If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly versatile dish, these Spicy Peanut Noodles are the answer. I like to think of it as a delicious “veggie dump” dish; you can add almost any vegetable you have on hand, and it will work wonderfully. Best of all, this recipe is vegan and can easily be made with gluten-free noodles, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
The Secret Sauce – Peanut Dressing
This is a dish I made daily when I had my store and catering business. The peanut dressing is truly the star that ties this dish together. It’s so good that you may want to double the portion. I often keep a batch in the fridge so my husband and I can grab some to throw together a quick snack, or an easy lunch or dinner.
Variations and Versatility
The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. As you can see in my photos, I’ve made it loaded with kale, peppers, tomatoes, snow peas, cilantro, and corn. However, you can keep it simple and make it with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Feel free to substitute or add ingredients such as:
- garbanzo beans or black beans
- edamame
- green peas or snow peas
- halved cherry tomatoes
- chopped kale or spinach
You can also adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by adding more or less pepper flakes, and you can add a protein, such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken.Â
Quick, Easy, and Ready in Under 30 Minutes
One of the best things about this Spicy Peanut Noodles recipe is how quickly it comes together. You can have everything tossed in and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for days. The noodles can be served hot, cold, or, as I prefer, at room temperature. This dish can also be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings, making it a great option for entertaining.
Health Benefits of the Spicy Peanut Noodles Ingredients
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Peanut Butter – A plant-based source of protein and healthy fats that helps keep you satisfied.
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Soy Sauce/Tamari – Adds umami depth while providing essential minerals like manganese. (Choose tamari for gluten-free.)
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Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar – Just a touch of sweetness balances the spicy and savory flavors. Using coconut sugar reduces the glycemic load.
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Garlic – Rich in antioxidants and compounds that support immune and heart health.
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Lemon Juice – Brightens flavor and provides vitamin C for immune support.
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Corn – Adds natural sweetness along with fiber and antioxidants like lutein.
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Bell Pepper & Carrot – Loaded with vitamins A and C, beta carotene, and antioxidants for healthy skin and vision.
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Scallions & Cilantro – Fresh herbs that not only boost flavor but also add anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
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Spaghetti Noodles – A satisfying base of complex carbohydrates that provides steady energy (easy to swap for gluten-free or rice noodles if preferred).
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something easy to prepare for guests, or just a way to use up the vegetables in your fridge, this recipe is a perfect choice. It’s a dish that’s as flexible as it is flavorful, and the health benefits are an added bonus. Give it a try, you might find it a new favorite in your household!
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 –2 pinches hot pepper flakes or red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles cooked al dente (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 red bell pepper julienned
- 1 carrot thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions about 1 green onion, white + green parts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Make the peanut sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, black pepper, and hot pepper flakes. Add the lemon juice and whisk again. Slowly add 2–3 tablespoons of water until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
Assemble the noodles
- In a large bowl, pour half of the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss until everything is coated.
- Add the corn, carrots, scallions, red pepper, cilantro, and any other optional ingredients as desired, and mix to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve with the remaining sauce on the side, along with toasted sesame oil or chili oil for extra heat.
Notes
- Works beautifully with gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles.
- Try adding extra veggies such as:
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup green peas, black beans, or edamame
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes. halved
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- 1 cup snow peas, blanched and cut into 1-inch pieces
Nutrition
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This is just the kind of recipe that works for me. Use what I have and substitute to make up for what is lacking. Thank you for a great blog post, especially fitting in this time of stress.
Thank you, Kate! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Be safe and well!