Are you ready to spice up your dinner? This Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. In just a few steps, you can create a satisfying dish that checks all the boxes: savory, spicy, and oh-so-delicious! With fresh veggies and a rich peanut sauce, it's perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha creates a deliciously rich and spicy sauce that elevates the dish.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and spice levels to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences.
- Healthy Ingredients: This dish is packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanuts, crushed (for garnish)
Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1/4 cup warm water
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400
- Macro breakdown:
- Carbs: 50g
- Proteins: 12g
- Fats: 18g
I love using fresh veggies in this dish. The crunch of the bean sprouts and the sweetness of the carrots add great texture. You can swap in any veggies you have on hand. Don't forget the peanuts; they bring a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
The spicy peanut sauce is the star. Creamy peanut butter blends well with soy sauce and honey. This sauce makes the dish rich and tasty. Adjust the sriracha to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more!
This recipe is flexible. Use what you like. If you're out of rice noodles, try whole wheat or even zucchini noodles. Each option brings a new twist.
Finally, the nutrition is balanced. It provides a good mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. Enjoy making this easy and flavorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of rice noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, which means they should still have a little bite. After cooking, drain the noodles. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy. Set them aside for now.
Preparing the Spicy Peanut Sauce
Next, grab a medium bowl. In it, mix together the sauce ingredients. You will need 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha based on how spicy you want it. Whisk everything well. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add 1/4 cup of warm water. Keep adding until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 cup of bean sprouts. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the top. Toss everything gently. Make sure each noodle and veggie is well coated in the sauce.
Garnishing and Serving
Lift the noodle mixture into serving bowls. For a pop of color and flavor, add 2 chopped green onions and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro on top. You can also sprinkle 1/2 cup of crushed peanuts for some extra crunch. Serve your Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To keep your rice noodles al dente, follow the package instructions closely. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the rice noodles and cook them until just tender. Drain them and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps them stay firm.
To adjust the spice level in your sauce, simply change the amount of sriracha. If you like it hot, add more sriracha. If you prefer mild, start with one teaspoon and taste as you go.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can't find rice noodles, try using spaghetti or udon noodles instead. Both types work well and give a nice texture. You can also use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
If you have a peanut allergy, you can swap peanut butter with sunbutter or almond butter. Both options provide a creamy texture, though they will slightly change the flavor.
Serving Recommendations
To complement your Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles, serve them with fresh spring rolls or a light cucumber salad. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal.
For drinks, try pairing your noodles with iced tea or a light beer. Both drinks enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: Start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha in the sauce, then taste and add more if you prefer it spicier.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Don’t skip on the cilantro and green onions!
- Make it a Meal: Add cooked protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this dish more filling and nutritious.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold as a salad.
Variations
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
To make this dish vegan, swap honey with maple syrup. Use soy sauce that is labeled as vegan. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor. Try adding garlic powder or ginger to the sauce for a kick. These spices make your dish taste even better without meat.
Adding Protein
Want to make it heartier? You can add chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If you choose chicken, cook it fully before mixing it in. For shrimp, just sauté until pink. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and fry until golden. Mix your chosen protein into the noodles during the last step.
Cold Noodle Salad Version
For a refreshing cold noodle salad, cook the noodles and let them cool. Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts as usual. Instead of heating the sauce, mix it with the cold noodles. This gives it a nice, crisp texture. Top with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for a salad feel.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can keep your Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles in the fridge for up to three days. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying out. Make sure to let the noodles cool to room temperature before sealing the container. This helps avoid condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze these noodles! To do this, put the cooled noodles and veggies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible. You can store them for up to a month. When you're ready to eat, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, simply warm them in a pan or microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them from drying out. This way, you still enjoy that rich, spicy flavor!
FAQs
How to make Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles from scratch?
To make Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles, start by cooking the rice noodles.
- Boil a large pot of water.
- Add 8 oz of rice noodles and cook as per package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Set them aside.
Next, prepare the spicy peanut sauce.
- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter,
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce,
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup,
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar,
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil,
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (for spice).
- Slowly add 1/4 cup warm water to reach your desired consistency.
Now, combine all ingredients.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles with 1 cup shredded carrots,
- 1 bell pepper (thinly sliced), and
- 1 cup bean sprouts.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat.
Finally, garnish your dish.
- Serve in bowls, topping with 2 chopped green onions,
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, and
- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts for crunch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead.
- Cook the noodles and store them in the fridge.
- Prepare the sauce and keep it in a separate container.
- Mix everything just before serving to keep the noodles fresh.
What if I don’t have sriracha?
If you don’t have sriracha, you can use other spicy options.
- Chili paste, hot sauce, or even red pepper flakes work well.
- Adjust the amount based on your spice level preference.
This blog post covered everything you need for Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles. You learned about key ingredients, including rice noodles and crunchy vegetables. I shared a simple, tasty sauce made from peanut butter and sriracha. You also discovered tips for making your dish perfect. Whether you want it cold or warm, I provided storage advice and variations to suit your taste. By trying these steps, you can create a quick and delicious meal. Enjoy making this dish your own!
