Stir-Fried Rice Noodles in Tamarind Sauce with Peanuts
Tender rice noodles stir-fried in a tangy tamarind sauce, tossed with crunchy peanuts, fresh bean sprouts, and scrambled eggs for a satisfying Thai classic. This thai-inspired thai ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, tamarind paste, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 stalks, sliced green onions
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable, then drain thoroughly.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Crack 2 large eggs into the wok and scramble gently for 1 minute until softly set but still moist.
- Step 4: Add the drained rice noodles, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp palm sugar. Stir-fry vigorously for 3-4 minutes until noodles absorb the sauce and start to char slightly.
- Step 5: Toss in 1 cup bean sprouts and 3 sliced green onions, stir-frying for another 2 minutes until vegetables soften but remain crisp.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts on top. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles in Tamarind Sauce with 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles in Tamarind Sauce with 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles in Tamarind Sauce with 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles in Tamarind Sauce with 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles in Tamarind Sauce with Peanuts?
Thai thai 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Authentic Thai flavors without the hassle. I doubled the tamarind and it was a game-changer for the sauce.
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed my weeknight dinners. The tamarind sauce has such depth—so much better than takeout!
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these noodles in minutes! The tamarind sauce was perfectly tangy and the peanuts added such a lovely crunch.