fresh, oniony brightness and color contrast, with whites used in cooking and greens for garnish.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a subtle, toasty aroma that pairs beautifully with peanuts.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory depth and fragrance to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger: Adds a zesty warmth that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that creates that luscious, creamy texture and rich nutty flavor.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami balance without overwhelming the palate.
- ¼ cup hot water: Helps smooth out the peanut butter into a silky sauce that coats the noodles evenly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A touch of acidity that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: For just the right hint of spicy kick to keep things interesting.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Balances the spice and acidity with natural sweetness.
- ½ small carrot, julienned: Adds a crisp, colorful crunch to brighten up each bite.
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish: Give extra texture and an irresistible nutty finish to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, following the package directions. Don’t forget to reserve ⅓ cup of the pasta water before draining—this little trick will help loosen up the sauce later if needed. Perfectly cooked noodles set the stage for the sauce to shine, making every bite wonderfully tender but with just enough bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Next, heat sesame oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add most of the scallion whites, saving some for garnish, and sauté until they soften and release their aroma. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring just long enough for their fragrance to bloom, about 20 seconds. Remove from heat, then whisk in creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and the reserved scallion greens. This sauce is where magic happens—rich, tangy, spicy, and perfectly creamy.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Toss the drained noodles with the julienned carrots and the peanut sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it until it coats the noodles beautifully. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts and scallions for that extra layer of flavor and crunch. This step brings everything together into one irresistible bowl that tastes as good as it looks.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish from delicious to downright unforgettable. Chopped peanuts add crunch and amplify the peanutty character, while scallion greens bring a burst of freshness and a pop of vibrant green. For boldness and color, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few cilantro leaves can also transform your presentation and add nuanced flavor.
Side Dishes
Serving creamy peanut noodles alongside light and crisp sides creates a well-rounded meal. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas work beautifully to balance the richness. For a heartier feast, pair it with grilled chicken skewers or tofu for some added protein that complements the dish’s nutty, spicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a fun twist? Serve your creamy peanut noodles cold as a refreshing noodle salad, perfect for warmer days or lunchboxes. You can also add shredded cabbage or snap peas right into the noodles for extra crunch. Plating the noodles in small individual bowls with colorful toppings brightens the table and lets each guest customize their garnish experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy peanut noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the noodles might soak up some sauce, stir well before reheating, and add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up to its original creamy consistency.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, store the sauce and noodles separately. Freeze the sauce in a small container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently while stirring in freshly cooked noodles for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy peanut noodles gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a little water or broth if the noodles seem dry. This helps revive the creamy texture and ensures every bite tastes as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use another type of noodle instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully in this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe, feel free to experiment with rice noodles, udon, or even soba. Each will bring a slightly different texture but keep the dish deliciously satisfying.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan friendly?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, just ensure your soy sauce is vegan (most are), and avoid any added ingredients like honey or fish sauce. It’s a great plant-based dish full of flavor and protein from peanut butter.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness comes from sriracha, which adds a gentle, warming heat. You can easily adjust the amount based on your preference—less for mild or more if you crave a fiery kick!
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm it gently before tossing with the noodles to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sesame oil?
If sesame oil isn’t on hand, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola works in a pinch. The unique nutty aroma of sesame oil is wonderful, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe that makes it a quick favorite in any kitchen. Its perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors combined with effortless preparation means you’ll want to make it again and again. So grab your ingredients, dive into this delicious bowl, and share the joy of this fantastic dish with your loved ones!
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Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 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 in just 20 minutes. Tossed in a rich peanut sauce with a kick of sriracha and a hint of ginger, these noodles are garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh scallions for texture and vibrancy. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
Peanut Sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 scallions, diced, green and white parts separated
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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 until al dente according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve â…“ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the noodles.
- Make Sauce: Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add sesame oil and most of the scallion whites (reserve some for garnish). Sauté until the scallions are tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant for about 20 seconds. Stir in peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and scallion greens. Mix until smooth and remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the sliced carrot and prepared peanut sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce for better coating. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts and the reserved scallion whites.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha according to your taste.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Peanuts can be substituted with cashews or almonds for garnish if preferred.
