If you love quick meals with bold flavor, this Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles recipe is going to be your new go-to.
It’s creamy, savory, a little sweet, and ready in less than 15 minutes. We’re using instant ramen, some pantry staples, and just one pot.
It’s the perfect cozy bowl when you want comfort fast—no fancy stuff, just big flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This was one of those recipes I made on a total whim. I was hungry, short on time, and staring at a pack of ramen and an open jar of peanut butter. A little soy sauce, some garlic, and bam—it became a staple. It’s creamy, salty, rich, and comes together in one pan. Here’s what makes it great:
- Just a few pantry ingredients
- Super fast (less than 15 minutes)
- You can adjust the spice and sweetness
- Great as-is, or add veggies/protein
- Total comfort food in a bowl
What You’ll Need
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or sriracha)
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup hot water (from noodle water)
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts (optional)
Pro Tips
- Save some of the noodle water—it helps melt the peanut butter and makes the sauce creamy
- Don’t overcook the noodles, they cook fast (about 3 minutes)
- If your peanut butter is thick, stir in the hot water slowly to avoid clumps
- Add the noodles directly into the sauce so they soak it up while still hot
- Want more heat? Double the chili sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or a fork for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
Substitutions and Variations
- Noodles: Use rice noodles or soba if you don’t have ramen
- Peanut Butter: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works too
- Hoisin Sauce: Use more soy sauce + a little brown sugar as a swap
- Add-ins: Toss in shredded carrots, spinach, or cooked chicken for a fuller meal
Make Ahead Tips
You can whisk together the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat slightly before mixing with hot noodles.
Servings: 2
Time: 15 minutes
Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning) and cook for 3 minutes, just until tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot noodle water, then drain the rest.
Step 2: Make the peanut sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup hot noodle water (from Step 1)
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Toss noodles in sauce
Add the cooked noodles directly into the sauce. Toss gently with tongs until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Top with chopped green onions (1) and crushed peanuts (2 tbsp, optional). Serve hot in a round bowl.
Macros (Per Serving)
Calories: ~480
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 24g
(Note: approximate values, varies by brand)
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Peanut butter is full of fat and protein, which makes the sauce rich and satisfying. When you mix it with hot water and vinegar, it breaks down into a creamy emulsion that coats the noodles perfectly. The soy sauce adds salt and umami, while the honey balances out the vinegar and spice.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold water for the sauce: It won’t mix well. Always use hot noodle water.
- Overcooking the noodles: They go mushy fast—3 minutes is usually perfect.
- Not mixing the sauce completely: Stir until it’s fully smooth before adding noodles.
- Adding too much chili sauce at first: Start small—you can always add more heat later.
What to Serve With
- A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar
- Steamed edamame
- Pan-fried tofu or rotisserie chicken on top
- Iced green tea or sparkling water with lime
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Is this good cold?
Totally. It makes a great cold noodle salad—just skip the peanuts until serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just scale up the sauce and cook noodles in a bigger pot.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is one of those simple dishes that just hits the spot every time. Whether you’re craving something cozy, quick, or just trying to switch up your ramen game, this bowl delivers. If you try it, drop a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you added your own twist.