Name: Peanut Butter Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 oz rice noodles; 2 Tbsp peanut oil, divided; 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips; ⅓ cup carrots, julienned; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1¼ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian); 3 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp cornstarch; 1 Tbsp lime juice; 1 Tbsp honey; 1 tsp sriracha; ½ tsp ground ginger; ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter; ¼ cup green onions, sliced; 1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup chopped peanuts

I’ve created a flavorful, quick noodle dish tossed in a creamy peanut sauce with bright hints of lime, honey, garlic, and ginger—a 30-minute dinner that’s loaded with satisfying flavor and versatile enough to serve on its own or paired with meat or tofu.

Peanut Butter Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how fast and fuss‑free this recipe is—I can have rice noodles cooked and coated in that rich peanut sauce in under half an hour. The combination of sweet honey, umami soy, tangy lime, and savory broth with just a touch of sriracha always hits my taste buds perfectly. I often throw in peppers and carrots for freshness or add grilled chicken or shrimp if I want more protein.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Rice noodles
• Peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• Red bell pepper, sliced
• Carrots, julienned
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken (or veggie) broth
• Soy sauce (or tamari)
• Cornstarch
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Smooth peanut butter
• Sriracha
• Ground ginger

Toppings: chopped peanuts, cilantro, sliced green onions

directions

I cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water and toss with a bit of oil.
While noodles cook, I heat oil in a skillet and sauté red bell pepper and carrots for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
I combine the sauce ingredients—broth, garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, lime juice, honey, sriracha, ginger—and bring them to a gentle boil; then I stir in the peanut butter until the sauce is silky smooth.
I add the cooked noodles to the sauce, toss thoroughly to coat, and heat through.
I serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sliced green onions.

Servings and timing

I usually make enough for 4 servings.
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: around 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap in spaghetti or lo‑mein noodles instead of rice noodles—just skip rinsing if the noodles are wheat‑based.
I love loaded veggies: broccoli, edamame, snap peas, bok choy, or any stir‑fry medley cooks quickly with the peppers and carrots.
For protein, I often toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, thin steak strips, tofu, or even scrambled eggs.
To boost spice, I’ll add more sriracha or chili garlic sauce or include red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles absorb sauce over time, but I refresh them by stirring in a splash of hot water or broth before reheating.
To reheat, I gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until everything is warmed through; microwave works too if stirred halfway.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes—I use gluten‑free rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. The sauce and flavors remain just as delicious.

How do I adjust the spice level?

I can tailor the heat by adjusting sriracha or using chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes. More soy sauce adds saltiness, lime juice adds brightness.

What if I don’t have peanut butter?

I can substitute tahini or almond butter in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly. The essence of the sauce is still creamy and nutty.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely—I often whisk up the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready, I just heat it and toss with freshly cooked noodles and veggies.

What toppings add the best texture?

I top each serving with chopped peanuts for crunch, sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for brightness—and sometimes sesame seeds if I have them.

Conclusion

I find this Peanut Butter Noodles recipe to be a game‑changer when I want a quick, satisfying meal with loads of flavor and minimal effort. The creamy peanut sauce, bright lime, touch of sweetness, and crunchy veggies always come together beautifully. Whether it’s a meatless weeknight dinner, lunch for the week, or a base to mix in my favorite proteins, it’s one of my go‑to dishes that never disappoints.