These irresistible peanut noodles come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with 17g of protein and bursting with nutty flavors, this quick Asian-inspired dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen.
The combination of tender noodles coated in a silky, protein-rich sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and deeply comforting. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a fast dinner solution, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Main Ingredients
- Udon Noodles: 1 lb refrigerated pre-cooked, chosen for their delightful chewy texture
Peanut Sauce Components
- Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup creamy, forms the rich base of sauce
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium, adds savory depth
- Rice Vinegar: 3 Tbsp, brings perfect tangy balance
- Honey: 2 1/2 Tbsp, adds natural sweetness
- Sesame Oil: 2 1/2 Tbsp, creates nutty aroma
- Ginger: 1 tsp freshly grated, adds zesty warmth
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, enhances flavor depth
- Chili Oil: 2 Tbsp, adjustable for heat preference
Fresh Garnishes
- Green Onions: 2 chopped, for crisp freshness
- Peanuts: 2 Tbsp dry roasted & chopped, adds crunch
- Fresh Herbs: 2-3 Tbsp each of cilantro, basil, and mint
- Sesame Seeds: Roasted, for nutty garnish
Preparation Steps
- Noodle Preparation: Cook udon according to package instructions. Remember to save 1/2 cup cooking water!
- Sauce Creation: Combine all sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended
- Final Assembly: Toss hot noodles with sauce, adding reserved water if needed for desired consistency
- Garnishing: Top with fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, green onions, and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation
Variations & Substitutions
This peanut sauce recipe is super flexible! Can’t have peanut butter? Swap it for almond or sunflower butter. If you don’t have udon noodles, try soba, rice noodles, or even regular spaghetti.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari and rice noodles. Need it vegan? Replace honey with maple syrup or agave. The fresh herbs are totally mix-and-match – if you’re missing one, just use extra of another!
Serving Suggestions
These tasty noodles are amazing hot or cold! Add some protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a complete meal. For extra crunch and color, toss in some julienned carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers.
Love it spicy? Add a squeeze of sriracha or extra chili oil. The leftovers make an awesome packed lunch – just give them a quick toss before eating.
Storage Tips
Store your peanut noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken up a bit – just splash in some warm water and give it a good stir to bring it back to life. Want to prep ahead? Mix up the sauce and store it separately for up to 5 days. Save the fresh herbs and garnishes until you’re ready to serve!
Peanut Noodles
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb refrigerated pre-cooked Udon noodles
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
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- 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.
- Serve garnished with peanuts, chopped green onion, and fresh herbs.
