Get ready to fall in love with Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber! This quick and lively dish is a total weeknight savior, balancing the deep, creamy nuttiness of peanut butter with a spark of tangy vinegar, a salty punch of soy, and the cooling crunch of fresh cucumber. Whether you enjoy it cold on a hot day or at room temperature for a satisfying lunch, it delivers bold flavors and vibrant color in under half an hour—plus it’s perfect for meal prep and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber lies in simple pantry staples, punched up with a few fresh ingredients that really make the dish sing. Each component brings essential flavor, texture, or color and there’s nothing fussy here—just pure, craveable goodness.

Spaghetti or rice noodles (12 ounces): Either works perfectly; rice noodles lend chewy authenticity, while spaghetti is an easy, reliable swap.
Creamy peanut butter (1/3 cup): The heart of the sauce, providing that signature richness and velvety texture.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Offers deep umami and balanced saltiness, tying everything together.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright, tangy lift that cuts through the richness and keeps things refreshing.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash gives a nutty, toasty aroma that makes each bite unforgettable.
Honey (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness mellows the heat and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon): For that irresistible spicy kick—add more or less to suit your heat preference!
Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Brings welcome zing and complexity to the sauce.
Garlic, minced (1 clove): Essential for depth; use fresh for maximum flavor.
Warm water (1/4 cup): Helps loosen the sauce, so it coats the noodles perfectly.
Cucumber, julienned (1 large): Crisp, hydrating, and the ultimate cooling contrast to the spicy, saucy noodles.
Green onions, sliced (2): Their mellow bite and pop of color are the perfect finish.
Roasted peanuts, chopped (1/4 cup): Add extra crunch and reinforce the peanut flavor in every forkful.
Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Herbaceous and bright, this optional finishing touch tastes as fresh as it looks.

How to Make Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

First things first: set a large pot of water to boil, salt it generously, and cook your noodles until they’re just al dente—a minute or so less than the package suggests is usually perfect. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking, then set aside. Cold noodles are key for soaking up the sauce and creating a refreshing texture that’s just right for Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha (or chili garlic sauce), grated ginger, minced garlic, and warm water. Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and completely blended. The sauce should be pourable but still luxurious; if it’s too thick, add another splash of warm water until you reach your desired consistency. This punchy, creamy sauce is the soul of Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber.

Step 3: Toss and Assemble

Add the well-drained noodles to the bowl with your silky peanut sauce. Toss everything together until every strand is thoroughly coated and gleaming. Divide among serving bowls, then top each with a generous heap of julienned cucumber, sliced green onions, a shower of chopped roasted peanuts, and plenty of fresh cilantro if you love that herbal burst. The colors pop, and the flavors explode!

How to Serve Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber

Garnishes

The best part about Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber is the way the toppings add so much flavor and fun. For that signature finish, don’t skip a handful of roasted peanuts for extra crunch, a sprinkling of sliced green onions for brightness, and a cascade of cilantro for freshness. If you love a hint of extra heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a few red chili flakes over the top takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

These noodles are a meal on their own, but if you want to round out the plate, try pairing them with sesame-soy marinated tofu, quick pickled veggies, or a light crisp Asian slaw. Even a simple bowl of steamed edamame or miso soup makes a wonderful match, keeping the meal balanced and vibrant without overwhelming the flavors of your Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber.

Creative Ways to Present

Have some fun with how you serve this dish! Pile the noodles into a big serving bowl for a crowd or twirl them into neat little nests for individual plates. You can layer everything in glass jars for meal-prep lunches, or serve in lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held twist. For a summer gathering, add sliced radishes or extra veggies for a lively, colorful presentation of your Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the joys of Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber is how beautifully they keep! Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen and meld, often making the noodles even tastier the next day. If you know you’ll be storing some, consider keeping the cucumbers and garnishes separate and adding just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked noodles and peanut sauce separately, the refreshing crunch of cucumber and the delicate texture of fresh herbs won’t survive the freezing process. If you’d like to freeze portions, skip the toppings and simply prepare a fresh batch of cucumber and cilantro the day you’re ready to serve. Thaw overnight in the fridge and toss gently before enjoying.

Reheating

Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber are perfect cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warmed, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring gently after each. Be careful not to overheat, as the sauce can thicken or split—if needed, stir in a splash of water or an extra dash of soy sauce to loosen things up before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and opt for rice noodles or any gluten-free pasta you love. This way, everyone can dig in worry-free.

What proteins can I add to make it more filling?

These noodles are great with shredded chicken, sautéed tofu, or shrimp tossed right into the dish. Marinated tempeh or thinly sliced beef are also fantastic if you want to change things up and add even more flavor.

How do I make it less spicy for kids or sensitive palates?

No problem—just reduce the sriracha or chili sauce, or skip it entirely and serve it on the side. The peanut, soy, and honey provide plenty of flavor all on their own, so you won’t miss out on deliciousness.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Sure! Crunchy peanut butter will give the sauce a bit more texture. If you like a little extra crunch in every bite, it’s a fun swap—just whisk it in well, and you may want to skip or reduce the added peanuts on top.

Will Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber work as a meal prep lunch?

Absolutely—these noodles are basically built for meal prep. Just keep the veggie toppings in a separate container to prevent them from getting soggy and mix in before serving. They taste fantastic straight from the fridge!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a punchy, unfussy meal that’s big on comfort and color, give Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber a spot in your regular rotation! This is the sort of dish you’ll want to share with everyone—and you might find yourself craving it again before the week is out. Pull out your chopsticks, dive in, and enjoy every spicy, refreshing forkful.

Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these Spicy Peanut Noodles with Cucumber, a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. The combination of creamy peanut sauce, crunchy cucumbers, and aromatic herbs will have you coming back for more!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Noodles:

12 ounces spaghetti or rice noodles

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup warm water

For Serving:

1 large cucumber, julienned
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles until al dente, then drain and rinse.
Make the Peanut Sauce: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and water in a bowl.
Toss Noodles with Sauce: Coat noodles with the peanut sauce.
Assemble: Divide into bowls and top with cucumber, green onions, peanuts, and cilantro.
Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.