Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sesame Peanut Noodles combine the best of both worlds: a rich, creamy peanut sauce and chewy noodles. The sauce is quick and easy to make, and the dish can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it even heartier. The balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors makes this dish irresistible. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or lunch option that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!
Ingredients
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8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti
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¼ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
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Optional: 1 cup shredded carrots, cucumber, or other veggies for added crunch
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Optional protein: 1 cup cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using rice noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking.
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Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little warm water to reach your desired consistency.
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Toss the Noodles: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the peanut sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Add more water if needed to help distribute the sauce.
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Add Veggies and Protein: If you’re adding veggies or protein, toss them in with the noodles and sauce. Shredded carrots, cucumber, and cooked chicken or tofu all make great additions.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the noodles. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
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Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce for some heat. Adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
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Crunchy Toppings: Top your noodles with crushed peanuts, sliced red peppers, or bean sprouts for added crunch.
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Vegetarian/Vegan: This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and tofu or chickpeas as your protein.
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Peanut-Free Version: If you have a peanut allergy, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a similar creamy texture.
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Cold Noodles: Serve these noodles chilled for a refreshing cold noodle salad. Perfect for a summer meal or picnic.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a pan over low heat. If the noodles are too dry, add a little bit of water or extra sesame oil to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! You can use any type of noodle you prefer, such as soba noodles, udon, or even spaghetti. Rice noodles are the most common choice for this dish, but the possibilities are endless.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and ensure that the noodles you choose are gluten-free.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding warm water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more peanut butter or reduce the liquid ingredients.
Can I add meat or tofu for extra protein?
Yes, cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even ground beef work wonderfully with this dish. Simply add your choice of protein to the noodles and toss it with the peanut sauce.
How spicy are these noodles?
The level of spice depends on how much sriracha or chili garlic sauce you add. Start with a small amount, and taste as you go to adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! Make the noodles and sauce ahead of time, and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Combine them when you’re ready to eat. The flavors will develop even more overnight.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the noodles can be frozen, the texture may change after freezing and reheating, particularly if you have added vegetables or protein. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add any crunchy vegetables you like! Try shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra texture and flavor. Broccoli or spinach also work well in this dish.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a bit of added texture, though it may result in a slightly different consistency for the sauce. The flavor will still be delicious!
Can I serve this dish hot or cold?
This dish is versatile—serve it warm as a comforting noodle dish or chilled for a refreshing cold noodle salad. It’s perfect for both options!
Conclusion
Sesame Peanut Noodles are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. The creamy, savory peanut sauce paired with tender noodles creates a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences. Easy to make, and even easier to love, these Sesame Peanut Noodles are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Sesame Peanut Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sesame Peanut Noodles are a flavorful, satisfying dish featuring tender noodles coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with hints of sesame and ginger. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this dish can be served warm or cold and is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a refreshing cold noodle salad. Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for a deliciously versatile meal!
Ingredients
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8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti
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¼ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
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Optional: 1 cup shredded carrots, cucumber, or other veggies for added crunch
- Optional protein: 1 cup cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp
Instructions
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using rice noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
-
Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add warm water to reach your desired consistency.
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Toss the Noodles: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the peanut sauce. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
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Add Veggies and Protein: If desired, toss in shredded carrots, cucumber, and your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, or shrimp).
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use
Notes
Variations:Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat.Vegetarian/Vegan: Use tofu or chickpeas for protein, and maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly dish.Peanut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a nut-free option.Cold Noodles: For a refreshing cold noodle salad, chill the noodles and sauce before serving.Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a pan with a bit of water or sesame oil, or enjoy chilled.
