Spicy Thai Noodles {with Peanut Sauce}

Published August 6, 2015. Updated January 21, 2020

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Thai Noodles – made with tender noodles, fresh colorful veggies and tossed with a spicy peanut sauce. Easy to prepare and oh so satisfying!

Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles in white bowl with serving spoons

Spicy Thai Noodles

I don’t make Thai food often, but when I do I always love it! These spicy Thai peanut noodles were no exception! They are easy to make, require minimal cooking (the only thing that needs to be cooked is the pasta), and I love the crunch factor from the fresh veggies, peanuts and sesame seeds.

And let’s not forget the spice, I’m all about the Sriracha! I could eat it on anything, okay except cupcakes. Hmmm, well maybe.

I’ve always loved spicy food. Let me rephrase that, I’ve always constantly craved spicy food. I just love that kick.

Sriracha was made for Asian food, which is why it goes so well with these Thai noodles. I listed the recipe to use 2 tablespoons, but just adjust that according to your personal preference, this is fairly spicy (like, spicy enough I knew I couldn’t get my kids to eat it).

But if you love spicy foods you may likely want a bit more, just don’t overdue it or it can become the only thing you taste. Which is also the reason I like to take it easy on the sesame oil, I still want to be able to taste the peanut flavor and not just a bold sesame flavor. I like a nice balance with all the flavors in this.

Possible Variation

You could most definitely add some cooked chicken breasts to this recipe to add another protein, I just opted keep things simple and leave it out. Plus it made a for a seriously delicious vegetarian meal, which I love to make every now and then.

If you’d like to add chicken though it would pair well with everything here, especially if you grilled it and gave it that nice depth of flavor. Grilled chicken is always the best, right?

Now go make some of these crave-worthy spicy Thai noodles, their unique yet irresistible flavor will have you coming back for more!

Thai Noodles in large serving bowl

Thai Noodles Ingredients

For the peanut noodles, you’ll need:

  • Spaghetti
  • Red bell pepper
  • Cucumber
  • Matchstick carrots
  • Green onions
  • Cilantro
  • Salted roasted peanuts
  • Sesame seeds

And for the spicy peanut sauce, you’ll need:

  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Warm water
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Sriracha
  • Lime juice
  • Fresh ginger
  • Garlic
  • Sesame oil

Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles in serving bowl with wooden spoon

How to Make Thai Peanut Noodles

Here’s a quick rundown of the method to prepare these noodles:

  1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
  2. While the noodles cook, whisk together the spicy peanut sauce.
  3. Drain pasta, then toss with peanut sauce, chopped veggies, cilantro and peanuts.
  4. Garnish with peanuts and sesame seeds.

Can These Noodles Be Served Cold?

Yes, these Thai noodles can be served warm or cold. I like to eat them warm day-of, and then I’ll eat the leftovers straight from the fridge!

Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?

Yes crunchy peanut butter could be used here as well but you’ll want to add a little extra.

Thai Noodles with spicy peanut sauce in serving bowl

Tips for the Best Thai Noodles

  • The fresh ginger in the peanut sauce makes a big difference. It may not seem like much ginger, but you definitely want to include it!
  • Chicken or tofu would be good in these peanut noodles, too!
  • Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, otherwise it’ll become soggy when tossed with the peanut sauce.

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4.92 from 23 votes

Spicy Thai Noodles {with Peanut Sauce}

These Thai noodles are so easy to make and incredibly flavorful! Tender noodles are tossed with fresh colorful veggies, crunchy peanuts and a rich and creamy peanut sauce that will leave everyone craving more. Don't like spice? Just omit the sriracha.
Servings: 5
Prep20 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Ready in: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz dry spaghetti
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips then cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and sliced into thin strips then cut into-2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 3/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup lightly salted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Peanut Sauce

Instructions

  • Cook spaghetti according to directions listed on package. Meanwhile prepare peanut sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking until well blended and smooth.
  • Drain pasta and pour into a large serving bowl. Toss with sauce then add bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro and peanuts and toss lightly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Notes

  • Chicken or tofu would be good in these peanut noodles! 
  • Recipe source: adapted slightly from Epicurious