If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal packed with protein and flavor, my 20-Minute Peanut Noodle Recipe is for you! You may already have all the ingredients for the homemade peanut sauce on hand, and you can use any kind of noodles you like. Top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
I’m always in the mood for a big bowl of noodles, and these 20-Minute Peanut Noodles hit the spot every single time. The creamy peanut butter-based sauce is easy to make and packed with flavor. These peanut butter noodles can be enjoyed by themself or with a side of veggies.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Peanut Noodles
Easy to make – I love that these peanut noodles come together quickly and easily. If you have all the ingredients on hand, you can whip them up in just about 20 minutes.
Packed with flavor – My homemade peanut sauce is full of bold flavors that complement each other so well. I love using fresh ginger and garlic, and you can add in a few spoonfuls of chili garlic sauce for extra heat, if you like.
Great for lunch or dinner – These delicious peanut noodles are easy enough to make for lunch, but filling enough to enjoy for dinner. They can be eaten on their own, or you can bulk up this meal by adding in some vegetables and protein. Tofu or chickpeas work well.
Peanuts 101
Peanuts are often grouped into the category of “nuts,” but they are actually legumes, which belong to the pea family. They grow in softer pods, as opposed to hard shells that nuts like pecans, walnuts, and Brazil nuts have. Most people, including myself, usually just refer to them as nuts, though.
I sometimes feel like peanuts get a bad rap, compared to other nuts, because they’re higher in saturated fats and lower in Omega-6s, but peanuts can still be a healthy part of your diet. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidant properties. There are many peanut products available, including peanut butter, that can be ultra-processed and packed with sugar. Make sure to buy peanut butter that has no added sugar. You can also easily make your own peanut butter using peanuts and a blender.
20-Minute Peanut Noodle Recipe Ingredients
Noodles – I suggest an Asian-style noodle for this recipe. I love these Thai wheat noodles that come already cooked, but you can also use rice noodles or udon-style noodles that you cook beforehand. Regular spaghetti noodles can also be used, if needed.
Peanut Butter – I like to use a no-sugar-added, creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Crunchy can also be used, if you prefer.
Pure Maple Syrup – Make sure to get pure maple syrup, rather than pancake syrup, which often contains added ingredients and is much sweeter. Maple syrup adds a nice sweetness to the stir-fry sauce. You can also use honey or agave syrup if you prefer.
Tamari – Tamari is a naturally gluten-free sauce that is very similar to soy sauce. It’s a bit thicker than soy sauce, and I prefer to use it, but soy sauce works great too! Whether using tamari or soy sauce, I prefer the low-sodium version if possible.
Toasted Sesame Oil – Be sure to use toasted sesame oil, which has a lot more flavor than regular sesame oil.
Fresh Garlic – Fresh garlic tastes great and adds a lot to this peanut sauce! I always recommend using fresh garlic cloves rather than jarred, chopped garlic. It just doesn’t have the same taste, but it will definitely work if that’s what you have or prefer.
Fresh Ginger – Fresh ginger tastes much better than dried, so I use fresh ginger in my stir-fry sauce whenever possible. It’s best when grated so there aren’t big chunks in the sauce, as ginger can be tough.
Cornstarch – Cornstarch thickens the peanut sauce, coating the noodles nicely. You can also use arrowroot starch.
Water – Use the same water you drink. Room temperature, or warm, is best for mixing well into the sauce.
How To Make Quick and Easy Peanut Noodles
Heat a large pot of water to a boil, add noodles, and cook according to package directions. I like using the pre-cooked udon-style noodles that only need to be boiled for 4-5 minutes. Drain noodles and set aside.
Make the peanut sauce while the noodles are cooking. Add all the sauce ingredients to a jar, put the lid on, and shake until well combined. You can also mix the sauce in a medium-sized bowl, if you like.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the sauce. Let the peanut sauce cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly so it doesn’t burn.
Once the sauce is thickened and coats the back of your spatula, stir in the noodles and cook for a few minutes until the sauce is fully incorporated into the noodles and everything is heated through. Remove from the heat and serve right away. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is vegan.
Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free rice noodles and make sure to use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce.
Make this recipe nut-free by substituting the peanut butter with sun butter.
Is the peanut sauce spicy? No, you can make it as spicy or as mild as you like by adding chili paste or another Asian-style hot sauce of your choice.
How many servings does this recipe make? It makes two extra-large portions or four smaller portions. You can easily bulk it up by adding vegetables and/or protein.
How long do leftovers last? If stored in an air-tight container, leftovers should last 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a pan.
Can these peanut noodles be frozen? Yes, allow them to cool completely and then place them in a freezer-friendly, airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that is packed with protein and flavor, my 20 Minute Peanut Noodle Recipe is for you! You may already have all the ingredients for the homemade peanut sauce on hand, and you can use any kind of noodles you like. Top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb 5 oz Asian style noodles*
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup tamari, I like to use low sodium
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1–2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, to taste (depending on how spicy you want your sauce)
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
1–2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch
Salt, to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, chopped fresh cilantro or green onion
Instructions
Heat a large pot of water to a boil, add noodles and cook according to package directions. I like using the pre-cooked udon style noodles that only need to be boiled for 4-5 minutes. Drain noodles and set aside.
Make the peanut sauce while the noodles are cooking. Add all sauce ingredients to jar, place lid on and shake until completely combined. You can also mix the sauce in a medium sized bowl, if you like.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the sauce. Let peanut sauce cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly, so that it doesn’t burn.
Once sauce is thickened, and coats the back of your spatula, stir in the noodles and cook for a few minutes until sauce is fully incorporated into the noodles and everything is heated through. Remove from the heat and serve right away. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Asian style noodles: rice noodles, soba noodles, ramen noodles, udon noodles, lo mein noodles
It’s Thursday again — and you know what that means: a brand new meal plan coming in hot! 🔥
Need something quick and nourishing? Say hello to the Ricotta Bake! Just 5 minutes of prep and the oven takes it from basic to brilliant. It’s one of those magical meals where the end result tastes way fancier than the effort you put in (we love that).
Got some rice and veggies hanging out in your fridge? Don’t toss ’em — Spring Vegetable Fried Rice to the rescue! It’s a tasty, zero-waste kind of dish that works great for lunch or dinner. No leftovers? No problem. Fresh ingredients are on the plan, too!
And the breakfasts and lunches? Pitas, quesadillas – fast, fresh, and full of flavour. Let’s make this week delicious! 😋
Meal Plan Option
Approx. Calories
Protein (g)
Notes
Three Main Meals
1260 kcal
63 g
Core meals only
+ Regular Snacks
1500 kcal
82 g
Swap Cheese Protein Muffins for a shake to increase protein further
+ Big Snack Included
1990 kcal
107 g
Includes all snacks for max nutrition and satisfaction
If you’re not sure how many calories you should be eating please have a quick read through this page on calories.
Don’t hesitate to give me a shout if you have any questions!
Dave 🙂
PS. don’t forget – further down on this page is a list of which recipes can be made ahead, which can be frozen and some vegan alternatives if you fancy them.
We’re always looking to improve! If there’s something specific you’d like included in our plans or if you have any requests, we’re here to listen and make it happen.
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Please share your opinion with us in the Facebook group (PW: protein power) or via email.
We hope you enjoy the recipes and as always we love seeing images of your creations in the Facebook group or @hurrythefoodup on Instagram so tag us there too if you like!
Want to edit the plan? Hit in the meal planner below tosave to My Collection.
Day 7 is all up to you. It’s a great day for leftovers, or if you want to go out to eat. Buddha Bowls or Burrito Bowls are a great way to use up leftovers. We still recommend keeping the calories to about 1300kcal if weight loss is a priority.
Recipe Tips:
Fruit Salad with Yogurt: use whatever fruits you like! I definitely recommend whatever your fave is, or whatever is in season near you!
Greek Pitas: add whatever you fancy, or whatever leftovers you have. Olives, sweetcorn and bell peppers all work really well. Keep the bread and fillings separate if you’re taking the pitas for work.
Spring Vegetable Fried Rice is a great recipe for leftovers.
Chocolate Banana Bonkers Overnight Oats: if it’s currently cold where you live, prep them like you would make porridge.
Manchester Baked Potato: it is cooked in the microwave to save time, but you can absolutely use the oven as well.
Baked Ricotta: you can cut out the oil completely from this recipe. In place of the oil use vegetable broth – about 50ml to start with, adding a little more if necessary. Mix it in with the lentils before the dish goes into the oven.
If you include snacks in the meal plan, make sure you select 12 servings of Cream Cheese Protein Muffins for less food waste.
Meal Prep (Quick Tutorial): These recipes can be made ahead.
Generally, we advise to keep them in airtight containers and/or in the fridge. Some of them need to be reheated.
Fruit Salad with Yogurt
Greek Pitas (the salad of the Greek pitas)
Spring Vegetable Fried Rice (make that dish on the spot, but ideally you prep the rice the night before)
Chocolate Banana Bonkers Overnight Oats (it’ll be even more flavorful that way)
Manchester Baked Potato (the potato can be reheated, add the topping fresh)
Cream Cheese Protein Muffins
Freezable:
Chocolate Banana Bonkers Overnight Oats
Manchester Baked Potato (the potato itself can be frozen, I’d keep the toppings fresh)
You can use the ‘recipe vault’ to instantly find great replacement or additional meals, too!
And don’t forget – if you have lots of leftover ingredients in the fridge we highly recommend turning them into Buddha Bowls or Burrito Bowls! There’s so much choice, and you can throw together virtually everything you have leftover with a tasty sauce!
(James can only accept a limited number of clients)
The recommendations on physical activity are general and non-specific. If you have any injuries or conditions which may restrict your ability to perform physical activity, please seek medical/professional advice before making changes.
We would like to take a moment to note that these meal plans have been designed to provide a framework for weight loss. They do not claim to provide medical advice or to be able to treat any medical condition. It makes no claims in respect to weight loss, either in terms of the amount or rate at which weight loss could be achieved. The calories, fibre, protein and other nutritional information is worked out as closely as possible and we have checked the information as accurately as possible. However we can’t be held responsible for mistaken listings: the nutritional information is given as a guide only. If you have any concerns regarding your health or whether it is suitable for you to try to lose weight then please contact your medical practitioner before making changes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
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