Peanut noodle stir fry is one of those meals that checks every box. It’s fast, deeply flavorful, endlessly customizable, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The combination of slurp-worthy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent while still being balanced and wholesome.
This is the kind of recipe experienced home cooks rely on when they want something exciting on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. With a sauce that clings beautifully to noodles and vegetables, peanut noodle stir fry delivers big flavor using everyday pantry ingredients.
Whether you keep it vegetarian, add chicken or shrimp, or use up leftover veggies, this dish adapts effortlessly to your kitchen and your schedule.
Why Peanut Noodle Stir Fry Is a Go-To Recipe
Peanut noodle stir fry works because it layers flavors and textures in a way that feels complete in every bite:
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Creamy peanut sauce with sweet, salty, and tangy notes
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Tender noodles that soak up flavor
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Crisp-tender vegetables for freshness and crunch
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Optional protein to make it extra filling
It’s also incredibly practical. Once you know the base formula, you can switch noodles, vegetables, and proteins depending on what you have on hand.
Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe:
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Large pot (for boiling noodles)
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Colander
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Large wok or deep skillet
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk or fork
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Tongs or wooden spoon
Ingredients List
For the Stir Fry
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8 oz noodles (rice noodles, lo mein, udon, or spaghetti)
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2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil)
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup shredded carrots
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1 cup snap peas or snow peas
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1 cup broccoli florets
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Optional Protein
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1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame
For the Peanut Sauce
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice
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1½ tablespoons honey or brown sugar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1–2 tablespoons sriracha or chili paste (optional)
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¼–½ cup warm water (to thin sauce)
Garnishes (Optional)
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Chopped peanuts
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Green onions
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Fresh cilantro
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Sesame seeds
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Lime wedges
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 portions
How to Make Peanut Noodle Stir Fry
Step 1. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package instructions.
Drain and rinse briefly under warm water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Expert Tip: Slightly undercook the noodles—they’ll finish cooking when tossed with the sauce.
Step 2. Make the Peanut Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha if using.
Slowly add warm water, whisking until the sauce is smooth and pourable. The consistency should be thick but able to coat noodles easily.
Taste and adjust:
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More lime for brightness
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More honey for sweetness
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More soy sauce for salt
Step 3. Stir Fry the Vegetables
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add vegetables and stir fry for 3–5 minutes, until crisp-tender. You want them vibrant and slightly crunchy, not soft.
If adding protein, stir it in now and heat through.
Step 4. Combine Everything
Lower heat to medium.
Add cooked noodles to the pan, followed by the peanut sauce. Toss gently with tongs until noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and glossy.
Step 5. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Peanut Noodle Stir Fry
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Use warm water when thinning the sauce—it blends more smoothly
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Prep all ingredients before cooking; stir fry moves fast
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed
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Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan
Flavor Variations You Can Try
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Add extra sriracha, chili crisp, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Coconut Peanut Stir Fry
Replace some water with coconut milk for a richer sauce.
Thai-Inspired Version
Add a splash of fish sauce and fresh basil.
Extra Veggie Boost
Add mushrooms, cabbage, zucchini, or bok choy.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut noodle stir fry is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
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Simple cucumber salad
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Steamed dumplings
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Spring rolls
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Light miso or vegetable soup
It also works well for meal prep and stays flavorful even after reheating.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water
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Make-Ahead Sauce: Peanut sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days
This recipe is ideal for weekday lunches and quick dinners.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 430–500
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Protein: 15–20g
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Carbohydrates: 45–55g
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Fat: 22–28g
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Fiber: 5–7g
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Sugar: 6–9g
Values vary depending on noodles, peanut butter, and protein used.
For a filling midday meal, try Chicken Gyros, Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl, or Sweet Potato Burrito Bowl.
Peanut Noodle Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse briefly under warm water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Expert Tip: Slightly undercook the noodles—they’ll finish cooking when tossed with the sauce.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha if using.
- Slowly add warm water, whisking until the sauce is smooth and pourable. The consistency should be thick but able to coat noodles easily.
- Taste and adjust:
- More lime for brightness
- More honey for sweetness
- More soy sauce for salt
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and stir fry for 3–5 minutes, until crisp-tender. You want them vibrant and slightly crunchy, not soft.
- If adding protein, stir it in now and heat through.
- Lower heat to medium.
- Add cooked noodles to the pan, followed by the peanut sauce. Toss gently with tongs until noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and glossy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Conclusion
Peanut noodle stir fry is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your rotation. Creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and endlessly adaptable, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying meals.
Recipe FAQs
1. What noodles work best for peanut noodle stir fry?
Rice noodles, lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti all work well.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. Is peanut noodle stir fry vegan?
It can be. Use maple syrup instead of honey and add tofu or vegetables.
4. How do I thin thick peanut sauce?
Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
5. Can I eat it cold?
Yes. It also works well as a cold noodle salad.