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This Peanut Noodles recipe is a weeknight lifesaver that only takes 15 minutes! The udon noodles are tossed in the easiest homemade peanut sauce that can be made mild or spicy.
Peanut noodles so good, I skip the takeout menu.
Peanut noodles so good, I skip the takeout menu.I love how these Peanut Noodles check all the boxes for a quick (we're talking 15 minutes!), satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The sauce is rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and spice. Feel free to toss in your favorite protein and veggies.
My favorite part is I always have the ingredients on hand, and it's budget-friendly, too.
How to make Peanut Noodles:
Cook Pasta: Follow package directions to cook pasta then drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Make Sauce and Serve: Combine all peanut sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add hot pasta and toss to coat. Add a little reserved pasta water at a time, to thin the sauce, if needed. Top with peanuts, chopped green onion, and fresh herbs.
Peanut Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter*
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, , or tamari
- 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons honey*
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, , minced
- 2 Tablespoons chili oil, * for mild, or add more for extra heat
Garnishes:
- 2 green onions, , chopped
- 2 Tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, , chopped
- Sesame seeds, , roasted
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, , chopped
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves, , chopped
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh mint leaves, , chopped
- Protein, if desired: like cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.1 lb refrigerated pre-cooked Udon noodles*
- Combine sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add hot pasta and toss to coat. Add a little reserved pasta water, to thin the sauce, if needed.½ cup creamy peanut butter*, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 ½ Tablespoons honey*, 2 ½ Tablespoons sesame oil, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, 3 cloves garlic, 2 Tablespoons chili oil
- Serve garnished with peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped green onion, and fresh herbs.2 green onions, 2 Tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, Sesame seeds, 2-3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, 2-3 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves, 2-3 Tablespoons fresh mint leaves
Notes
- Add Protein: Cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, tempeh, edamame, or top with a fried egg (my favorite!)
- Add Veggies: Spiralized or shredded grated carrot and zucchini would add beautiful color and crunch.
- Nut Free: Substitute tahini for the peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter: Try almond butter, or use tahini for a nut-free option.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe July 2023. Updated August 2025.
Tried it last night and it’s definitely going on my monthly rotation! Delicious!
This is delicious, we like Ed it , but I have to say this, we have quite a few very sensitive tree nut allergy people in family, BUT, peanuts are legumes not nuts, coconuts are a seed not a nut, and pine nuts are seeds not nuts so enjoy
Bit of a miss
I loved this, but made it a little too hot. Just 1 tablespoon of chili oil next time. If using dry noodles, use the whole 8 oz. package.
Hands down one of the best meals I have ever ate. I added chicken but left the recipe alone. My family is begging for more. Thanks for sharing.
An oldie but goodie – one of my favorite meals! I add chicken, and top with peanuts and wonton strips. Thank you!
Love this, such a great recipe!
My spouse made the sauce this afternoon. I cooked up some thin whole-wheat spaghetti. No shopping needed today.
I took Lauren’s advice and topped each portion with a fried egg. Atop the egg I sprinkled scallions, mint, and basil from my garden.
It was delicious. This will be a go-to meal, but I won’t have those garden herbs in January!
Quick and easy base recipe for peanut noodles- it was great for a fast meal and it’s very versatile. I added peanuts, cilantro, basil and some purple cabbage. Any of the protein recomendations sound great too! It’s also kid approved which is always a plus! 👍
I saved this recipe and forgot about it until your email today, so we had it for a nice light lunch. It was very tasty and flavorful with a little kick from some Chinese Zing sauce (chili oil). I used crunchy peanut butter and had this with some leftover chicken breast that was marinated with a spicy teriyaki sauce, and broccoli cooked with ginger and garlic. I wish I had some fresh herbs to add as a garnish.
Maybe next time