Craving spicy noodles? Try this simple recipe for a flavorful, fiery dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
If you’re craving a quick, customizable dish that’s packed with bold flavors, spicy noodles might just become your new favorite recipe. This one brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter, the heat of Sriracha, and a medley of vibrant veggies for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don't need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You'll Love These Spicy Noodles ⭐
When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, this spicy noodles recipe checks all the boxes. It's packed with bold flavors, perfect for busy schedules, and so versatile that you'll never get bored.
Easy to Make
Even if you're not the most confident cook, this recipe is as approachable as it gets. The steps are simple, straightforward, and hard to mess up. There's no fancy culinary technique required—just boil your noodles, toss your veggies in a pan, whisk together a quick sauce, and combine everything. Most of the cooking time is spent stirring and tossing ingredients, which means less stress and more time enjoying the process (and the results!).
By the time you're done, you'll feel like a pro chef without any of the hassle. So, whether you're a kitchen novice or someone who's all about fast meals with minimal effort, this one’s a winner.
Simple Ingredients
One of the best things about this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are. Everything you need can likely be found at your local grocery store—no obscure spices or specialty items required. Here’s what you’re working with: rice noodles, soy sauce, peanut butter, Sriracha, sesame oil, and a handful of fresh veggies. Chances are, you already have many of these pantry staples on hand!
If you don’t feel like going out of your way to search for something, you can even make substitutions with what you already have. Got some zucchini? Swap it in for the broccoli. Only have spaghetti noodles? They’ll work just fine in a pinch. The simplicity here is key, making it a stress-free option for any occasion.
Customizable to Your Taste
Love it spicy? Go wild with the Sriracha. Prefer something mild? Use just a dab or swap in a sweeter chili sauce for a gentler kick. The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can adjust the heat level, mix up the veggies, or even trade out the protein for whatever suits your mood or dietary preferences.
Here are a few easy customizations to try:
- Vegetables: Add zucchini, snap peas, or shredded carrots instead of bell peppers.
- Proteins: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it heartier.
- Flavor tweaks: Add a squeeze of lime for brightness or sprinkle on chopped peanuts for crunch.
It's like having a foundation for endless meal ideas. You can make it bold and fiery one night, then lean towards a savory and mellow flavor the next. This recipe practically begs you to make it your own.
Meal Prep Friendly
If you're all about prepping meals ahead of time, this spicy noodles recipe is going to be your new best friend. The noodles and veggies keep well in the fridge for several days, meaning you can cook once and enjoy all week. Prepare everything in advance, store it in airtight containers, and you’ve got a quick, flavorful meal ready to heat up whenever hunger strikes.
Pro tip: Keep the sauce separate from the noodles and veggies if you plan to reheat them. This will keep everything from getting soggy and ensure the flavors stay just as fresh and vibrant as the first time you made it.
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- Rice noodles
- Toasted sesame oil
- Frozen broccoli florets
- White mushrooms
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow bell pepper
- Green onions
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Sugar-free peanut butter
- Sriracha sauce
- Hot water
🔪 How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles
Cook the rice noodles following the instructions on the package, then set them aside.
Heat some of the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and stir continuously for about 5-6 minutes, until they're tender but still slightly crisp. Take them off the heat and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, Sriracha, and the remaining sesame oil until smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little hot water until it reaches the texture you like.
Mix half the sauce into the noodles and the other half with the vegetables. Combine everything together, toss well, and serve right away. Enjoy!
⭐ Tips and Tricks ⭐
Adjusting the Spice Level
- Start Slow: If you’re not sure how much spice you can handle, begin with a smaller amount of chili paste or Sriracha. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in! Think teaspoon by teaspoon instead of diving in with a giant dollop.
- Balance It Out: Feeling a little too much heat? A splash of coconut milk or a teaspoon of peanut butter can tame the spice without dulling the flavor.
- Play with Layers of Heat: Instead of only relying on one ingredient, consider adding chili flakes, fresh peppers, or even a dash of chili oil at the end for a pop of flavor and heat.
Avoid Overcooking the Noodles
- Cook Just to Al Dente: Follow the package instructions, but pull the noodles a minute or two before they’re fully cooked. They’ll continue softening when you toss them in the sauce.
- Rinse with Cold Water: After draining, give your noodles a quick rinse under cold water. Not only does this stop the cooking process, but it also helps prevent them from sticking together.
- Toss in a Bit of Oil: A small drizzle of sesame oil or neutral cooking oil keeps the noodles separate and adds a light flavor boost to the dish.
Using Fresh Ingredients
- Vegetables: Crisp veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add texture and color. Freshly chopped green onions or cilantro sprinkled on top can take the dish to another level.
- Aromatics: Use freshly minced garlic and ginger instead of powders for a bold, authentic flavor.
- High-Quality Sauces: If possible, choose good-quality soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste. They don’t have to be expensive—just ensure they’re packed with flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Store Separately: If you can, keep the noodles, veggies, and sauce in separate airtight containers. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much sauce and getting soggy.
- Reheat Gently: Warm your noodles over low heat in a pan, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it heats. Microwave reheating can work too, but stir halfway through so it heats evenly.
- Freshen Things Up: Once reheated, brighten the flavor with a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of chopped herbs, or even a drizzle of fresh chili oil.
📖 Variations
One of the best things about a spicy noodle recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily take the base recipe and transform it to match your taste or switch things up for a new twist.
Vegetarian Spicy Noodles
Going meat-free? No problem. These vegetarian spicy noodles are just as hearty and satisfying, thanks to the addition of tofu and a rainbow of fresh vegetables.
- For the Protein: If you’re a tofu fan, cut firm tofu into bite-sized cubes, pat them dry, and pan-fry them until golden and crispy on the outside. Not a tofu person? Skip it and load up on your favorite veggies instead.
- Veggie Ideas: Think bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms. You want a mix of textures and colors to keep things visually appealing and tasty.
- Quick Tip: Toss the tofu or veggies in a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil before adding them to enhance their flavor.
This version is a plant-based dream that’s still packed with all the fiery, saucy goodness you love. Perfect for vegetarians—or anyone just looking for a veggie-packed meal!
Seafood Spicy Noodles
Take your noodles to the next level by introducing seafood into the mix. Shrimp is a popular choice, but scallops, squid, or even chunks of fish work beautifully too.
- Shrimp Prep: Peel and devein raw shrimp before cooking. Sear them in a hot pan for a couple of minutes per side until they turn pink and juicy. Easy, right?
- Other Seafood Options: Scallops can be cooked similarly, while squid cooks quickly and adds that slightly chewy texture seafood lovers enjoy. Add chunks of salmon for a heartier option that flakes beautifully into the sauce.
- Pair with Veggies: Seafood works wonders with crunchy vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
The subtle sweetness of the seafood paired with the spicy, savory sauce creates a flavor bomb you’ll want to revisit again and again. It’s a crowd-pleaser for fans of coastal-inspired dishes.
Peanut Butter Twist
Craving a rich, nutty spin on your spicy noodles? Adding peanut butter to the sauce brings creaminess and a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the heat.
- How to Add It: Scoop a tablespoon (or two) of creamy peanut butter into the sauce mix. Whisk until smooth to avoid any clumps. You can adjust the amount depending on how nutty you want it to taste.
- Complimentary Ingredients: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or cashews on top for a crunchy finishing touch. A drizzle of fresh lime juice also helps brighten up the rich flavors.
- For Balance: If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of hot water or coconut milk will loosen it up while keeping the creamy vibe intact.
How Many Weight Watchers Points in Spicy Peanut Noodles
This recipe comes in at 7 points per serving.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
Ingredients
- 14 oz. rice noodles
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil divided
- 1 lb. frozen broccoli florets divided
- 8 oz. white mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper sliced
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ½ cup sugar-free peanut butter
- 1-2 Tbsp Sriracha sauce
- Hot water if needed
Instructions
- Prepare rice noodles according to package directions and set aside.
- Heat some of the sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan or wok. Add vegetables and cook, stirring continually, for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until crisp tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk soy sauce, peanut butter, Sriracha and remaining sesame oil together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of hot water to reach the desired consistency.
- Stir half the sauce into the noodles and half into the vegetables, and then toss everything together to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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