Best of Asia: Spicy Peanut Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry of chewy udon noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce infused with chili and lime. This asian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs udon noodles, peanut butter, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 16 oz udon noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth. Add 1 tbsp lime juice and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 julienned carrot, 1 cup broccoli florets, and 1 julienned bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss to coat with the vegetables. Pour in the peanut sauce and stir until the noodles are fully coated and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra chili flakes and lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best of Asia: Spicy Peanut Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best of Asia: Spicy Peanut Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best of Asia: Spicy Peanut Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best of Asia: Spicy Peanut Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best of Asia: Spicy Peanut Noodles vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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