Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe - nutty, slightly spicy sauce tossed with noodles that cooks in just 10 minutes. The easiest and fastest takeout dinner you can make in your own kitchen!
This is a perfect meal prep dish for lunches and dinner throughout the week, just like my Quick Teriyaki Chicken and the oh-so-delicious Honey Lemon Chicken.
THAI PEANUT NOODLES
Who knew peanut butter can truly transform a bowl of noodles into one flavor-packed dish! Whisk it with soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste and brown sugar and cooked noodles for a simple yet filling meal ready in 10 minutes. These Thai Sesame Noodles are the fastest dinner you can make on a busy day. You can even make the sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge.
HOW TO MAKE THAI PEANUT NOODLES?
To make Thai Peanut Noodles, you only need two ingredients: noodles and peanut sauce.
- Cook noodles according to the directions on the package.
- Whisk all ingredients for the peanut sauce and combine with noodles.
- You can add thinly sliced carrots, edamame beans or split peas, thinly sliced peppers and even cubed chicken to make the dish even more filling. You can go for a simple meal and garnish the noodles with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
HOW TO MAKE ASIAN PEANUT SAUCE?
To make the Asian peanut sauce, you will need soy sauce (I always use low-sodium), brown sugar, vinegar (rice or apple cider vinegar), chili paste (for a little kick) or Sriracha, sesame oil (to enhance the nutty flavor) and of course, peanut butter. Combine all ingredients in a measuring cup (like Pyrex) and whisk until smooth. You can store the sauce in the fridge to use later (just remember to shake well before using) or pour over hot noodles and toss. I like to heat up the sauce in a pan to make sure the peanut butter is nicely melted.
WHAT NOODLES TO USE IN ASIAN NOODLE DISH?
If you look at the Asian section of your grocery store, you will find several kinds of noodles. You can use any you like in this dish! If you don't want to buy special noodles or don't have time for a trip to the store, use spaghetti or fettuccine noodles. Ramen noodles from a soup packet work great too! Simply cook and toss with the sauce.
CRAVING MORE? Check out these easy Asian dinners:
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀
Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili paste like sambal oelek
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons water
- 8 oz. noodles fettuccine, lo mein or other
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to instructions on the package. Drain and keep warm.
- Whisk all ingredients for sauce in a small bowl or measuring cup. Make sure the sauce is smooth and the peanut butter mixed well with all ingredients. Taste and add more chili paste if needed.
- Heat up the sauce in a pan or in a microwave and pour over noodles. Toss to coat.
- Garnish noodles with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve.
Juliet says
I made this last night and used it on zucchini noodles. It was excellent. I also added chili oil and chili garlic. I didn't have ginger. But it was still a very good sauce for any noodle or even as a chicken satay sauce.
Anna says
I am so glad you were able to adapt the recipe to your ingredients! That sounds delicious! Thank you, Juliet!
Claudia Karin Hess says
My whole, picky for different reasons, family loved this! It was super easy. I used Sambal Olek and brown rice ramen noodles.
Laurie says
This was super delicious! I made linguine noodles and the sauce exactly as written and then tossed with stir fried carrots, broccoli and chicken breast. Definitely a keeper!
Jules says
Wow! thanks for the easy, tasty recipe! Family loved it. I used lo mein noodles. So yummy
Anna says
Thank you for making my recipe, Jules!
thelonemoon says
Simple and easy, thanks! It was good!
Nikki says
Absolutely delicious! Had to stop myself from eating all of it! I'm trying to eat everything in my pantry before buying groceries and I had all of this already on hand. This is such a fulfilling meal if you're cutting out meat. I added a few air fried chick peas (tossed in coconut oil and chili lime/garlic citrus seasoning) on top for a little extra crunch and used crunchy PB.
Anna says
Hi Nikki! I am so glad the noodles were such a hit! Thank you for giving my recipe a try!
Linda says
Made this last night and it was a big hit and so easy. I sauted fresh ginger, green onions, julienned carrots and thin sliced chicken strips. I also doubled the sauce recipe for a 16 oz box of whole wheat spaghetti noodles. Added a bit of tamarind paste which gave it a nice tang along a good two Tbls of garlic chili sauce cause we like to spice it up a bit. This was my favorite Thai peanut sauce I've made so far and will definitely make it again.
Anna says
I am so glad you used the noodles as a base for a delicious meal! Your additions sound perfect! Thank you for sharing, Linda!
Glendys says
This dish came out amazing! and its super easy to make. I doubled all the ingredients since I made one box of fettuccini (1 lb.) I used matchsticks carrots and green onions and served it with meatballs. Will add more chili paste next time for a stronger kick. This is definitely a keeper! 🙂
Karen says
Lovely. Made with lime juice and homemade chili paste. Thin Chinese wheat noodles. Stir fried broccoli and garlic. Served with salmon fillets. Guests loved it so a total of five thumbs up.
Anna says
That sounds absolutely delicious! Thank you for making my recipe, Karen!
Patti says
Very good! I made it exactly as written, except I didn't have chili paste so used chili powder. I stir fried broccoli, carrots, red cabbage and sweet peppers separately and added them into the sauced noodles. Husband added more crushed chilies as he likes things a little more spicy😁. Will definitely make this again!
Aila says
Super yummy recipe, It does make A LOT of sauce so just be warned. I added a little bit of extra sesame oil because I like the taste and it was fantastic!
Ann says
It was easy with no special ingredients. My adult son gave his stamp of approval. I had to use a little chili powder because he'd eaten all the chili paste! He'll probably add a little crushed pepper because he likes it spicier than I do. I used frozen stir fry vegetables, onion, a little cabbage, water chestnuts and chicken along with stir fry noodles. Definitely going into the rotation!
Roshni says
I have now made this recipe three times- it is fantastic. I typically don't comment online but wow- had to share my enthusiasm. I add toasted peanuts at the end for crunch. It is perfect for my grad student self (easy, quick, affordable, tasty). If I could give this 10 stars, I would! <3 Instead of chili paste, I use Szechwan chutney!
Aileen Mastey says
Can you make this a day a head and serve at room temperature? I’m planning a bridal shower and thought it would be cute to add the noodles to my buffet in small colorful take out containers.
Rebekah says
If you serve it with Lime wedges for people to squeeze over their servings, it makes it even better.
And yes, I agree gochujang chili paste for the makes it perfect.
Rebekah says
My husband LOVED it and it was 20x easier than anything i've cooked so far! Thank you, I'll be making this every week for the rest of my life. 😀
MB says
I did not know making pad thai peanut sauce was this easy. Love love love this recipe!
Next time i will try it with crunchy peanut butter...
Kathy says
Oh my goodness! This was so good!
Ariel says
I looooove this recipe and so does my family. We have it at least once a week. It’s so versatile - we throw in chicken or tofu or green beans or slivered carrots - it is so ver yum! Thank you!
Deborah Phelps says
Can you can this receipe? Ball jars and water method?
Nancy Kasimer says
Easy and using ingredients easily available. Delicious on pasta, zucchini noodles, etc. can add many ingredients to make it a meal!
MM says
Hi, is the sesame oil used in the recipe roasted sesame oil or regular sesame oil with a less intensive flavor? 🙂
Anna says
Hi! I used toasted sesame oil.
Khan says
Toasted, enhances the nutty flavor.
Theresa E. says
Delicious! A great go to dinner made in minutes and a wonderful way to clean out your vegetable drawer. The noodles taste great warm or cold.
Safika says
Very good. Like all the variations. I used coconut aminos, rice noodles and added sliced cucumber on top. think I 'll try some crushed peanuts for crunch as well next time.
Anthony says
Thank you for such a delicious recipe. I made this for the first time. I can’t wait to make again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alex says
Great, although I had to add about a tablespoon more sugar and two tablespoons peanut butter to get it to a taste I liked. Just in case anyone else finds it not sweet or peanuty enough. Definitely making this again.
Tami Neff says
I love this recipe, I have made it once a month since I tried it. My husband doesn't like Thai food, but likes this recipe. I always add sliced and sautéed onions, snap peas, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. I'm glad I tried this recipe.
Gabby says
How critical is it to make this recipe with smooth peanut butter (I only have Skippy's Natural Super Chunk on hand)?
Carin says
I make it with chunky and it's fine. You just need to make sure everything is at room temp or it won't mix as well
Anna says
Thank you for sharing, Carin!
Mary says
Just made this and gobbled it down! Here were my edits bc of what I had on hand: used regular vermicelli noodles (my personal favorite), gochujang chili paste, crunchy peanut butter and quick sautéed some shrimp. It was SO delicious, tasty and satisfying! Thank you for the inspo!
Anna says
Sounds fantastic, Mary! Thank you so much!
Kaylie says
Fantastic and easy to make... i added a couple things cuz i always look at a recipe as a mere guide... cilantro, onion powder, lime juice and crushed peanuts... so yummy... will definitely make again, and again!!
Jordan Holman says
Quick and tasty. I think the recipe is a nice balance of ingredients.i think it's important to use low sodium soy sauce as the recipe calls for, otherwise it will be too salty. I only had regular soy sauce so I used less and added coconut milk. Tasted pretty good. I added more chili paste and one added clove of garlic. My favorite go-to meal.
Jordan Holman says
I also added shaved carrots and bok choy
Jamie says
Are the carrots and bok choy raw?
Angie says
This was so easy and absolutrly delicious. We love spicy in my home so I added a bit more pepper. I also added some coconut milk as another reviewer had recommended. Everyone loved it. No leftovers. Definitely a new addition to our menu. Made some pan seared red curry thai chicken and prawns to go with it
Anna says
Hi Angie! That's fantastic! I love that you added coconut milk and that everyone loved it! Thank you so much for trying my recipe!
Isabel says
This was tasty! I would suggest halfing the soy sauce and then adding more to taste if necessary, and I would probably add a bit more ginger (I love that stuff).
Anna says
Thanks, Isabel!
Zoe Lendvay says
Amazing! I've been missing Pad Thai and couldn't find a recipe with the ingredients I had at home - we aren't going shopping a lot. I was so delighted to find this recipe! No chili paste so I added some ketchup with cayenne. Also added in a little shredded carrot and scrambled egg for colour! Nice work, my family loved it!
Anna says
Yay! I am so glad the noodles were a hit! Thank you for trying my recipe, Zoe! PS: I love the addition of carrots and egg!
Jonathan B says
Oops forgot to rate the recipe!
Jonathan says
This recipe was so good! I just made a few modifications: Used 2 Tbsp of low sodium soy sauce instead of the 1/4 cup, and used fresh lime juice instead of vinegar. Also stir fried some thin sliced carrots, onions, broccoli and tofu to add to it. Was a big hit. Bookmarked the recipe as it's definitely a keeper.
Miriam says
Great base recipe! I modified the serving of each ingredient to taste! I also added chicken marinades with oyster sauce, garlic chili sauce, msg, and pepper - fried it in garlic and seasoned wok oil. Then, added broccoli and carrots along with the sauce! To the sauce, I added fish sauce, msg, and black pepper - oyster sauce too!
Soooo good! Also added almond butter for extra creaminess.
Lauren says
My children love noodles and this was a huge hit! Add rotisserie chicken to make a complete meal but so so good thank you.
Joanne Willacker says
First time making it for family of 9. Most everyone liked it. I cooked chicken and diced it into cubes. Add Shreaded carrots and cut up green onion. Poured sauce over top and sprinkled chopped peanuts. Was wondering if natural peanutbutter would make it less sweet?
Melanie King says
And I meant to give it 5 stars!
Melanie King says
Loved this recipe this was the first time trying peanut noodles. Didn't have chili sauce on hand but used red pepper flakes it added just the right amount of heat .Also added chicken and carrots and peas . Will definitely add this to our rotation . Thank you for your recipe
Anna says
Sounds great! Thank you for making my recipe, Melanie!
S says
I made this with gochujang since that's what I had. Extra crunchy peanut butter. I microplaned 3 garlic cloves in. I mixed in diced bell pepper, thawed edamame and carrots thinly sliced on my box grater, scallions and cilantro. Hits the spot.
Anna says
Sounds great!
Ann Shallcross says
We loved your recipe and will make it again and again. Thanks so much!!
Veronica says
I love this recipe! Found it one evening when I was craving Thai noodles but didn't want take out. So easy and satisfying. I had all the ingredients in my pantry. Since I had to drag out my cutting board anyway. I finely minced a clove of garlic and threw it in with the sauce. I microwaved the sauce for 30s to make sure the on was all melted. I also thinly sliced a red bell pepper and threw that in the colander before draining the cooked noodz. So good!
Anna says
Hi Veronica! I am so glad you like the recipe! Love your tips about red bell pepper. Sounds perfect! Thank you so much for trying my recipe!
Gail Waisanen says
Too sweet. If I make it again, I'll leave the honey out.
Nathalie says
Delicious.... I like it with more sauce so I added coconut milk.... Very nice recipe. Thank you.👍🏼👍🏼
Anna says
Thank you so much, Nathalie! I love the addition of coconut milk!
Ashley says
Really delicious! We made it with Fettuccini noodles and spicy Thai chili sauce. We also crushed peanuts on top. Sooooooo delicious and so easy!
Anna says
Hi Ashley! Yay! That's fantastic! I love that you added Thai chili sauce and peanuts! Thank you for trying my recipe!
Marie says
Easy to make and soooo delicious
Anna says
Thank you so much, Marie!
Heather says
I made this but used sweet chili sauce and used fettuccini noodles. Added chicken and brocolli to make it a complete meal. So delicious. Definately making again.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Heather! That sounds perfect! Thank you so much for making my recipe!
Gretchen says
Sooooo good! I love Thai peanut noodles—this is a great basic recipe with all the right ingredients. I just added some fresh lime juice and some veggies: julienned red pepper, carrots and cilantro. Delicious!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
I am so glad you love the recipe, Gretchen! Thank you so much! I think adding veggies sounds great!
Robin says
Yes! This was quick, easy, flavorful, and just DELICIOUS. Added edamame, as suggested, and probably almost tripled the chili paste portion because we love the stuff. We are making this again tomorrow.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Robin! Yay! I am so glad you love it! My Hubby always adds more chili paste too! 😀 Thank you for the comment!
Pam says
This is easy and delicious! Used red curry paste since I didn't have the chili paste and added a few dashes of hot chili oil. Served with Soba noodles. The leftovers are going in jars to make great lunches to bring to work. My co-workers will be jealous! Thanks for sharing!
Maureen says
I made this tonight and it will be a regular in my Asian line up. Or any time, as far as that goes! I used sweet chili sauce because that's all I had on hand and I used Fini Linguini. The noodles took longer to cook than it did to make the sauce. This is so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Maureen! That's wonderful! We are obsessed with these noodles and I am so happy to know you love the recipe. Thank you so much for trying it!
Sandra says
It looks and sounds so good! Would love to give this a try!
Kathy says
Made it tonight, followed recipe w\o changes except for adding siracha for more heat. It was delicious and a definite keeper of a recipe. I think the sauce coyld go on just about anything. Can't wait for breakfast!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Kathy! Yay! That's awesome! I completely agree: the sauce is crazy delicious! 😀 Thank you so much!!
Sarah Walker Caron says
I LOVE Thai Sesame Noodles. YUM!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
So delicious, right? And easy! 😀
Jacque Hastert says
I can't wait to make this Asain dish!
Des says
This sounds fantastic!
Carolyn says
I love peanut sauce. I could put it over everything!
Natalia says
I love noodles, but I haven't tried it with peanuts! Hope to try this recipe out this week! 🙂
Kimberly says
This is my kind of pasta dish, the flavors are outstanding!
Dee says
This would make an amazing dinner for a busy day!
Delaney says
I want to try this so bad!
Michael Wurm Jr says
Wow!! I need to try this recipe. It sounds so delicious!! Yum
xo Michael
Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling says
Thai food is one of our family's favorites!!
Amanda says
This is one of my favorite meals to make! Everyone loves it!
Julie Blanner says
Who knew Asian could be so easy!