These Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make for a perfect weeknight meal. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz (230g) fettuccine, spaghetti, rice noodles, or ramen

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup smooth salted peanut butter
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 large red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 large carrot (grated)
• ¼ cup roasted salted peanuts (crushed, for topping)
• ¼ cup spring onions (chopped)
• ⅓ cup cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles:

• Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Undercook slightly as they will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.

Make the Peanut Sauce:

• In a measuring jug or bowl, whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and grated carrot. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Combine Everything:

• Pour the peanut sauce over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for another minute until heated through.
• Add the cooked noodles, crushed peanuts, spring onions, and cilantro to the pan. Toss gently until everything is well coated and heated through.

Serve:

• Serve in bowls topped with additional crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.

Tips

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sriracha to taste.
• Meal Prep: These noodles make great leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Enhancements for Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles

Additional Vegetables to Add

You can enhance your Thai Peanut Noodles by adding a variety of vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition:

• Carrots: Julienned or grated for sweetness and crunch.
• Bell Peppers: Any color, sliced thinly for added color and flavor.
• Cucumbers: For a refreshing crunch, add them raw as a topping.
• Snap Peas or Snow Peas: For a crisp texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Lightly steamed or roasted for added nutrition.
• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage (green or purple) adds crunch and a slight peppery flavor.

Substituting Peanut Butter

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters if desired:

• Almond Butter: Offers a slightly different flavor while still being creamy.
• Cashew Butter: Provides a milder taste and smooth texture.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: A great nut-free option that works well in the sauce.

Making the Peanut Sauce Spicier

To add more heat to your peanut sauce, consider these options:

• Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: Stir in to taste for a spicy kick.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Increase the amount to your desired spice level.
• Fresh Chopped Chili Peppers: Add finely chopped fresh chilies like Thai bird chilies for an authentic heat.

Best Types of Noodles

You can use various types of noodles for this recipe, including:

• Rice Noodles: Traditional choice for Thai dishes, especially in Pad Thai.
• Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Easily available and work well if you don’t have Asian noodles on hand.
• Ramen Noodles: Quick-cooking and absorb the sauce nicely.
• Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy, perfect for holding the sauce.

Using Different Proteins

Yes, you can incorporate different types of protein into your noodles:

• Tofu: Firm tofu works well; sauté or bake it before adding to the dish.
• Tempeh: Crumbled or sliced tempeh adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture.
• Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas can be added for extra protein and fiber.
• Edamame: Shelled edamame adds protein and a pop of color.

These enhancements will help you customize your Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles to suit your taste preferences!

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles!