Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Name: Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 ounces (150 grams) instant ramen noodles (2 packs); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or oyster sauce); 3 tablespoons peanut butter; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (or white vinegar); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed

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Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles is a quick, flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that transforms a humble packet of instant noodles into a crave-worthy meal. Tossed in a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy peanut sauce, this easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes with pantry staples and fresh garnishes. It’s satisfying, full of umami, and perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a no-fuss comfort meal.

Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles is a quick, creamy stir-fried noodle dish packed with flavor. Ready in 10 minutes with pantry staples! | aheadofthyme.com

This version isn’t a ramen soup, but rather it’s a stir-fry style noodle dish that balances the richness of peanut butter with the sharpness of vinegar, the depth of soy sauce, and a pop of garlic and sesame oil. It’s endlessly customizable and a budget-friendly favorite that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is. Add it to your weeknight dinner rotation tonight!

Why You'll Love these Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Quick and easy. This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy days when you need something fast and filling. Minimal prep and just one pan means less cleanup, too.
Bold, delicious flavor. Creamy peanut butter combines with salty soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and savory aromatics to create a rich and deeply satisfying sauce. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself thinking about later.
Customizable. You can add your favorite veggies, add in some protein, or make it spicy. This recipe is flexible and works with whatever you have on hand. Just adjust the flavor balance to suit your taste.
Budget-friendly. Made with affordable pantry ingredients and instant ramen noodles, this meal is easy on the wallet but big on taste. It’s a great way to use what you already have in the kitchen.

Ingredient Notes

To make these quick and easy Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

ramen noodles – use your favorite brand of instant ramen noodles and discard the seasoning packet (you can save it to use another time). You can also substitute with rice noodles or soba noodles.
soy sauce – adds umami and saltiness. Feel free to substitute with oyster sauce which gives a slightly sweeter, richer depth if preferred.
peanut butter – use smooth, unsweetened peanut butter for best results. Natural or shelf-stable both work. Almond butter or tahini can be used for a twist if you wish.
balsamic vinegar – adds brightness and tang. White or rice vinegar works well as a substitute if you prefer a milder flavor.
sesame oil – for a nutty, aromatic finish. Toasted sesame oil brings the best flavor. A little goes a long way!
avocado oil – used for stir-frying the noodles. You can also use canola or vegetable oil.
garlic – freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma. Garlic powder can also be used as a substitute.
green onions – sliced thin for garnish and added freshness. Chives are a good substitute as well.
roasted peanuts – adds crunch and texture. This can be swapped with cashews or left out if desired.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a medium saucepan to cook the noodles, a skillet or wok for stir-frying, and a wooden spoon or tongs for tossing.

How to Make the Best Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Cook noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ramen noodles and discard the seasoning pack. Cook ramen according to the package instructions, about 3-4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

Make sauce. In a small mixing bowl, add soy sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well until smooth.

Sauté garlic. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until it sizzles, about 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add ramen. Add cooked ramen. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.

Add sauce. Add peanut butter sauce mixture and toss well. Cook until the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.

Serve. Sprinkle with green onion and crushed peanuts on top and serve immediately. If you like it spicy, add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or spicy chilli oil to taste.

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy. Want some heat? Add chili crisp, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a topping.
Add vegetables. Stir in bell peppers, shredded cabbage, carrots, or spinach for a nutrition boost. This is a great recipe for clearing out the fridge!
Include protein. Add scrambled eggs, tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken to make it more filling.
Use different noodles. Try rice noodles, udon, or soba if you want to switch things up. Note that the cooking time may vary slightly.
Switch up the garnish. Play around with the garnishes until it's just right! Finish with lime juice, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for brightness and texture.

How to Serve

This Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles is delicious on its own, or paired with some of my favorite sides including:

For more Asian-inspired recipes, see our 60 Chinese Takeout Recipes at Home.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the noodles. Cook until just tender, as they’ll continue to cook slightly when stir-fried. Overcooked noodles can get mushy quickly.
Mix the sauce first. Combine the sauce ingredients before adding to the pan to ensure a smooth, even coating over the noodles.
Prep ingredients ahead. Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you begin. The cooking process is fast!
Taste and adjust. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust soy sauce, vinegar, or sweetness to your preference.
Add crunch last. Garnish with peanuts or sesame seeds at the end to preserve their crunch and contrast in texture.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

How to Reheat

Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended as the noodles can become mushy and the sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQ

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and choose gluten-free noodles like rice noodles. Always check ingredient labels to be sure. You may also want to confirm that your vinegar and other sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture. Just make sure it melts down into the sauce evenly when heated. You may want to stir more thoroughly or adjust the oil to ensure a silky texture.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild as written, but easy to spice up with hot sauce or chili oil to match your heat preference. You can also add fresh chilies or chili garlic paste for extra kick.

More Noodle Recipes

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