Name: Thai Peanut Noodle Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz rice noodles; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional, for garnish); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 1-2 tsp sriracha (to taste); 1 tsp sesame oil; 2-4 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce)

Thai Peanut Noodle Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser whether served warm or chilled. It’s also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes
Delicious hot or cold, making it great for meal prep
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and protein
Vegan-friendly and can be made gluten-free
Packed with bold, crave-worthy flavors

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice noodles or spaghetti
Creamy peanut butter
Soy sauce or tamari
Rice vinegar
Lime juice
Sesame oil
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, minced
Honey or agave syrup
Sriracha or chili paste
Bell peppers, thinly sliced
Shredded carrots
Cucumber, julienned
Red cabbage, shredded
Green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)

directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, honey, and sriracha. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Prepare the vegetables: thinly slice bell peppers, shred carrots and cabbage, julienne cucumber, and slice green onions.
In a large bowl, toss the noodles with the peanut sauce until evenly coated. Add the vegetables and toss again to combine.
Serve garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Optionally, add a wedge of lime or extra sriracha on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use soba, udon, or gluten-free noodles instead of rice noodles
Add protein such as tofu, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tempeh
Mix in other vegetables like spinach, snap peas, or bean sprouts
Make it nut-free by substituting peanut butter with sunflower seed or soy nut butter
Adjust the spice level to your preference with more or less chili paste or sriracha

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce
Not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the noodles and sauce may change

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply use agave syrup instead of honey and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

What type of noodles work best?

Rice noodles are traditional, but you can use spaghetti, soba, or even zucchini noodles.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the peanut sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It can be served either way—enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled straight from the fridge.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking and toss them with a bit of sesame oil.

Can I pack this for lunch?

Absolutely. It travels well and tastes great cold or at room temperature.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or allergen-friendly version.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles and substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef can be added to make it more filling.

How do I thin the sauce if it’s too thick?

Add warm water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

The Thai Peanut Noodle Bowl is a flavorful, wholesome dish that’s both easy to make and versatile. With its creamy peanut sauce, crisp veggies, and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or even a casual gathering. Try it once, and you’ll want to keep it in your regular meal rotation.