Peanut Noodles Recipe – Love and Lemons

This peanut noodle recipe is a quick, delicious meal! You can stir together the spicy, creamy peanut sauce while the noodles cook. So easy!

Peanut noodles are one of the most craveable meals. The gooey noodles, the creamy sauce, crunchy veggies, and refreshing herbs… Luckily for us, this peanut noodle recipe is just as easy as it is delicious. You can stir together the peanut sauce in a single bowl, and the only component that requires cooking is the noodles. Even with the fresh toppings, the whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s a quick option for a weeknight dinner, and leftovers pack up perfectly for lunch the next day.

Ok, I’m craving peanut noodles now. Anyone else? Let’s cook!

Peanut Noodles Recipe Ingredients

This peanut noodle recipe starts with my peanut sauce, which is super easy to stir together. It’s creamy, bright, savory and sweet, made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, rice vinegar and lime juice. For these noodles, I add an extra tablespoon of tamari to boost the savory flavor.

Here’s what else you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Noodles, of course! Dried wheat noodles, such as udon, work great here, but you can substitute regular spaghetti in a pinch. For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles.
• Carrots and cucumbers – I julienne them so that they incorporate nicely with the noodles. This is quick and easy to do with a julienne peeler!
• tofu – For plant-based proteins. I often use plain tofu here, but if you like, you can swap in air fryer tofu or baked tofu.
• Fresh herbs – Please, don’t skip them! If you ask me, the herbs really take this recipe over the top. Lush and aromatic, they offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory peanut sauce. Cilantro, mint, basil, and Thai basil are all fair game.
• Crushed peanuts and/or sesame seeds – For crunches.
• And sriracha – Do you love spicy peanut noodles? Top your bowl with a big drizzle of sriracha (or chili garlic sauce) before digging in.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make Peanut Noodles

This peanut noodle recipe is so simple to make!

• First, cook the noodles. Prepare them according to the package instructions. Then, drain and rinse them under cold water.
• Meanwhile, make the peanut sauce. Place the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy.
• Then, toss the cooked noodles with the sauce. Don’t forget the extra tablespoon of tamari! Taste and adjust to find a balance of flavors you love.
• Finally, assemble bowls. Portion the noodles into bowls (or meal prep containers, if you’re making this recipe ahead!), and top with the veggies, tofu, and peanuts. If you’re eating right away, garnish with the herbs. If you’re meal prepping, wait to add the herbs until right before you eat.

Enjoy!

Peanut Noodles Recipe Variations

While I love this peanut noodle recipe as written, I also love changing it up. If I don’t have these exact ingredients on hand, I swap in what I do have. Feel free to do the same! Here are a few variations I’ve enjoyed:

• Try different veggies. Blanched snap peas, shredded red cabbage, avocado, bell peppers, and green onions are all great here. You could even experiment with pickled veggies, like my pickled radish or pickled jalapeños.
• Change the proteins. Add shelled edamame or baked tempeh instead of tofu.
• Switch the nut butter. For a fun twist, make the sauce with almond butter, cashew butter, or even tahini.

Let me know what variations you try!

More Favorite Noodles and Bowl Recipes

If you love these cold peanut noodles, try one of these recipes next: