5-Minute Peanut Noodles

Quick, Creamy, Spicy, and Absolutely Addictive!

If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful noodle dishes, this one’s for you. These 5-minute peanut noodles are creamy, savory, spicy, and incredibly satisfying — all made with pantry staples in just minutes. The noodles are perfectly al dente with a chewy bounce, and the silky peanut sauce is rich with umami, heat, and just a touch of sweetness. Bonus: it tastes even better with a fried egg on top!

We’re obsessed with fast noodle recipes (like our 10-minute sesame noodles and spicy gochujang pasta), and this peanut noodle bowl might just top the list for weeknight dinners or lazy lunches.

⏱️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 5 minutes
Creamy & spicy with customizable heat

Only a handful of ingredients
Easy to make ahead or meal prep
Perfect base for adding veggies or protein!

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

(Full quantities in the recipe card below)

Knife-cut noodles: These wide Chinese-style noodles are ideal for grabbing onto the sauce and have a great chewy texture. You can also use spaghetti, ramen, udon, or rice noodles.
Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the silkiest texture. Crunchy works too — just increase the amount slightly for consistency.
Soy sauce: Use regular soy sauce (not low-sodium) for full flavor.
Chili oil: Our 5-minute chili oil is perfect, but store-bought works too. Adjust to taste!
Vinegar: Chinese black vinegar gives the deepest flavor, but rice vinegar is a great substitute.
Sugar: Balances the richness of the sauce. You can substitute honey, though it will slightly change the taste.
Cilantro or green onions (optional): For freshness, color, and a little crunch.

🍜 How to Make 5-Minute Peanut Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions — usually around 4–5 minutes.

🔥 Pro tip: Don’t rinse the noodles after cooking — the starch helps the sauce stick better!

2. Make the Peanut Sauce

While the noodles cook, mix together:

Peanut butter
Soy sauce
Chili oil
Vinegar
Sugar

🌟 Need it saucier? Add 1–2 tablespoons of hot noodle cooking water to thin it out. For more color, add 1–2 teaspoons of dark soy sauce.

3. Combine and Serve

Once the noodles are done, drain and toss them immediately in the peanut sauce. Mix until evenly coated.

Top with more chili oil and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired.

💡 Tips for the Best Peanut Noodles

Serve hot: These noodles are best enjoyed immediately while warm and bouncy.
Don’t rinse: Let the residual starch help the sauce cling to the noodles.
Customize it: Add protein like grilled chicken or tofu, or toss in some blanched veggies (bok choy, edamame, shredded carrots) for a heartier meal.

❓ FAQ

What noodles work best?

We love Chinese knife-cut noodles for their texture, but you can use any noodle or pasta you have — spaghetti, udon, rice noodles, or even ramen.

Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes! Chinese black vinegar is preferred for its depth, but rice vinegar works well too.

How do I thin the sauce?

Simply stir in 1–2 tablespoons of hot noodle cooking water to your desired consistency.

📸 Loved This Recipe?

If you made it, we’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram using #twoplaidaprons or mention us in your story @two_plaid_aprons — it makes our day! 🥰

📖 Printable Recipe

Quick, creamy, spicy noodles made with pantry staples and ready in minutes!

🕒 Total Time: 5 minutes

🍽️ Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:

3.5 oz knife-cut noodles (or noodles of choice)
2 tbsp creamy peanut butter

1 tbsp regular soy sauce
1 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)
½ tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)

1 tsp sugar
Optional: cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Boil noodles until al dente, about 4–5 minutes.

In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, chili oil, vinegar, and sugar.
Drain noodles and immediately toss with sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with cilantro or green onions and an extra drizzle of chili oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

🧾 Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 700
Carbs: 12g
Protein: 22g

Fat: 30g
Sodium: 1295mg