Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles
Creamy, savory noodles tossed in a spicy peanut sauce made with chili crisp, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and soy sauce. The sauce has just enough peanut butter to make it rich and creamy without overpowering the other flavors, making this an easy dinner that comes together in about 25 minutes.
- 12 oz noodles, such as lo mein, ramen, spaghetti, or linguine
- 2-3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1-2 Tbsp chili crisp (depending on spice level)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 2 –4 Tbsp reserved noodle water, as needed
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 Gather the Ingredients
Measure and prepare all of your ingredients before you begin. The sauce comes together quickly once the noodles are cooked.
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Cook the NoodlesCook the noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the noodle water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
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Make the Spicy Peanut SauceIn a large skillet over low to medium-low heat, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together 2 tsp cornstarch and 2 tsp cold water until smooth. Add the slurry into sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
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Add the NoodlesAdd the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until completely coated in the sauce. Add reserved noodle water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is creamy and coats the noodles easily.
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Finish & ServeDivide the noodles among bowls and top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Add an extra spoonful of chili crisp for more heat, if desired.
NoteThe sauce will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of reserved noodle water if needed before serving.
For a milder version, reduce the chili crisp .
Add Chicken: Turn these noodles into a heartier meal by adding sliced or diced cooked chicken. Toss the chicken with the noodles and sauce just before serving.
You could also add shrimp, edamame, or your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free noodles and replace the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari. Check the label on your chili crisp as well, since some brands contain ingredients with gluten.
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