Spicy Thai Street Noodles with Tamarind and Peanuts

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

Vibrant stir-fried rice noodles tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce and topped with crunchy peanuts, capturing the essence of Thai street food. This thai-inspired street food ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 8 oz soaked rice noodles and set aside. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots to the wok, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp grated palm sugar, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for another 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add drained rice noodles, tossing continuously to coat them evenly with the sauce. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until noodles are tender and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and top with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts and 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Thai Street Noodles with Tamarind and Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Spicy Thai Street Noodles with Tamarind and Peanuts?

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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Thai Street Noodles with Tamarind and Peanuts?

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 Spicy Thai Street Noodles with Tamarind and Peanuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.

What goes well with Spicy Thai Street Noodles with Tamarind and Peanuts?

Thai street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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