Peanut Butter Noodles

These Peanut Butter Noodles deliver big flavor and total satisfaction in only 20 minutes. They start with simple ingredients that come together into a rich, creamy peanut sauce that coats every bite perfectly. You can use whatever noodles you have on hand—ramen, rice noodles, spaghetti, or fresh udon all shine here.

Course Entree

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Heating Water 5

Total Time 20

Servings people

Calories 331kcal

Author Melissa Huggins

Equipment

Large Pot with lid
Medium Bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Microplane or Fine Grater *Optional (see note)

Ingredients

8 ounces dry noodles (rice noodles, ramen, udon, or spaghetti) or 16 ounces fresh noodles.
Salt for pasta water
4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (unsweetened)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional; substitute ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
1 clove garlic , grated or finely minced
2-4 tablespoons hot noodle cooking water , as needed
Optional Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onion, chopped peanuts, or chopped cilantro.

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, covering with a lid to speed things up.
While the water heats, gather and prep your ingredients. Whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a medium bowl. It will be thick—that’s normal; you’ll thin it with pasta water later. Set aside.
Once the water is boiling, remove the lid and add noodles. Cook the noodles according to package directions until tender.
When the noodles have 1–2 minutes left, carefully scoop out about ½ cup of the noodle cooking water (you won't need all of it). Add 2 tablespoons to the peanut sauce and whisk until smooth and pourable, adding more water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed. Drain the noodles.
Add the drained noodles directly to the bowl with the sauce and toss well to coat. If needed, add another splash of the reserved noodle cooking water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
Serve immediately and add garnishes, if preferred.

Notes

Customize the sauce easily: This sauce is very forgiving. Increase garlic or ginger for a sharper bite, or stir in 1-3 teaspoons of sriracha for heat. You can also add more vinegar, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness, or a splash more soy sauce for a deeper flavor.

Cooking time will vary depending on the noodles you use. Fresh noodles cook quickly, while dry noodles may take a bit longer, so check the package instructions for best results.

Microplane or fine grater: Grating garlic and ginger creates a paste that dissolves seamlessly into the sauce. If you only mince, expect small bits instead of a smooth finish. It will still taste delicious!

Nutrition