These whole wheat Asian soy-peanut noodles are a delicious twist on a takeout favorite and take only 10 minutes to make. No complicated ingredients — just pantry staples.
At least twice a week my husband and I crave something quick, satisfying, and a little different from our usual rotation of grilled chicken, salad, and rice. Takeout fills that gap, but it adds up. So I started recreating our favorites at home using simple ingredients: whole wheat noodles, fresh herbs, and a few Asian pantry staples like soy sauce and rice vinegar. It turns out cooking outside your comfort zone is easier than it sounds.
I originally made these noodles as a quick side for a Thai steak salad and didn’t plan to share the recipe. But as I mixed the soy-peanut sauce with the noodles — tasting as I went — I realized we were nearly eating the whole batch before dinner. The combination of salty, creamy, and bright flavors was irresistible, so I photographed the dish and decided it needed to be made available to everyone. We dug in with chopsticks and napkins and finished the bowls in minutes.
The noodles disappear fast for a reason. They’re slightly sweet and salty but balanced, with fresh ginger and garlic adding fragrance and scallions and cilantro giving brightness. Crunchy chopped peanuts and sesame seeds provide contrast to the soft noodles. Serve them warm or cold, as a side or topped with grilled protein for a full meal — they’re versatile and perfect for weeknights.
Make a batch and you’ll see why these soy-peanut noodles are a new staple. They come together quickly, use familiar ingredients, and deliver big flavor without the takeout price. Enjoy them alongside a salad or add grilled meat for a heartier plate — either way, they’re simple, fast, and delicious.
Simple Asian Soy-Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. whole wheat thin spaghetti*
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 2-3 Tablespoons soy sauce, more or less, to taste
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 Tablespoons peanut butter, any kind, to taste
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
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Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or noodles according to package directions.
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While the noodles cook, whisk together the oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced scallions in a large bowl.
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Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the bowl with the sauce. Toss with tongs or a fork until the noodles are well coated.
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Serve the noodles and finish with chopped cilantro, peanuts, and sesame seeds.
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Enjoy!
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