These Easy Peanut Noodles are a flavor-packed delight, ready in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Creamy peanut sauce coats tender noodles, while crunchy veggies add a refreshing contrast. The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors will have you reaching for seconds.
With only 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish is as effortless as it is satisfying. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures—smooth sauce, chewy noodles, and crisp toppings. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need for Easy Peanut Noodles
- 8 ounces soba noodles, pasta, or rice noodles (or your favorite noodle variety)
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (substitute with button mushrooms if needed)
- 1 small eggplant, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, chopped (green and white parts separated)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, sesame, or olive oil work well)
- 1 splash soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Peanut sauce (store-bought or homemade, about 1/2 cup)
How to Make Easy Peanut Noodles
- Cook the noodles: Prepare your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Add the mushrooms and eggplant, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the remaining veggies: Toss in the red pepper and the white parts of the scallions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Season: Add a splash of soy sauce, stir to combine, and remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine: In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with the peanut sauce. Add the sautéed veggies and mix well.
- Garnish and serve: Top with sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and the green parts of the scallions. Serve warm or cold, as desired.
Customize Your Peanut Noodles with Sauce and Toppings
Feel free to get creative with your peanut sauce! Add a splash of lime juice for tanginess, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or a pinch of chili flakes for heat. For toppings, try fresh cilantro, shredded carrots, or even a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for extra crunch.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Easy Peanut Noodles are versatile! Serve them as a main dish with a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, pair with grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp. They’re equally delicious warm or cold, making them a great option for picnics or packed lunches.
Store and Reheat Like a Pro
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or soy sauce and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the noodles seem dry, toss them with a little extra peanut sauce before serving.
Quick Swaps: Recipe Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! Swap shiitake mushrooms for cremini or button mushrooms, or replace eggplant with zucchini. Use any noodles you have on hand—spaghetti, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. The recipe is flexible and forgiving!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your veggies in advance or use pre-chopped vegetables from the store. You can also make the peanut sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to cook, simply boil the noodles and sauté the veggies—dinner will be ready in no time!
Easy Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 ounces soba noodles, pasta, or rice noodles
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Eggplant
- Red peppers
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Peanut Sauce
- Crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Cook your noodles according to the package directions.
- Heat a skillet to medium, add a little oil.
- Add the mushrooms & eggplant and let cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms and eggplant become soft.
- Add the red pepper and scallions and cook for a few minutes more.
- Add a splash of soy sauce and remove the pan from the heat.
- Toss noodles with peanut sauce and add the veggies.
- Top with sesame seeds and crushed peanuts.
- Serve warm or cold.