Easy Thai Peanut Noodles
I love peanut sauce. I don’t even need the chicken, noodles, or vegetables. I could eat just the peanut sauce by the spoonful. Homemade Thai peanut sauce makes everything taste amazing including simple rice noodles and vegetables. It’s so easy to make at home, takes two minutes to whisk together, it’s far more cost-effective than those small storebought jars, and you control the ingredients. I adapted the peanut sauce portion of today’s recipe from my Peanut Noodles with Vegetables. The Thai peanut noodles are easy, ready in 20 minutes, and packed with so much flavor from the peanut butter, ginger, and sesame oil. Sesame oil provides the classic peanut sauce flavor profile and it’s a must-have. There’s awesome texture contrast between the crispy sugar snap peas, crunchy carrots and peanuts, the tender chicken, and soft rice noodles. Look for rice noodles (sometimes called pad thai noodles) in the Asian aisle of mainstream grocery stores.
What’s in Peanut Noodles?
To make these Thai peanut noodles drenched in homemade peanut sauce, you’ll need:
Rice noodles Creamy peanut butter Honey Sesame oil Apple cider vinegar Ground ginger Cayenne pepper Olive oil Chicken breasts Sugar snap peas Shredded carrots Red bell pepper Fresh cilantro Peanuts
How to Make Peanut Noodles
To make these Thai peanut noodles, you’ll first need to cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Then, whisk together the homemade peanut sauce. Cook the diced chicken in an oiled skillet, making sure to season the meat with salt and pepper beforehand. Add a little peanut sauce to the skillet and let it bubble for about a minute before transferring the chicken and sauce to a bowl with the cooked noodles. Add the veggies and remaining Thai peanut sauce to the skillet and let the mixture cook until the veggies have softened slightly. Toss everything together, then garnish with cilantro and peanuts before serving.
Can I Omit the Chicken?
Yes, if you’d rather have veggie-packed peanut sauce noodles minus the peanut chicken you’re welcome to omit it.
Can I Add Extra Veggies?
Yes, but you may want to make a little extra sauce to ensure everything gets tossed evenly in it.
Tips for Making Thai Peanut Noodles
I used regular peanut butter for the homemade peanut sauce and not all-natural peanut butter. Even with the honey, I didn’t find the Thai peanut sauce too sweet. But you’re welcome to use whatever peanut butter you prefer. If you don’t have rice noodles on hand or can’t find them at your local grocery store, you may be able to use another thin pasta like angel hair or thin spaghetti. Your Thai peanut noodles won’t be remotely authentic, but they should still taste good. Peanut sauce noodles are great warm but also tastes great chilled. The flavors develop over time and it tastes even better the next day. And homemade always tastes better than takeout.
More Asian Pasta Recipes:
Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad – Big juicy chicken chunks and texture galore from the rainbow of crispy veggies! Fast, easy, fresh and healthy! Great for picnics, potlucks, and easy dinners! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetable Bowtie Pasta – Juicy chicken coated in teriyaki sauce with crisp, crunchy veggies! Healthy, easy, 20 minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Easy Sweet and Sour Asian Noodles — These 30-Minute Asian Noodles are made with a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Perfect as a side or main dish, and kids love this recipe! Chicken Stir-Fry with Noodles — Skip takeout and make this EASY stir fry that’s ready in 15 minutes!! Loaded with juicy chicken, crisp-tender veggies, comforting noodles, and Asian-inspired flavors! Perfect for busy weeknights!! Chicken Pad Thai – EASY, ready in 20 minutes, and BETTER than takeout!! Tender rice noodles, juicy chicken, with crisp-tender carrots, cabbage, and more for an IRRESISTIBLE and AUTHENTIC chicken pad Thai!! 15-Minute Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Ramen Noodles — Don’t call for takeout when you can make this EASY Asian stir fry in minutes!! HEALTHIER and faster than takeout and great for busy weeknights!!