Description
A quick and flavorful Spicy Peanut Noodles recipe featuring tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, creamy peanut sauce with a spicy kick from Korean chili paste. Perfect for a satisfying 20-minute meal that combines Asian-inspired ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 12 ounces Asian noodles (udon, soba, or rice noodles)
Protein and Vegetables
- ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- ¼ – ½ cup water
Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lime wedges
- Crushed peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the Asian noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined, adjusting water for desired consistency.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: Heat toasted sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are no longer pink inside. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook until it’s tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked noodles and prepared peanut sauce to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the noodles evenly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lime wedges and optional crushed peanuts for added crunch.
Notes
- Use your preferred type of Asian noodles – udon, soba, or rice noodles all work well.
- Adjust the amount of water in the sauce to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
- Gochujang adds a distinctive spicy, slightly sweet flavor; substitute with sriracha or chili garlic sauce if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables.
- Crushed peanuts add texture but can be omitted for nut-free diets.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
