Spicy Garlic Peanut Noodles: The Perfect Quick, Vegan Meal for Busy Days

Looking for a quick, flavorful dish that’s packed with spice, creamy peanut goodness, and a touch of tang? These spicy garlic peanut noodles are your answer. Made with a simple yet irresistible combination of pantry staples like soy sauce, sriracha, chili oil, and creamy peanut butter, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. With its bold flavors and smooth, garlicky sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Not only are these noodles a breeze to whip up, but they’re also completely vegan, making them perfect for a variety of diets. Whether you’re packing a lunch for work or school, need a quick dinner idea, or are looking for a dish that tastes just as amazing cold as it does warm, these noodles have you covered.

The secret lies in building layers of flavor in your wok—scallions and garlic form a fragrant base, while the sauce balances heat, creaminess, and acidity for that perfect noodle slurp. Pair them with your favorite toppings like crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh veggies, and you’ve got a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Ready to elevate your noodle game? Let’s dive in!

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 5-10 mins

Cooking Time: 15-20 mins

Total Time: 20-30 mins

Ingredients: 

• 8-10 oz noodles of your choice

• 4-6 scallions; greens & white separated

• 6-8 cloves garlic minced

• 1/2-1 tbsp sriracha as per taste

• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tsp chili oil

• 1 tsp chili vinegar /white wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 1/2-3/4 cup Tbsp noodle water

• 1 tsp Chili flakes as per taste

• 1 tsp Salt as per taste

• 1/4 tsp White Pepper

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1/4 tsp Ajinomoto; optional

• 1 tbsp vegetable/peanut oil

Directions: 

• Boil noodles according to packet instructions. Strain and mix in a little oil so they don’t stick, and keep aside. Make sure to save the noodle water.

• Add Sriracha, dark soy sauce, chili oil, light soy sauce, vinegar, peanut butter, and 3 tbsp noodle water in a bowl. Mix until combined. Keep it aside.

• Put a pan/wok on medium heat. Add oil once warm and let it heat up.

• Once the oil is warm, add the whites of the scallions and minced garlic. Cook till the garlic is fragrant and slightly brown.

• Add the sauce mixture, salt, pepper, chili flakes, salt & Ajinomoto. Mix it well and cook for 2-4 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken. Once thick, deglaze the pan with about 3 tbsp of noodle water. Mix well.

• Add the boiled noodles and mix them in. Toss well for 2-3 minutes. If needed add some more noodle water to get the consistency you like.

• Add the scallion greens and toss it in. Cook for a minute!

• The noodles are ready! They are delicious hot or cold.

Notes/Tips:

• You can use creamy or chunky peanut butter.

• You can use any noodles you like.

• Cook the sauce well before adding noodles.

• Make sure you add the scallion greens later.