Name: Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 20 ounces (570g) fresh udon noodles OR 8 ounces (225g) dried udon noodles; 4 cloves garlic; 1 ½ tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (of choice); 2 tablespoons Chinese light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce or tamari); 1 generous tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons organic brown sugar (or cane sugar); ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper; Heaping ⅓ cup (95g) creamy peanut butter; 3 tablespoons to ⅓ cup (45 to 80 mL) hot water; 4 scallions; ½ cup (70g) roasted peanuts (or cashews), roughly chopped; 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced) OR 8 oz (225g) Persian cucumber, julienned; Chinese chili crisp (to taste); 1 batch Baked Tofu (optional)

If you’re craving something both comforting and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy peanut sauce, bold garlic notes, and a touch of heat from chili crisp that absolutely elevates every bite. Once I discovered this recipe, it quickly became my go-to for busy nights, and I promise, you’ll be making it on repeat too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: This garlic peanut noodles recipe comes together in just about 25 minutes—perfect for weeknights!
Flavor-Packed: The combo of peanuts, garlic, soy, and a hint of sweetness makes every forkful a pure joy.
Versatile Ingredients: You can swap veggies or add baked tofu for extra protein, making it a meal that suits you.
Perfect Texture: Slippery udon noodles coated in creamy peanut sauce with a crunchy nut finish—you’ll go crazy for the contrast.

A close-up of a bowl of noodles showing thick, beige noodles mixed with thin, pale green cucumber strips and green scallion slices, all coated in a glossy light brown sauce with red chili flakes scattered on top; a pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand is lifting a small bundle of noodles from the bowl, which is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe shines because of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you grab fresh udon noodles or dried, the sauce components and veggies create a harmony of flavor and texture.

Scallions: They add that mild onion pop and freshness when soaked to mellow their bite.
Fresh or Dried Udon Noodles: Their chewy texture is perfect for holding the peanut sauce.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic is non-negotiable here for that punch of aroma and flavor.
Neutral-Flavored Oil: Vegetable or canola oil works well to sizzle the garlic without overpowering it.
Chinese Light Soy Sauce: Gives saltiness and umami; you can substitute with regular soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free.
Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness with a subtle tang.
Organic Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally; you can substitute with cane sugar.
Ground White Pepper: Offers gentle heat without overwhelming the palate.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show for that luscious, nutty sauce.
Hot Water: Used to loosen the peanut butter and create that perfect saucy consistency.
Roasted Peanuts: Adds crunch and extra peanut flavor; cashews work too.
Red Bell Pepper or Persian Cucumber: Offers refreshing crunch and color contrast.
Baked Tofu: Optional but highly recommended for a protein boost and texture.
Chinese Chili Crisp: The magic finishing touch for heat and a little crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What I love about this garlic peanut noodles recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to get creative and make it your own — that’s the beauty of a simple yet flavorful base!

Spicy Kick: I like to add extra chili crisp or a dash of sriracha if I’m craving heat.
Protein Swap: Instead of baked tofu, grilled chicken or shrimp work beautifully, especially for a heartier dish.
Veggie Mix: Try steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots if red bell pepper isn’t available.
Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles or gluten-free noodles with tamari instead of soy sauce.

How to Make Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by trimming those scallions and slicing them thinly on a bias — soaking them in cold water helps take the sharp edge off that raw onion taste. Don’t skip on freshly grating or mincing your garlic; it makes a world of difference in flavor depth.

Step 2: Cook and Rinse Your Noodles

Boil your udon noodles according to the package directions, then drain and rinse them under cool water. This sets their chewy texture and stops them from sticking, which is crucial since the sauce clings best to loose noodles.

Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic in Hot Oil

Heat your neutral oil in a small pan until it’s really hot — around 350ºF if you have a thermometer. Pour it over the minced garlic and listen to that sizzle! It releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it, which can ruin the dish.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce

Mix the peanut butter with hot water — I usually start with the smaller amount if I want a thicker sauce but add more to thin it as needed. Then whisk in the garlic oil mixture along with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and ground white pepper until silky smooth. Your sauce will coat the noodles gorgeously.

Step 5: Toss It All Together

Pour the sauce over your noodles and toss well with tongs. Add in scallions, chopped peanuts, and your crunchy veggie choice — it brightens the dish so elegantly. Fold in baked tofu for extra heartiness, and don’t forget to taste and adjust with soy or vinegar if you want more zing.

Step 6: Finish with Chili Crisp

Top each serving with a spoonful of Chinese chili crisp. This little addition adds both heat and a beautiful texture that takes these garlic peanut noodles from great to unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe

Don’t Overcook Your Garlic: Heating the oil until very hot before adding garlic prevents sogginess and brings out its flavor without bitterness.
Rinse Noodles Well: Rinsing stops them from cooking further and clumping together, which makes tossing with sauce easier.
Adjust Sauce Consistency Gradually: Add hot water little by little to get that perfect creamy coating without drowning your noodles.
Soak Scallions to Mellow Sharpness: A quick soak softens the raw bite and makes for a more balanced flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe

A bowl of thick, creamy noodles tangled with red pepper strips and small golden brown tofu cubes sits on a dark surface replaced with a white marbled texture. The dish is topped with thin bright green spirals of scallions and scattered chopped peanuts, all mixed with a light sauce giving a slight shine to the noodles. The tofu cubes show light browning and the entire bowl is black, creating contrast with the food colors photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I swear by a generous handful of roughly chopped roasted peanuts on top, plus a drizzle of chili crisp for that beautiful spicy crunch. Sometimes I even squeeze a bit of lime juice for that unexpected zesty lift—it wakes up all the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Garlic peanut noodles pair perfectly with simple steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli. I’ve also served it alongside quick cucumber salad or edamame for a light, fresh balance. Trust me, the noodles are so flavorful that even a crisp green salad on the side shines.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting, I love plating the noodles in pretty bowls and topping with edible flowers, fresh herbs like cilantro, and a tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil. It feels special and colorful, perfect for impressing guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover garlic peanut noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the noodles soak up too much sauce and get sticky, just loosen with a splash of hot water or a drizzle of oil when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the noodles themselves often, I’ve frozen leftover baked tofu separately with great results. The noodles are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated to maintain their texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of hot water, stirring gently until warmed through. The heat reactivates the sauce and prevents the noodles from sticking or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter other than creamy for this Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe?

Yes! While creamy peanut butter blends best into the sauce for a smooth consistency, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you like a bit of extra texture in your sauce. Just be sure to whisk it thoroughly with hot water to loosen it up.
Are these noodles served hot or cold?

This garlic peanut noodles recipe is versatile—you can serve the noodles warm right after mixing, or chill them for a cold peanut noodle salad. Both ways are delicious; just adjust the chili crisp topping based on your preference for heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari, and use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles instead of udon. The flavors remain just as amazing and satisfying.
What’s the best way to press tofu for the baked tofu addition?

I like to wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy skillet or books on top for at least 15-20 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture. This helps the tofu crisp up nicely when baked and absorb flavors better.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Peanut Noodles Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites because it’s so easy, flavorful, and totally satisfying without a ton of fuss. I love how every bite feels rich yet fresh, with that addictive combo of garlic and peanut magic. Honestly, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, these noodles never disappoint—and I can’t recommend making them enough. Give it a try and soon you’ll understand why my family and I are obsessed. Happy cooking, friend!