Spicy Peanut Noodles: Quick & Satiating Meal Prep

After savoring these vibrant and flavorful peanut noodles for five glorious days straight, I can confidently award it a perfect 10/10 on the meal prep scale! It’s truly that good. My usual weekday cravings lean towards meals that effortlessly blend satisfying protein and a generous array of wholesome veggies, all while delivering a punch of delicious flavor. This time, my tastebuds were specifically singing for something rich and nutty, with that irresistible warmth that only peanuts can provide, elevated by a delightful hint of spice. This dish is comforting and aromatic!

My brief online search led me to this absolute gem of a recipe, and let me tell you, it not only met but exceeded all expectations! Imagine tender noodles coated in a creamy, luscious peanut sauce that strikes the perfect harmony between savory and subtly sweet. Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos add a wonderful depth of umami, while the rice vinegar provides a bright, tangy counterpoint. Aromatic toasted sesame oil weaves its nutty magic throughout, and the sriracha and chili oil deliver a customizable level of heat that will leave you wanting more. The fresh garlic and ginger infuse the entire dish with a fragrant warmth, creating a truly irresistible culinary experience.

This dish came together surprisingly quickly, and the recipe yielded a generous 7 servings, making it an absolute lifesaver for anyone looking to stock their fridge with exciting and easy meals for the week. If you’re a fan of takeout-style Asian noodles but prefer a homemade touch, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will have you looking forward to lunchtime every single day!

As always, I give credit where it is due, check out the original recipe here!

What You Need

• 24 oz brown rice noodles
• 2 lbs thin sliced chicken breasts
• Veggies of Choice  (I used 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup of white onion chopped, and one 16 oz bag of broccoli)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 ½ tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 ½ tbsp oil
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter low/no salt*
• 6 tbsp low sodium gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 cup hot water hot water (mixes with peanut butter more easily than cold)
• 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 ½ tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 ¼ tbsp sriracha
• 2 ¼ tbsp honey
• ¾ tsp red pepper flakes (can omit for less spice)
• 1 tbsp Chili oil (Basically add to taste based on how much fire you want)

Directions

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Finely mince the garlic and add it to a sauté pan with 1 tbsp of oil (any oil will work; I used avocado).
• Sauté over low heat for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Add the grated ginger and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
• Remove the ginger and garlic from the pan and add all remaining sauce ingredients (start with 1/3 cup of hot water) to a separate bowl, whisking together until smooth. Add more hot water as needed to reach your desired consistency. The amount needed will depend on the brand of peanut butter and your personal preference.
• Taste the sauce and add more soy sauce, sriracha, or other seasonings as desired. I usually add more soy sauce because I like it saltier.
• Add the cubed chicken to the same pan and cook over medium heat, browning on all sides and ensuring it’s almost cooked through
• Add the vegetables of your choice to the pan. Cook them with the chicken and sauce until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
• Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the chicken and vegetables, tossing to combine everything with the sauce.
• Allow this to sit on low heat for a few minutes to heat through.
• Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, scallions, and red pepper flakes.
• Enjoy! This is delicious on its own, but you can always add extra veggies or protein if you like.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and packed with bold flavors, these Spicy Peanut Noodles are an absolute must-try. The creamy peanut sauce, with its perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, coats the noodles and vegetables beautifully, making each bite a delight. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also incredibly versatile, feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp, and experiment with your favorite vegetables.

Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or simply craving a delicious and comforting dish, these takeout-inspired noodles are sure to become a new favorite in your rotation. Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings for that extra crunch and freshness! Enjoy every last saucy bite!

Write me a comment if you try out this recipe and let me know your thoughts!

Be well,

Emily