Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Quick stir-fried noodles tossed in a homemade sweet and spicy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables, perfect for a busy weeknight meal. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends rice noodles, peanut butter, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 3, chopped green onions
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, for garnish crushed peanuts
- 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sriracha sauce, and 1 tbsp lime juice until smooth and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 julienned carrot to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Add the drained noodles and prepared peanut sauce to the wok. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 2 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3 chopped green onions. Serve garnished with 1/4 cup crushed peanuts and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Peanut Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Peanut Sauce?
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 Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Peanut Sauce 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 Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Peanut Sauce 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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