Spicy Peanut Noodles
These spicy peanut noodles are made with gochujang for a flavorful sauce that has just the right amount of heat. Toss it with your favorite noodles and you have dinner ready in 15 minutes!
This recipe is simple, flexible, and made with pantry staples you might already have on hand. The sauce comes together in one bowl, the noodles cook in minutes, and everything gets tossed together for a satisfying meal that works for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Whether you’re craving comfort food, need a fast dinner, or want something you can customize with whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand, these spicy peanut noodles deliver every time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds deep flavor along with heat. Using two tablespoons gives the sauce a pleasant kick without making it overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add another tablespoon.
- Rice vinegar: This adds brightness and balances the richness of the peanut butter. Lime juice can be used if you don’t have rice vinegar.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter creates the rich, velvety base for the sauce. Natural peanut butter works well, just make sure it’s well stirred.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth that rounds out the spicy and savory flavors.
- Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and umami. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Toasted sesame oil (optional): Adds a nutty aroma and extra depth. If you don’t have it, the sauce will still be delicious without it.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor quickly without needing fresh garlic.
- Lime juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
- Pasta water: Helps thin the sauce and makes it silky so it coats the noodles evenly.
- Noodles: Use whatever you have on hand. Ramen, spaghetti, rice noodles, or lo mein-style noodles all work well.
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a savory and spicy Korean condiment made from red chili powder, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. This unique paste adds a complex flavor of heat, sweetness, and umami to dishes like marinades, stews, and sauces. It can be a little harder to find the paste, but it’s worth searching for. I found this brand at Publix, but I’ve also seen it at Wegmans and Kroger. Be sure to use the paste and not the gochujang sauce. If you can’t find it but you’re still craving a spicy sauce, try this simple peanut sauce instead.
How to Make the Peanut Sauce
Other Spicy Recipes
If you have some leftover gochujang paste, try this gochujang pasta or gochujang tofu. I love how it adds a deep, rich heat to those dishes. If you want something less spicy, try these simple peanut noodles!
Print
Spicy Peanut Noodles
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These spicy peanut noodles are made with gochujang for a flavorful sauce that has just the right amount of heat. Toss it with your favorite noodles and you have dinner ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup pasta water or warm water to thin
- 12oz rice noodles, ramen noodles, or spaghetti
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gochujang, rice vinegar, peanut butter, hoisin, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and lime juice.
- Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and whisk until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Serve immediately and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
