Spicy Peanut Noodles

Tossed in a spicy homemade peanut sauce, you’ll be surprised these Thai peanut noodles still come together in 20 minutes. Topped with peanuts, green onions, and a lime wedge, every bite is as authentic as those in the streets of Bangkok.

20 Minute Thai Peanut Noodles

Loaded with a quick homemade sauce, these 20-minute Thai peanut noodles beat take-out any day. With a creamy peanut butter-based sauce, this recipe is fuss-free from start to finish so home cooking becomes much more realistic on busy weeknights.

Make it with linguine, rice noodles, egg noodles, or udon— don’t worry! These noodles aren’t meant to stress you out, so use whichever you have on hand. If you want to add some protein, go for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For a bit more heat, you can even add chili oil.

Literally ready faster than it takes to order in or out, you’ll have more than enough time to top these with green onions and a lime wedge. With each bowl looking like it’s straight out of a Bangkok street stall, why would you ever order take-out again?

Recipe Ingredients

With a fuss-free sauce, these Thai peanut noodles come together in a couple of minutes. Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredient amounts.

• Linguine noodles – For a more authentic version, use rice noodles or Thai egg noodles.
• Toasted sesame oil – Feel free to substitute it for peanut oil.
• Green onions
• Garlic – Don’t substitute it for garlic powder.
• Fresh ginger
• Peanut butter – Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter.
• Soy sauce – I prefer low-sodium. If you use regular soy sauce, reduce the amount by 1/4.
• Chicken broth – Try to use low-sodium. If you use regular broth, reduce the amount of soy sauce so that your noodles aren’t salty.
• Sriracha – You can substitute it for chili oil to taste.
• Rice wine vinegar
• Dixie Crystals Light Brown Sugar
• Crushed red pepper

Optional Toppings

Whatever you do, don’t skip the toppings! They add lots of flavor and texture to make these Thai peanut noodles even more exciting.

• Crushed peanuts
• Sliced green onions
• Sriracha
• Lime wedges
• Toasted sesame seeds

Add A Protein

From chicken to tofu, these are the best kinds of protein for authentic Thai peanut noodles:

• Grilled chicken. It’s a great way to add lean protein without having to worry too much about seasoning because the noodles are already packed with flavor.
• Beef. Place your favorite cut of meat on a lightly greased pan and let it cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until done to taste. Slice it and add it to the noodles.
• Shrimp. Heat 1/2-1 tablespoon of vegetable or peanut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add your cleaned prawns and let them cook for 2-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove them from the pan when they’re white and pink, and no longer translucent.
• Ground pork. Add 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground pork and let it cook for 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Use your spatula to break up the meat. Season it to taste and serve it on the noodles.
• Tofu. This is a plant-based option that’s also really yummy. Make sure to use firm or extra-firm tofu. Marinate it for 1 hour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and then cook it over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.

How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles

With only 5 simple steps, making these Thai peanut noodles is a breeze.

• Boil the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
• Add the garlic. Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and let them cook for 1 minute.
• Add the peanut butter. Stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, Sriracha, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the noodles. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the noodles and stir well until they’re completely coated in the sauce.
• Serve. Add your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips for the easiest Thai peanut noodles:

• Make them vegetarian. Swap the chicken stock for veggie stock and make these yummy Thai peanut noodles vegetarian in a second.
• Use udon. For a Thai-Japanese fusion, swap the linguine for udon noodles.
• Keep small pans away. It can be tempting to choose smaller pans because you think there’s less clean-up involved. On this occasion, steer clear of small pans. Over-crowding noodles make them mushy.
• Use a wok. If you have a well-seasoned wok and know how to work it, use it to give your Thai noodles some extra Asian flair.
• Add mushrooms. Add sliced white button or cremini mushrooms into the pan as you cook the garlic. Let them cook in the pan for an additional 5-7 minutes or until they release their moisture and have softened. They’ll add lots of texture and umami flavor to the dish.
• Don’t let them rest. Try to cook the noodles immediately after boiling them otherwise they tend to stick and clump together. While it’s not impossible to separate them, it’s a tedious task that will turn your dish into a 1-hour recipe.

What To Serve with Peanut Sauce Noodles

Aside from lots of delicious toppings, don’t forget to pair these with other Asian-inspired mains and sides for an extra-filling meal. My Crockpot Sesame Chicken, Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry, and Teriyaki Salmon are great protein-packed options.

For something a bit lighter but still hearty, try them with my Chinese Dumplings, Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps, and Air Fryer Asian Roasted Broccoli. Don’t forget the Bubble Tea! No Thai meal is complete without it.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you add any animal protein (particularly chicken or shrimp), then it will only keep for 4 days.

To reheat these noodles, pop them into the microwave for up to 1 minute or until warm. You can also heat them in a pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.

More Thai Recipes

• Thai Iced Tea
• Creamy Thai Shrimp Bisque

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