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Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles topped with fresh herbs and chili flakes

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles

A quick and flavorful dish that combines gluten-free brown rice noodles with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, making for an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Essentials
  • 16 ounces certified gluten-free brown rice noodles Check "gluten-free" on the package
  • 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter No added gluten-containing ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons low-sodium tamari Choose certified gluten-free tamari
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil Canola, avocado, or sunflower oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil Typically gluten-free, check the label
  • 1-2 tablespoons sriracha Check label for gluten-free
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or other liquid sweetener Pure maple syrup is naturally gluten-free
  • 1/3-1 cup hot water To thin the sauce to desired consistency
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce Optional; check for gluten-free labeling
Optional Add-ons
  • Crushed or chopped roasted peanuts Ensure plain roasted peanuts with no cross-contact
  • Sliced scallions (green onions)
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Steamed broccoli, snap peas, julienned carrots, bell pepper, shredded cabbage, or baby spinach
  • A handful of cilantro or basil
  • Lime wedges
  • Firm tofu cubes, tempeh slices (certified gluten-free), or shelled edamame
  • Sliced cucumber or pickled vegetables Check brine for hidden gluten

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Grate fresh ginger and mince garlic. Measure peanut butter, tamari, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, and sriracha into a bowl. Chop additional vegetables or tofu if adding.
  2. Wipe down counters and use clean utensils to avoid cross-contact.
Cook the noodles
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook brown rice noodles according to package instructions until just al dente.
  2. Drain the noodles. Rinse with cool water if serving cold, or warm water if serving hot.
Sauté aromatics (optional)
  1. In a small skillet, heat oil over low heat. Sauté garlic for 20-30 seconds, then add ginger and cook for another 10-15 seconds. Remove from heat.
Make the peanut sauce
  1. Combine peanut butter, tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and chili garlic sauce in a bowl. Add sautéed garlic and ginger.
  2. Whisk in hot water to achieve a smooth, pourable sauce. Adjust flavors as needed.
Assemble the dish
  1. Place drained noodles in a large bowl and mix with half of the peanut sauce.
  2. Add any warm vegetables or tofu and toss to coat.
  3. Serve the noodles with remaining sauce drizzled on top and garnished with optional toppings.
Storage
  1. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ideally keeping sauce and noodles separate.

Notes

This dish is adaptable, and can be made nut-free using sunflower seed butter. Always check gluten-free labels to avoid cross-contamination.