If you love noodles with a perfect punch of flavor, then you are going to adore this Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe. It is a vibrant, creamy, and slightly spicy dish that combines the smooth richness of peanut butter with the cool crunch of fresh cucumber. Every bite dances on your palate with a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible meal that’s quick enough for busy nights yet impressive enough to share with friends or family. Whether you’re craving something light but satisfying or an easy dish packed with personality, these noodles deliver comfort and excitement together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe is all in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each brings something special — from the silky peanut butter creating the sauce’s signature creaminess, to the crisp cucumber adding freshness and contrast. These components come together beautifully to balance flavor, texture, and color.
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles: Choose your favorite noodles for the perfect base that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides lush creaminess and a nutty depth that defines the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory umami kick to balance the sweetness and spice.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a subtle tang to keep the flavors lively.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Offers a toasty, aromatic layer that enriches the noodles.
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce: The heart of the spice — adjust to your personal heat preference.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness smooths out the sauce and adds complexity.
- 1/4 cup warm water: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency without losing flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with pungent, garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zesty and slightly peppery zing.
- 1 medium cucumber (julienned or thinly sliced): Delivers refreshing crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Lends a mild onion flavor and fresh bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts: For an extra layer of nuttiness and delightful texture.
- Fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Elevates presentation and adds aromatic contrast.
How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. It’s important not to overcook them, as you want them to maintain a slight chewiness for texture. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool them down, which is perfect for this refreshing dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, honey, warm water, minced garlic, and grated ginger until everything is silky smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more warm water to reach your desired consistency. This luscious sauce is where all the flavor magic happens, so taste and adjust the chili garlic sauce if you want it spicier.
Step 3: Toss Noodles with Sauce
Once your noodles have cooled, pour the peanut sauce over them and toss until every strand is perfectly coated. This ensures every bite bursts with that creamy, spicy goodness we’re after.
Step 4: Add Fresh Vegetables
Gently fold in the julienned cucumber and sliced green onions. These fresh veggies add a crisp contrast, balancing the richness of the sauce and enhancing the overall experience with their cool bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Divide the noodles into bowls and sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top for texture. If you like, add fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to finish it off with a vibrant and aromatic touch. This dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature — perfect for any season!
How to Serve Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra garnishes takes your Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe from lovely to absolutely irresistible. Fresh cilantro introduces bright herbaceous notes, while roasted peanuts contribute a crunchy surprise in every bite. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and a beautiful finish. Feel free to get creative with thinly sliced red chili for an extra pop of heat or fresh lime wedges if you love that citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This noodle dish is fantastic on its own, but you can easily pair it with light sides like steamed edamame, a crisp Asian slaw, or even simple miso soup. For a protein boost, grilled tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken complement the rich peanut sauce beautifully, rounding out your meal with satisfying heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these noodles chilled in pretty glass bowls for a refreshing summer meal or plate them on a vibrant bed of mixed greens for a noodle salad vibe. Another fun idea is to make individual noodle cups with crunchy lettuce leaves for easy, hand-held bites — perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more sauce and flavors over time, making them even tastier. Just toss lightly with a splash of water or a little extra sesame oil before serving to loosen the noodles.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can alter the texture of the noodles and fresh cucumber. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the sauce separately and toss with freshly cooked noodles and cucumber just before serving.
Reheating
Since this dish is delicious served cold or at room temperature, reheating is typically unnecessary. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat the noodles on the stovetop or microwave and then toss with fresh cucumber slices right before serving to preserve their refreshing crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or rice noodles work beautifully, you can also use soba, udon, or even shirataki noodles depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just cook according to package directions and enjoy the same delicious sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness primarily comes from the chili garlic sauce, which you can adjust easily. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like it hotter, or reduce it for a milder version. The creamy peanut butter also helps mellow the heat.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe is vegan as long as you use vegan-friendly noodles and maple syrup instead of honey. It’s a fantastic plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and noodles ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Add fresh cucumber and garnishes just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What are good protein additions for this recipe?
Grilled or baked tofu, cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or even a fried egg on top make excellent protein choices that pair perfectly with these spicy peanut noodles. They add substance and turn this dish into a full, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe enough — it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration in every bowl. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredible balance of creamy, spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors, makes it a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these noodles are bound to impress and satisfy. Give it a go and watch it quickly become a favorite go-to meal!
Print
Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber are a vibrant, flavorful Asian-inspired main course perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Cold or at room temperature, the noodles are tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce, then combined with refreshing cucumber and green onions for crunch. Garnished with chopped peanuts and optional fresh herbs, this vegan-friendly dish is easy to prepare and customizable with additional veggies or protein.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and cool the noodles. Set aside.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, honey or maple syrup, warm water, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more warm water if the sauce is too thick.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the cooled noodles to the peanut sauce and toss well until every strand is coated evenly.
- Add vegetables: Gently fold in the julienned cucumber and sliced green onions to the noodles with sauce, ensuring even distribution without bruising the cucumber.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the peanut noodles into serving bowls. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top and garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add shredded carrots or red bell pepper for extra crunch and vibrant color.
- For additional protein, top with grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
- Adjust the spice level according to your taste by using more or less chili garlic sauce.
