Easy Spicy Peanut Butter Broccoli Noodles: A Flavorful & Quick Weeknight Meal
Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly satisfying Spicy Peanut Butter Broccoli Noodles recipe. Inspired by vibrant Thai flavors, this dish masterfully combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the spicy kick of sriracha, creating a sauce that’s both complex and utterly delicious. It’s a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds!
Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, these peanut noodles are a perfect choice. They’re quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to spice things up and enjoy every single bite!
About This Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight dinner! This recipe for Spicy Peanut Butter Broccoli Noodles is a delightful blend of creamy, peanut-rich flavors with just the right amount of heat. It’s truly a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that ticks all the boxes for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
This dish features tender noodles, nutrient-packed broccoli, and a luscious homemade peanut sauce that ties everything together perfectly. Unlike many takeout options, this version is made with fresh ingredients and comes together incredibly fast, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something delicious and healthy.
With minimal ingredients and a preparation time of under 30 minutes, this Thai-inspired peanut butter broccoli pasta is unbelievably convenient. Just like our popular Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken and these One Pot Spicy Thai Noodles, this simple recipe is designed to impress without the fuss. It’s a fantastic way to introduce vibrant flavors and healthy vegetables into your family’s diet, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this flavorful experience!
Key Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Broccoli Noodles
Crafting this flavorful dish requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the irresistible taste and texture of these spicy peanut butter noodles. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Noodles: While wide egg noodles offer a particularly satisfying and substantial bite, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles work beautifully to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli provides a vibrant color, satisfying crunch, and a boost of nutrients. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli florets can be a convenient substitute, though fresh is always preferred for optimal texture.
- Peanut Butter: The star of our sauce! Creamy peanut butter creates a rich, smooth, and nutty base. Opt for a natural, unsweetened variety for the best flavor balance, or use crunchy peanut butter if you enjoy extra texture.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener balances the savory and spicy notes in the sauce. You can adjust the amount to your preference, or substitute with honey or agave nectar.
- Soy Sauce: Essential for that deep, savory umami flavor that is characteristic of Asian-inspired dishes. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your sodium intake. For a gluten-free version, use tamari.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy depth that beautifully complements the peanut butter. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for an even more potent flavor.
- Sriracha: The key to the delightful spicy kick! You can easily customize the heat level by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
- Shredded Carrots: These add a lovely pop of color, a hint of sweetness, and a pleasant crunch, contributing extra vitamins and texture to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Peanut Butter Noodles
Creating these delicious spicy peanut butter broccoli noodles is a straightforward process, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam your broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. This means they should be bright green and still have a slight bite to them, not mushy. You can steam them in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, covered, or in a steamer basket on the stovetop.
- Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This ensures they retain a pleasing texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: While the noodles are cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, ground ginger, and sriracha in a mixing bowl. Stir until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness if needed.
- Add Carrots to Noodles: About five minutes before the noodles are fully cooked, add the shredded carrots directly into the pot with the noodles. This will allow them to soften slightly while retaining a pleasant texture.
- Thin the Sauce with Pasta Water: Once the noodles are done, drain them but be sure to reserve about ¾ cup of the starchy pasta water. Gradually mix this reserved water into your peanut butter sauce until it reaches your desired creamy, pourable consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the drained noodles and carrots to the pot. Add the steamed broccoli florets and pour the creamy peanut sauce over everything.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the mixture until the broccoli and noodles are thoroughly coated in the rich peanut sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water (or regular warm water) until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these spicy peanut butter broccoli noodles:
Steaming broccoli is widely considered one of the healthiest cooking methods. This gentle technique helps to retain a significant amount of the broccoli’s beneficial nutrients, such as soluble protein, vitamin C, and glucosinolates, which are heat-sensitive. By steaming, you avoid the loss of water-soluble vitamins that can occur when boiling.
Egg noodles are a type of pasta made with eggs and flour, distinguishing them from more common varieties like spaghetti or linguine, which typically use only flour and water. The addition of eggs gives them a richer flavor and a slightly softer, chewier texture. They are often wider and flatter than traditional pasta, making them excellent for absorbing creamy sauces like our peanut butter sauce.
To prevent noodles from clumping, especially after draining, a few tricks can help. Firstly, ensure you’re cooking them in a large pot of generously salted boiling water, giving them plenty of space. After draining, you can briefly rinse the cooked noodles in cold water to remove excess starch. Then, toss them immediately with a small amount of oil (like sesame oil or olive oil) before adding them to your dish. This creates a barrier that keeps them from sticking together.
Absolutely! The spice level in this recipe is fully adjustable. Sriracha is the primary source of heat, so if you prefer a milder flavor, start with just a teaspoon or even half a teaspoon, or omit it entirely. You can always add a dash more sriracha to individual servings if some members of your family prefer more kick.
This recipe is inherently vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan! If you use egg noodles, it’s vegetarian. To make it completely vegan, simply opt for a plant-based noodle alternative (such as rice noodles or regular wheat pasta without eggs) and ensure your peanut butter and maple syrup are vegan-certified. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based!
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Peanut Noodles
Achieve culinary perfection with these helpful tips designed to make your spicy peanut butter broccoli noodles even more amazing:
- Season the Sauce to Perfection: Always taste your peanut butter sauce before mixing it into the pasta. This is your chance to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level as needed. A perfectly balanced sauce makes all the difference!
- Control the Heat: Sriracha can be quite potent. It’s always a good idea to start with a smaller amount than the recipe calls for, especially if you or your guests are sensitive to spice. You can easily add more to taste at the end, but it’s much harder to remove it!
- Don’t Waste Pasta Water: That starchy pasta water is liquid gold! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly smooth and clingy to the noodles. If you accidentally forget to reserve some, don’t worry – a bit of warm water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth can work in a pinch and even add extra flavor.
- Garnish for Flavor and Visual Appeal: A vibrant garnish can elevate your dish. Consider a sprinkle of chopped parsley, fresh cilantro, or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving also adds a wonderful, refreshing zest that brightens all the flavors.
- Achieve the Right Noodle Texture: Cooking noodles al dente is crucial. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their ability to absorb the sauce properly. Set a timer and taste a noodle a minute or two before the package suggests they’ll be done to catch them at their ideal texture.
- Evenly Coat Your Ingredients: When tossing the noodles, broccoli, and sauce, ensure every strand and floret is thoroughly coated. This guarantees a consistent and delicious flavor in every bite. A large mixing bowl or your pot used for cooking the noodles works well for this.
📌 This broccoli and peanut butter pasta is fantastic for a quick weeknight meal the whole family will love! The Thai-inspired flavors and slight kick of heat lead to a satisfying and filling dish.
Customizing Your Peanut Butter Broccoli Noodles
One of the best things about this spicy peanut butter noodle recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and variations to tailor it to your taste and what you have on hand:
- Noodle Choices: While egg noodles are a personal favorite for their substantial texture, any kind of pasta will work beautifully. Try linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, ramen noodles, or even gluten-free rice noodles for a different twist and dietary consideration.
- Add Some Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and intensified peanut flavor, garnish your finished dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts. Toasted sesame seeds also make a great addition.
- Peanut Butter Preference: Creamy peanut butter makes for an effortlessly smooth sauce. However, if you love pockets of crunchy nuts throughout your pasta, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a delightful textural contrast.
- Boost the Protein: To make this a more substantial meal, easily incorporate your favorite protein. Cooked chicken (shredded or diced), shrimp, or pan-fried tofu cubes are excellent additions. Simply add them to the dish when you’re tossing everything with the peanut sauce.
- Vegetable Power: Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli and carrots! This dish is incredibly adaptable for adding more vegetables. Consider bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color), snow peas, snap peas, thinly sliced cabbage, or sautéed mushrooms. Add them along with the carrots or steam them with the broccoli.
- Homemade Nut Butter: If you enjoy making things from scratch and have the time, using homemade nut butter (like peanut or almond) can add an extra depth of fresh flavor and allow you to control ingredients even more.
- Adjust the Sweetness: While maple syrup provides a lovely natural sweetness, you can easily adjust the amount based on your preference or substitute with a different sweetener like brown sugar or honey.
What Our Readers Are Saying
“I made this tonight! It was so quick and easy and we all loved it.”
– Jessie
Storage and Reheating Tips
These peanut butter broccoli noodles are fantastic as leftovers, making them perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their delicious flavor and texture:
Storage: Allow any leftover peanut butter broccoli and noodles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let the noodles thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you have a couple of options. You can easily warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. For larger amounts, transfer the noodles back to a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat. To restore the sauce’s creamy consistency, you might need to add a splash of water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth while stirring gently. This helps loosen the sauce and prevents it from drying out.
What To Serve with Spicy Peanut Noodles
This spicy peanut butter broccoli noodle dish is quite satisfying on its own, but you can easily expand your meal by pairing it with a few complementary sides. To stretch this flavorful pasta even further or to add more variety, consider serving your noodles alongside:
- Light Salads: A refreshing green salad or a vibrant Chickpea Pasta Salad can provide a cool contrast to the warm and spicy noodles.
- Roasted Vegetables: For even more hearty nutrition, pair it with some perfectly cooked vegetables like Air Fryer Cauliflower or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. These add extra vitamins and a different texture.
- Crunchy Sides: Crispy sides like Air Fryer Corn Ribs can add a fun and delicious element to your meal, providing a sweet and savory crunch.
- Spring Rolls or Dumplings: If you’re looking to create a more extensive Asian-inspired feast, serve these noodles with fresh spring rolls or steamed/fried dumplings.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
- White Wine Shrimp Pasta with Arugula – This light and refreshing shrimp dish pairs noodles with a delicate white wine sauce.
- One Pot Lemon Pasta – You’ll love this super easy one-pot dish bursting with bright, zingy lemon flavor!
- Zucchini Mushroom Pasta – Hearty and earthy, this is a one-pot pasta dish that’s perfect for a filling dinner.
- One Pot Cheesy Enchilada Pasta – This delicious recipe from Butter Your Biscuit takes the classic enchilada dish and transforms it into a filling and comforting pasta meal!
Pasta and Broccoli with Peanut Sauce
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Full Recipe Card
Easy Spicy Peanut Butter Broccoli With Noodles
Kristin
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10 minutes
15 minutes
6
Ingredients
-
12
ounces
wide noodles
(1 package) -
2-3
cups
fresh broccoli florets
(you can substitute frozen in a pinch) -
¾
cup
peanut butter -
2
tablespoons
pure maple syrup -
2
tablespoons
soy sauce -
3
teaspoons
ground ginger -
2
teaspoons
sriracha sauce
(or more, if you like a bigger kick!) -
1
cup
shredded carrots
Metric
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Instructions
-
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the noodles to al dente according to package directions.12 ounces wide noodles
-
While the noodles are cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon or two of water, covered with plastic wrap (vented), and microwave for 1 minute, then add additional time as needed. Alternatively, use a stovetop steamer.2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, ground ginger, and sriracha sauce. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Set this delicious sauce aside.2 tablespoons pure maple syrup,
2 tablespoons soy sauce,
3 teaspoons ground ginger,
2 teaspoons sriracha sauce,
¾ cup peanut butter -
Approximately 5 minutes before the noodles are scheduled to be done cooking, add the shredded carrots into the pot with the noodles. This allows them to soften slightly without becoming overly soft.1 cup shredded carrots
-
Once the noodles and carrots are cooked, carefully reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta water before draining the rest from the pot.
-
Gradually stir the reserved pasta water into the peanut butter mixture until it reaches your desired creamy, saucy consistency. This will help thin the sauce and make it cling beautifully to the noodles.
-
Add the steamed broccoli florets back into the pot with the drained noodles and carrots.
-
Pour the prepared peanut butter sauce over all the ingredients in the pot. Gently toss everything together until the broccoli and noodles are thoroughly coated in the rich, spicy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the perfect consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Feel free to use any kind of noodles or pasta that you like for this versatile dish.
- It’s highly recommended to taste the peanut butter mixture before adding it to the noodles. This allows you to easily determine if you need to adjust any ingredients for optimal flavor balance (more spice, sweetness, or salt).
- If you forget to reserve pasta water, don’t worry! You can simply use some warm tap water, or for an added layer of flavor, vegetable or chicken broth makes an excellent substitute to thin the sauce.
- For an extra delightful crunch and enhanced peanut flavor, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top of the finished dish before serving.
- To make this dish even heartier and more filling, consider adding a source of protein. Cooked chicken, pan-fried tofu, or sautéed shrimp are all fantastic additions. Simply toss them into the pot along with the noodles and peanut butter sauce.
- Garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to brighten its appearance and add a burst of herbal freshness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top also provides a wonderful citrusy zing!
Video
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
|
Calories:
454
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
57
g
|
Protein:
17
g
|
Fat:
19
g
|
Saturated Fat:
4
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.03
g
|
Cholesterol:
48
mg
|
Sodium:
546
mg
|
Potassium:
527
mg
|
Fiber:
5
g
|
Sugar:
10
g
|
Vitamin A:
3791
IU
|
Vitamin C:
29
mg
|
Calcium:
67
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Update Notes: This post was originally published in February 2014, and was republished with updated tips, clearer step-by-step photos, and a refined recipe in February 2024.
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