Spicy Shrimp Peanut Noodles
Skip the takeout and make these spicy shrimp peanut noodles instead. Chewy noodles get tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy, honey, lime, ginger, garlic and chili crisp, then topped with shrimp, scallions, cilantro and crunchy peanuts. These spicy peanut noodles are ready in about 20 minutes.
The secret is the viral hot oil method: pouring sizzling oil over the aromatics wakes up all the flavor, and it lives up to the hype. If you love these, try my Chili Crisp Chicken Pasta Salad next.
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Peanut Noodles
- Better than takeout and ready in about 20 minutes.
- Hot oil method for a bold, toasty sauce.
- Creamy, spicy, sweet and tangy all in one bowl.
- Customizable with shrimp, chicken, steak or tofu.
Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Peanut Noodles
The Noodles and Protein
Lo mein or rice noodles, plus cooked shrimp or your favorite protein. Save a little pasta water.
The Spicy Peanut Sauce
Creamy peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili crisp, lime juice, fresh garlic, grated ginger and the white parts of the scallions, with toasted sesame oil.
The Hot Oil
A neutral oil, heated until shimmering and poured over the sauce ingredients.
The Toppings
Scallion greens, chopped cilantro, chopped roasted peanuts and lime wedges.
Swap note: Use rice noodles and tamari to make these peanut noodles gluten free, and check your chili crisp label. Swap the honey for maple syrup and use tofu for a vegan bowl.
How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the cooking water before draining.
Step 2: Build the sauce base
In a heatproof bowl, combine the peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili crisp, lime juice, garlic, ginger and scallion whites.
Step 3: Pour on the hot oil
Heat the neutral oil until it shimmers but is not smoking, then carefully pour it over the sauce ingredients. Let it sizzle for about 10 seconds.
Step 4: Whisk until silky
Whisk until smooth, then stir in the reserved noodle water a little at a time until the sauce is creamy and silky.
Step 5: Toss and top
Toss the noodles in the sauce until coated and add your shrimp. Top with scallion greens, cilantro, chopped peanuts and a squeeze of lime.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Use a heatproof bowl. The hot oil will sizzle, so glass or metal is best.
- Don’t let the oil smoke. Shimmering oil toasts the garlic and ginger without burning them.
- Thin with noodle water. It makes the sauce silky and helps it cling.
- Quick shrimp: sear peeled shrimp in a hot pan for 1 to 2 minutes per side with a pinch of salt.
Make It Your Own
- Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced The Best Air Fryer Chicken.
- Tofu: Add crispy pan-fried tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots, cucumber, edamame or snap peas.
- Cold noodles: Chill and serve it as a noodle salad.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Whisk up the peanut sauce up to 4 days ahead and keep it in the fridge. Warm it slightly and thin with water before tossing with fresh noodles.
What to Serve With Spicy Peanut Noodles
These noodles are a full meal, but they are great with a smashed cucumber salad, steamed edamame or my Jalapeño Cilantro Salmon Crudo for a fun at-home takeout night.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The sauce thickens as it chills, so reheat with a splash of water, or enjoy the noodles cold.
What People Ask About Spicy Peanut Noodles
What is the hot oil method for peanut noodles?
You pour shimmering hot oil over garlic, ginger, scallions and sauce ingredients. The sizzle blooms the aromatics for a deeper, toasty flavor.
What noodles are best for spicy peanut noodles?
Lo mein, rice noodles, udon and even spaghetti all work.
Can I make spicy peanut noodles less spicy?
Yes. Use less chili crisp or leave it out and add a little extra honey.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but creamy makes a smoother sauce. Top with chopped peanuts for crunch instead.
Spicy Shrimp Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Reserve 3 tbsp of pasta water before draining.
- Combine the peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili crisp, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions in a heatproof bowl or pan.
- Heat the neutral oil until it’s shimmering, but not yet boiling, then carefully pour it over the mixture. Let it sizzle for 10 seconds.
- Whisk until smooth. Stir in the pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky.
- Toss with the cooked noodles until evenly coated. Add in your protein.
- Top with the scallion greens, cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Notes
- Customize with chicken, shrimp, steak, or tofu for added protein.
