Instant Peanut Thai Noodles (Print Version)

Creamy, spicy peanut butter sauce coats tender noodles for a fast, flavorful Thai-inspired dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Noodles

01 - 2 packs instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon chili crisp, adjust to taste
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
07 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced
09 - 3 to 4 tablespoons hot water, as needed to thin sauce

→ Toppings (optional)

10 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
11 - 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
13 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, as desired
14 - Lime wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - Prepare the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain, reserving 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooking water.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili crisp, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add reserved noodle water or hot water one tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Toss the cooked noodles with the prepared sauce until thoroughly coated.
04 - Divide the sauced noodles evenly between two serving bowls. Garnish with scallions, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
05 - Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Ready in 10 minutes but tastes like you've been cooking all day.
  • The balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet hits every craving at once.
  • Customize the heat level without ruining the whole dish.
  • Secretly impressive when you serve it to friends who don't know it started with ramen packets.
02 -
  • Whisk the sauce before adding the noodles—lumpy peanut butter ruins the whole vibe.
  • Don't skip the reserved noodle water; regular hot water works but won't give you that silky coating that makes this taste restaurant-quality.
  • If your sauce breaks or looks separated, a splash more water and vigorous stirring will bring it back together.
03 -
  • Toast your own peanuts and sesame seeds in a dry pan for 90 seconds just before serving; the difference in aroma and flavor is worth the extra two minutes.
  • If chili crisp feels too aggressive, start with half a tablespoon and taste as you go—this sauce reveals itself slowly and you can always add more heat.
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