Garlic Peanut Noodles
Garlic Peanut Noodles are a quick, creamy, and flavorful dish combining tender noodles with a luscious garlic-infused peanut sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with veggies, proteins, or spice levels to suit your taste.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling/Stirring
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free soy sauce and noodles used); Vegan option available
Noodles
- Rice noodles or spaghetti, amount as needed
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free/vegan)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Warm water, as needed to adjust sauce consistency
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh scallions, chopped
- Crushed peanuts
- Optional: chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds
Optional Add-ins
- Steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, snap peas (for vegetable boost)
- Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp (for protein additions)
- Cashews or almonds (as nut alternatives)
- Fresh ginger or chili garlic sauce (for extra spice)
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar or lime juice, and sesame oil. Add warm water a little at a time to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Toss the drained noodles with the peanut sauce until every strand is evenly coated with the garlicky peanut flavor.
- Add Optional Extras: Fold in any chosen vegetables, proteins, or spice additions to evenly distribute them throughout the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped scallions and crushed peanuts over the top for added texture and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook noodles; slightly undercooked noodles hold sauce better and have better texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness with warm water to ensure it is creamy but not diluted.
- Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for the best flavor.
- Let the noodles rest for 5 minutes after mixing so flavors meld beautifully.
- Toast peanuts before garnishing to add extra flavor and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Garlic Peanut Noodles, Asian peanut noodles, quick dinner, creamy peanut sauce, gluten free, vegan peanut noodles