If you are searching for a dish that is as quick as it is satisfying, this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together a luscious peanut sauce that clings perfectly to tender spaghetti, enhanced by fresh scallions, a hint of ginger, and just the right amount of sriracha for a gentle kick. This recipe is a beautiful harmony of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that come together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Once you try it, this creamy peanut noodle dish will become one of your fastest favorites to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients; each plays a vital role in shaping the depth, texture, and vibrant character of your peanut noodles. From the nutty richness of peanut butter to the fresh brightness of scallions and the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, every item is indispensable for the perfect balance that makes this dish shine.
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti: The perfect neutral canvas that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 scallions, diced: Freshness from both the green and white parts adds layers of mild onion flavor and crunch.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Brings a toasty, aromatic depth as the sauce base.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger: Lends a zesty warmth and slight brightness.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The rich, silky heart of the sauce that makes it creamy and indulgent.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness while keeping it healthy and not overpowering.
- ¼ cup hot water: Helps to thin out the peanut butter so the sauce becomes delightfully luscious.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a tangy lift that cuts through the richness.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Provides a gentle, smoky heat for a lively contrast.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- ½ small carrot, julienned: Offers a fresh, crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish: Intensifies the nuttiness and adds a pleasant crunch.
How to Make Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Be sure to save about one-third of a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This reserved water comes in handy later to loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the noodles.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the noodles cook, warm the sesame oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Toss in most of the scallion whites, sautéing until they turn tender and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for just 20 seconds to awaken their flavors without letting them burn. Stir in the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and the scallion greens, mixing everything into a silky, glossy sauce. Remove the pan from heat to keep the fresh notes vibrant.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Place the drained pasta into a large bowl and add the thinly sliced carrot matchsticks. Pour the luscious peanut sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until each strand is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, a little of the reserved pasta water will help you achieve that perfect creamy consistency. This step is where it all comes together beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your peanut noodles elevates both the texture and the presentation. I love sprinkling crunchy chopped peanuts on top for an extra nutty punch and burst of texture. Adding a few more fresh scallions brightens the dish and gives a lovely pop of green that is as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to balance the creamy richness. A fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli with a sprinkle of sesame seeds works beautifully here. If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or tofu marinated in a simple soy-ginger dressing complements the peanut noodles perfectly without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this recipe doesn’t have to be ordinary. For a fun twist, try plating the noodles in individual bowls topped with edible flowers or a drizzle of chili oil for added color and flavor contrast. You could even stuff these noodles into lettuce cups for a hand-held treat that’s both playful and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries—they keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a quick toss with a splash of water or soy sauce revives that creamy goodness.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for the noodles themselves, as they tend to get mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the peanut sauce separately in a small container for up to a month. Just thaw it gently and whisk before reheating to keep the texture smooth and luscious.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the noodles gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce if needed. Stirring frequently helps maintain that silky texture and prevents the peanut butter from clumping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to swap in rice noodles, linguine, or even soba noodles depending on what you have on hand or prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan-friendly?
This Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan as long as you use soy sauce that contains no fish products. It’s a fantastic plant-based meal that’s rich and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The sriracha gives a mild to moderate heat, but it’s easily adjustable. If you prefer less spice, reduce the sriracha or omit it altogether. You can also add chili flakes for more control over the heat intensity.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can make the peanut sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just cook the noodles fresh and toss everything together for a super quick assembly.
What’s the best way to get the peanut butter creamy in the sauce?
Using hot water to thin the peanut butter is key. Mixing it into the warm sesame oil and aromatics also helps melt the peanut butter smoothly, creating that dreamy creamy texture you want in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is a joyful explosion of comforting textures and flavors that’s incredibly simple to pull together. It’s a dish that feels both special and effortless, perfect for any night when you want something fast but unforgettable. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious Creamy Peanut Noodles recipe featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a flavorful peanut sauce made with sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sriracha. This vibrant dish is garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh scallions, perfect for a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
Peanut 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 (some reserved for garnish)
Garnish and Add-ins
- 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, following the package instructions. Reserve â…“ cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Make Sauce: Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add sesame oil along with most of the scallion whites (reserve some for garnish). Sauté until scallions become tender, then add minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and scallion greens until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the julienned carrot and the peanut sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts and reserved scallion whites for a crunchy finish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to taste for desired heat level.
- This dish is best served fresh and warm.
- Substitute spaghetti with rice noodles or any preferred noodle for variation.
