Spicy Peanut Noodles (2024)

This recipe for spicy peanut noodles is going to be your new favorite workweek lunch. Why? Well, it only takes 15 minutes!

To tell you the truth, many recipes that are advertised as ultra-quick or having only a few ingredients, are often an exaggeration. Sure, the cooking process might be quick, but what about all the slicing, dicing, and waiting for the water to boil?

I’m happy to assure you that this 15-minute recipe actually takes only a quarter of an hour. It’s a quick, satisfying, and most importantly delicious plant-based meal. This recipe is part of my new 15-minute meal series – quickies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• In spite of its simplicity, it is actually a healthy, well-rounded meal. It features whole-food sources for carbs, fat, plant-based protein, and dietary fiber. Yum!
• Asian-inspired flavors are an amazing option for a quick lunch like these spicy peanut noodles. A classic combination of peanut, ginger, soy sauce, and chilies creates a lot of flavor in a short amount of time!
• You can keep prep down to the very minimum. For instance, you could use ginger puree instead of mincing it yourself, and even use frozen broccoli florets.
• Speaking of prep… This is an excellent contender for a meal prep recipe (see below how to modify instructions).
• If you are conscious of your food waste, this is also an amazing opportunity to throw in a few veggies that would otherwise perish in your fridge.

How to Make This Recipe

Start by boiling water in a large pot (yes, this is included in the cooking time). To speed up this process, remember to only fill the pot halfway, otherwise your noodles won’t fit. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the heat and add a pinch of salt to help it along.

Add your noodles. Depending on the type of noodle you choose, the cooking process may vary from two to ten-ish minutes.

Use this time to chop the broccoli or break it into florets. Prepare the edamame as well. Since these ingredients don’t require much cooking, add them a couple of minutes before your noodles are ready.

Meanwhile, make the spicy peanut sauce. In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, chili flakes, sriracha, rice vinegar, and ginger together. To help the ingredients bind into a consistent paste, you can add up to 1/4 cup of warm water to thin. It’s best to do it in small increments to avoid watering it down too much.

Once the noodles, broccoli, and edamame are done, drain the excess liquid. Pour the peanut mixture into a saucepan and transfer the pasta into the sauce. Over medium heat, toss everything together to ensure that the noodles are well-coated in spicy peanut sauce.

Hack It!

• Serve your spicy peanut noodles with chopped green onions, cilantro or parsley, crushed peanuts or sesame seeds and chili flakes as desired.
• As I mentioned, there are plenty of vegetables that can be “rescued” from the fridge with minimal cooking (same as broccoli and edamame). For instance, you could add some bell pepper, carrot, leafy greens, bean spouts, and more.
• Meal prepping? No problem! You can mix the sauce and cook the noodles in advance. Store them separately until you’re ready to heat everything up in the same saucepan. For this option, I would advise adding a bit more water into the peanut sauce as you are heating it up.
• If you are in a rush, consider using instant noodles, such as rice vermicelli, glass noodles, or ramen.
• For a gluten-free version of this recipe, use any type of noodle that doesn’t trigger your allergy or intolerance. Double check the contents of the soy sauce as it often contains wheat. The alternative is to use coconut aminos or tamari.
• If you have a peanut allergy, you could make this delicious recipe with tahini or sunflower seed butter.

15-Minute Recipes For The Win!

Quick recipes that create a full meal in 15 minutes or less offer several benefits that appeal to a wide range of individuals and situations:

• Time-saving. In today’s fast-paced world, many people have busy schedules and limited time to prepare meals. Quick recipes allow them to have a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Convenience. Quick recipes are easy to follow and require minimal cooking skills, making them accessible to even novice cooks. They often use simple ingredients that are readily available, reducing the need for extensive meal planning or grocery shopping.
• Healthier options. With time constraints, people might resort to fast food or unhealthy snacks. Quick recipes like this one can encourage healthier eating habits by providing balanced and nutritious options that are better for overall well-being.
• Cost-effective. Preparing quick meals at home is generally more cost-effective than eating out or ordering takeout regularly. It allows individuals to save money while still enjoying delicious and satisfying dishes.
• Reduces food waste. Recipes like these spicy peanut noodles often use ingredients that are perishable or nearing expiration, reducing the likelihood of food going to waste. This contributes to sustainability efforts by minimizing food waste.
• Family time. 15-minute meals enable families to spend more time together during mealtime. It fosters a sense of togetherness and strengthens relationships. Plus, it’s a great starting point to teach your kids how to cook.
• Emergency situations. Quick recipes are particularly beneficial during emergencies or times when people need to prepare food swiftly, such as unexpected guests.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Waffle Maker Hash Browns
• Vegan Tofu Tacos
• Easy Homemade Granola
• Overnight Oat Buns
• Super Green Pasta

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