Name: Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (use ½ cup for more peanut flavor); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce or sriracha; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated; 1 teaspoon ginger powder or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 1 tablespoon water or stock, or more as needed for thinning; 8 ounces noodles (rice, flour, egg, ramen, or udon noodles); 1-2 tablespoons sesame oil; Garnish: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chopped green onion, crumbled roasted peanuts, or sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 85 reviews

If you’ve been craving that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe. It’s a vibrant dish that brings the comforting texture of perfectly cooked noodles together with a luscious, homemade peanut sauce bursting with layers of bold, authentic flavors. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for friends, this recipe promises a sensational taste experience that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side photos on a white marbled surface. The left side features a clear glass bowl with a thick, reddish-brown sauce inside, mixed smoothly with a small silver spoon resting in it, held by a woman's hand. The right side shows a black wok pan with a honeycomb pattern inside, filled with light brown cooked noodles lightly coated with sauce, slightly clumped together in the center. The pan has two silver handles and is sitting on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the magic of the Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe. From the creamy peanut butter that lends richness to the zesty lime juice that cuts through the sauce, every element contributes to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color on your plate.

¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The heart of the sauce, providing that luxurious, nutty creaminess. Use ½ cup if you want a stronger peanut punch.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds the essential salty umami flavor that balances sweetness and spice.
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Brings a gentle tanginess that brightens the sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce or sriracha: Delivers the perfect kiss of heat with garlicky depth.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the sauce just enough to balance the savory and spicy notes.
1 teaspoon lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness that keeps the flavors lively.
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated: For that unmistakable savory punch.
1 teaspoon ginger powder or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Adds warmth and subtle spice with a fresh zing.
1 tablespoon water or stock: Used to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency for coating noodles perfectly.
8 ounces noodles: Choose from rice, flour, egg, ramen, or udon noodles depending on your mood and pantry.
1-2 tablespoons sesame oil: To lightly coat the noodles and enhance flavor before combining with the sauce.
Garnishes: Crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chopped green onion, crumbled roasted peanuts, or sesame seeds to add texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Thai Peanut Sauce

Begin by whisking together all the sauce ingredients except the water in a small bowl until the mixture is silky smooth. The peanut butter, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce come together to create a flavor-packed sauce that’s creamy, savory, and just spicy enough. Add the water one teaspoon at a time to loosen the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency—perfect for coating noodles without clumping.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Cook your chosen noodles in boiling water following the package’s directions, usually 4 to 5 minutes, until tender but still with a little bite. Drain them well so they won’t become soggy. This step sets the foundation for the dish, delivering the ideal texture to carry the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Heat the Sauce and Combine

Warm the sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat, then add the prepared peanut sauce. Stir and heat it for just about a minute to unlock even more aroma and meld the flavors. Toss the noodles in the pan, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat every strand with the luscious sauce.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once your noodles are perfectly coated, transfer them to serving bowls and hit them with your favorite garnishes. These little extras add crunch, freshness, and a pop of color that makes the dish irresistible.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick, flat noodles coated in a reddish oil sauce with visible red pepper flakes, mixed with green sliced vegetables and small pieces of red bell pepper. The noodles are tangled and lifted by a pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand, showing the noodles’ soft and slightly oily texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, with a dark blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds exciting heat, while freshly chopped green onions bring a crisp, mild bite. Roasted peanuts offer that satisfying crunch and deepen the peanut flavor, and sesame seeds lend a subtle earthiness and visual charm. These garnishes transform the dish into an eye-catching, flavorful masterpiece.

Side Dishes

Pairing these Thai Peanut Noodles with fresh, vibrant sides can make the meal even more special. Think crunchy cucumber salad, a refreshing mango slaw, or simply some steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy for a healthy, vibrant contrast. These sides offer balance and add a burst of freshness that complements the creamy noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Thai Peanut Noodles into a showstopper by serving them in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs like cilantro and basil. You could also present them as a chilled noodle salad, perfect for warmer days, or add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein-packed variations that are just as satisfying and beautiful on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles will absorb more sauce over time, so give them a quick stir and maybe a splash of water or lime juice before reheating to refresh the flavors.

Freezing

While the sauce holds up well, freezing the noodles is not recommended as their texture can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to make only as much as you plan to eat or keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and adding a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible for a better texture, or microwave in short bursts with stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter alternatives for this Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe?

Yes! While creamy peanut butter gives the authentic flavor and texture, you can experiment with almond butter or sunflower seed butter if allergies or preferences require it. Just be aware that it might change the dish’s traditional taste slightly.

How spicy is this Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe?

The spice level depends on how much chili-garlic sauce or sriracha you add. Start with the recommended amount and adjust according to your heat tolerance for a perfect balance of warmth and flavor.

What types of noodles work best for this recipe?

This dish is wonderfully versatile with rice noodles, egg noodles, ramen, or even udon. Each type offers a slightly different texture and mouthfeel, so choose your favorite or what you have on hand—that’s part of the fun!

Can I make this Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegan if you use vegan-friendly honey alternatives like maple syrup or agave and ensure your soy sauce doesn’t contain any animal products. It’s a great plant-based meal full of flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Prepare the sauce and noodles ahead of time, keeping them separate if possible, and combine just before eating for the best texture. Garnish fresh each time for that extra wow factor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of noodles coated evenly in a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. This Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe is a true favorite that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends. It’s simple, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to dish for any occasion.

Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need