Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving something vibrant, a little spicy, and absolutely satisfying, you’ve got to try my Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe. This dish hits all the right notes — creamy peanut sauce, tender shrimp, fresh veggies, and noodles all tossed together in perfect harmony. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a weeknight favorite that you’ll want to share with everyone.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe is carefully chosen to create a balance of texture and flavor. The noodles soak up the peanut sauce perfectly, while crisp veggies add freshness and shrimp lends that delicate sweetness and protein punch. When shopping, look for quality peanut butter and fresh shrimp (or good frozen) for the best results.

• Avocado oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for stir-frying without burning.
• Carrots & red bell pepper: Julienne cuts cook quickly and add great crunch and color.
• Yakisoba Stir Fry Noodles: These soak up the sauce wonderfully and have a nice chew.
• Frozen cooked shrimp: Convenient and cooks fast—great for last-minute meals.
• Frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and bright green that livens up the dish.
• Unsalted peanuts: Chopped for garnish to add texture contrast and that toasty nutty flavor.
• Peanut butter (creamy): The star ingredient in the sauce for that lush, nutty base.
• Soy sauce (low sodium): Provides salty depth without overpowering the peanut flavor.
• Honey: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Lime juice: Fresh acidity that lifts the entire sauce.
• Garlic & chili sauces: Give the sauce that classic Thai punch of heat and fragrance.
• Sesame oil: Just a drizzle for that toasty aroma that’s unmistakably Asian-inspired.
• Sriracha & chili flakes: Adjust these for your preferred spice level.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love this Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe just the way it is, but I also encourage you to make it your own. Swap the shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even beef to switch things up. Add crunchy peanuts or cashews, or throw in extra veggies like snap peas or broccoli. It’s all about tailoring it to what you enjoy most and what’s in your fridge.

• Variation: I sometimes add a spoonful of coconut milk to the sauce for a silkier texture; it’s heavenly and adds a subtle creaminess.
• Dietary Mods: For a gluten-free version, just swap the soy sauce for tamari and use rice noodles instead of yakisoba.
• Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha and chili garlic sauce based on how much heat you crave – I’ve made this super mild for family dinners and fiery for dinner parties alike.
• Veggie Boost: Feel free to bulk it up with whatever veggies are fresh or in season – mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini work beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles and Sauce

Start by cooking your yakisoba stir fry noodles according to the package instructions, then set them aside. While the noodles are cooking, whisk together all the ingredients for your peanut sauce in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. The sauce will be thick, so if you like it a bit thinner to better coat your noodles, just add a tablespoon or two of water and stir it in. Prep your veggies and shrimp so everything’s ready to go.

Step 2: Stir-Fry Your Veggies

Heat avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the julienned carrots and red bell peppers and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. I like to add about a quarter cup of the peanut sauce at this stage to get the veggies nicely coated and start building flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add Shrimp and Noodles

Next, add in your cooked shrimp and noodles, stir-frying everything together for another 4-5 minutes until the shrimp is heated through and cooked (if you’re using frozen cooked shrimp, just heat thoroughly). Pour in half a cup of your peanut sauce and frozen peas, stirring gently to combine. Keep adding sauce as needed until your noodles are luxuriously coated — I’m not shy here, so I usually end up using close to the full cup!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering chopped unsalted peanuts and sliced green onions over the top for crunch and freshness. Serve immediately and get ready for the compliments!

How to Serve Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by crunchy chopped peanuts and thinly sliced green onions to finish this dish. They add texture and that fresh bite that makes the noodles pop. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra chili flakes on top if I’m feeling spicy, or fresh cilantro for a herbaceous note. These simple garnishes elevate the whole meal.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands beautifully alone, but I often pair it with a light cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice for extra comfort. A side of crispy spring rolls or a refreshing papaya salad also rounds out the meal nicely if you want more variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the noodles in individual shallow bowls topped with an edible flower or lime wedge on the side for a pop of color. Wrapping leftovers into lettuce cups or rice paper rolls is a fun twist for lunchboxes or potlucks. It’s versatile and visually appealing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the sauce thickens as it chills, I usually add a splash of water or a squeeze of lime juice when reheating to bring back that saucy consistency.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay if you’re in a pinch, but I find the noodles can get a bit mushy after thawing. If you do freeze, separate the sauce from the noodles and shrimp if possible, then combine fresh when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe is in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir often to warm evenly and keep noodles from sticking. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to dry things out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Shrimp Recipe holds a special place on my table because it’s a delightful marriage of comfort and bold flavor that comes together so quickly. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s the kind of dish that feels like a small celebration every time you eat it. So grab your wok, prep those ingredients, and let’s make dinner fantastic tonight!

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