Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a saucy, comforting dish that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes, you’re going to adore my Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe. This isn’t just any noodle recipe; it’s a perfect balance of creamy peanut flavor, garlicky punch, and a little burst of freshness from crunchy veggies and scallions. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—I think you’ll find it just as addictive and cozy, whether you’re feeding family or just craving something quick and satisfying.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create a flavorful, balanced dish. I like using fresh scallions and garlic for that vibrant punch, and either fresh or dried udon noodles work perfectly. And trust me, don’t skip on the chili crisp—it adds a fantastic spicy crunch at the end.

• Scallions: Soaking them in cold water mellows the raw onion sharpness and gives a lovely crunch.
• Fresh or dried udon noodles: Fresh are softer and easier to toss; dried work well too but just follow the package instructions carefully.
• Garlic: Freshly grated or minced garlic packs a punch—avoid pre-minced jars for the best flavor.
• Neutral-flavored oil: Vegetable, canola, or even peanut oil works great for sizzling the garlic.
• Chinese light soy sauce: It’s lighter and less salty than regular soy sauce, but any soy sauce or tamari substitute will do.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a bright tang to finish the sauce; don’t swap with white vinegar as it’s too harsh.
• Organic brown sugar: Just a touch to balance out the savory notes and deepen the flavor.
• Ground white pepper: Has a subtle heat and aroma that complements Asian dishes beautifully.
• Creamy peanut butter: Use one without added sugar or salt for the best sauce consistency and flavor control.
• Hot water: This loosens the peanut butter into a smooth sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
• Roasted peanuts or cashews: Adding crunch and nuttiness makes every bite interesting.
• Red bell pepper or Persian cucumber: Fresh thin slices add color and balance the richness with crisp freshness.
• Baked tofu (optional): Adds protein and a slightly chewy contrast; you can bake this while the noodles cook.
• Chinese chili crisp (optional but recommended): That sizzling, spicy oil on top is what really takes this dish over the edge.

Variations

I love that this Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe works well with a variety of add-ins and tweaks. Feel free to make it your own depending on what’s in your fridge or your dietary needs—trust me, the base sauce is so good it won’t let you down.

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp: For a heartier meal, I sometimes toss in leftover grilled meats for protein without changing the core flavors.
• Vegetable swaps: Try shredded carrots, snap peas, or even blanched broccoli for more color and crunch.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, stir in a spoonful of sambal oelek or dust with crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
• Vegan or gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your peanut butter has no added honey to keep it vegan and gluten-free friendly.

How to Make Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep your aromatics and noodles

Start by trimming and slicing your scallions on a bias, then soak them in cold water to mellow their sharpness and keep them crisp. While that’s going on, grate or finely mince your garlic—fresh garlic makes a world of difference here. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your udon noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together. Transfer the noodles to a big mixing bowl—you’ll be tossing everything here later.

Step 2: Sizzle your garlic for aromatic sauce base

Heat your neutral oil in a small pan over medium-high heat until it’s really hot—this pan will get your garlic sizzling to infuse the oil with all that fragrance. Pour the hot oil over the grated garlic in a heatproof bowl and let it sizzle for about a minute, then stir in the Chinese light soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and white pepper. This step is the secret to that deep, nutty, garlicky flavor in the sauce.

Step 3: Whisk the peanut sauce to creamy perfection

In a medium bowl, whisk the creamy peanut butter with hot water (3 tablespoons if fresh udon, ⅓ cup for dried) until smooth and loose. Add the garlic-soy sauce mixture and whisk everything together into one fluid, silky sauce. It’ll feel a little thin now, but once tossed with the noodles, it thickens up beautifully.

Step 4: Toss noodles in sauce and add the finishing touches

Pour the peanut sauce over your noodles and toss with tongs to coat every strand evenly. Add in the drained scallions, chopped roasted peanuts, and your choice of veggies—like thin slices of red bell pepper or julienned cucumber. Taste and adjust by adding a splash more soy sauce or rice vinegar if you want it saltier or tangier. If you baked tofu, fold that in now for extra protein and texture. Finally, top each serving with a spoonful of Chinese chili crisp for an irresistible kick.

How to Serve Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my Garlic Peanut Noodles with a sprinkle of roughly chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and a generous drizzle of Chinese chili crisp. Sometimes I add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness, but the chili crisp is my number one must-have—it adds that perfect spicy, salty pop that takes the dish to another level.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple cucumber salad to add more freshness or some steamed bok choy for a green veggie boost. If you want to keep it heartier, a side of crispy spring rolls or a light miso soup works beautifully for a full Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving the noodles in individual bowls topped with edible flowers or thinly sliced chili rings for a colorful, Instagram-worthy presentation. You can also arrange the noodles in nests on the plate and scatter peanuts and scallions artfully around for a rustic touch that feels extra thoughtful without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Garlic Peanut Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the garnishes separate if I can, especially the peanuts and chili crisp, so they stay crisp until serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this noodle dish because the noodles and sauce can become mushy and separate after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the noodles gently in a pan over low heat or microwave briefly, stirring in a splash of hot water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. This helps revive the creamy texture without drying out the noodles.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe, I was amazed at how few ingredients came together to create something so rich and satisfying. Now, it’s become a quick comfort food favorite whenever I want something flavorful without too much fuss. I hope you give it a shot—you might just discover your new go-to noodle dish like I did. Promise, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close and your pantry ready!

Print