Some recipes feel like a weeknight miracle — and these 10-Minute Peanut Noodles are one of them. Creamy, nutty, and tangy, this dish is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something satisfying.
It’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it a lifesaver on those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want a warm, homemade meal. And while the peanut butter brings a rich, savory depth, you can easily swap it for sesame paste if you prefer.
This recipe is part of this week’s Dinner Squad Meal Plan — a week of meals designed to save time and reduce stress without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Noodles
- Ready in 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
- Customizable – adjust the spice, swap the nut butter, or add your favorite protein and/or veggie toppings.
- Great for meal prep – can be prepped ahead and enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Family-friendly – easy to tone down spice for kids (just omit the chili oil!)
- Budget-friendly – One of the best things about these peanut noodles is how affordable they are. Most of the ingredients — peanut butter, vinegar, hoisin, and garlic — are pantry staples you probably already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)
For the Noodles
- Dried knife-cut noodles – These chewy, ribbon-like noodles soak up sauce beautifully. You can substitute with udon, ramen, or spaghetti in a pinch.
- Reserved noodle cooking water – The starch in the water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce so it clings to every noodle strand.
- Peanut butter – Brings creaminess and nutty depth. For a toastier flavor, swap with Chinese sesame paste (zhi ma jiang), which has a more intense roasted note.
- Hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness, tang, and umami that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
- Black vinegar – Aged vinegar with a slightly smoky, malty tang that brightens the dish. Rice vinegar can be used for a lighter flavor.
- Garlic (grated) – Freshly grated garlic adds punch and fragrance to the sauce. If you’re not a fan of raw garlic flavor, use 1/2 tsp garlic powder for a more muted garlic taste
- Honey – A touch of sweetness that ties together the savory and tangy elements. Maple syrup works too.
For Topping
- Sliced cucumber – Adds freshness and a satisfying crunch to balance the creaminess of the dish
- Fresh cilantro – Adds an herby brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Peanuts – Provide crunch and an extra boost of nutty flavor.
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds – Bring a subtle toasted aroma and visual appeal.
- Chili oil (optional) – Adds gentle heat and a pop of color without overpowering the peanut flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining.
Step 2: Build the sauce in each bowl
In each serving bowl, add:
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (or sesame paste)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 grated garlic clove
Mix until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Adjust consistency
Add 1/4 cup reserved noodle water to each bowl. Stir well to create a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add the noodles
Place a serving of cooked noodles into each bowl and toss until well coated.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Top with sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, peanuts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil if you like it spicy. Serve immediately.
How to Bulk Up the Meal
If you want to make these noodles heartier or stretch them into more servings, try adding:
Protein options:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Pan-seared shrimp
- Marinated tofu or tempeh
- Sliced boiled eggs
- Thinly sliced beef or pork
Vegetable add-ins:
- Blanched broccoli or broccolini
- Shredded cabbage
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Snap peas or snow peas
- Edamame beans (also offer additional protein)
- Julienne carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers (for a fresh crunch)
Adding protein and veggies not only makes the meal more filling but also balances the richness of the sauce with freshness and texture.
Using Sesame Paste Instead of Peanut Butter
While peanut butter gives these noodles a rich, slightly sweet creaminess, Chinese sesame paste offers a deeper, roasted sesame flavor. It’s thicker than tahini and more intense in taste. If using sesame paste, you might want to slightly reduce the hoisin sauce or honey to balance the flavor. Both versions are delicious — it just comes down to your personal preference.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Noodles
- Use noodle water – the starchy water helps bind the sauce.
- Taste and adjust accordingly – since peanut butter can vary in sugar content depending on brand, taste and adjust the honey accordingly. If you prefer a more tangy sauce, add a little more black vinegar.
- Make it ahead – store the sauce separately and toss with fresh noodles when ready to eat.
- Spice control – leave out the chili oil for a mild version, or add more according to your spice preference.
Storage and Food Safety
According to CDC food safety guidelines:
- Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Do not leave cooked noodles at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! Udon, spaghetti, ramen, or even rice noodles work well.
What if I don’t have black vinegar?
You can use rice vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly less deep.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of hoisin sauce for a gluten-free version.
Can I make it ahead for lunches?
Yes — store the sauce separately and toss with freshly cooked noodles for best texture.
Try This 10-Minute Peanut Noodles Recipe Today!
Try it once and you’ll be hooked! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make it, or leave your thoughts in the comments below!
10 Minute Peanut Noodles
Equipment
- Pot for boiling noodles
- knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon
- Whisk or chopsticks
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 4 sheets of dried knife cut noodles cooked and drained
- 1 cup of reserved noodle water
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup black vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves grated
- 2 tbsp honey
FOR TOPPING
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts chopped
FOR GARNISH
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 4 tsp chili oil* optional
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and reserve about a cup of the starchy noodle water.
- To each individual bowl, add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 1/2 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon black vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and one grated garlic clove. Mix until well combined.
- Add about a quarter cup of the reserved noodle water to each bowl and mix, then add a serving of cooked noodles. Mix until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
- Top with sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro and peanuts and garnish with sesame seeds and chili oil* (optional)
