Peanut Butter Ramen has become our go-to quick weekday meal. These spicy peanut noodles take less than 10 minutes to make, use simple fresh ingredients, and taste better than takeout. They work as a satisfying single serving or an easy family dinner.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This version of peanut butter ramen became popular after a TikTok variation and has been adapted here for extra flavor. It’s a simple vegetarian-style noodle dish that’s delicious on its own or dressed up with cilantro, green onion, and chopped peanuts. For an extra treat, top with a jammy egg.
We love all things ramen; try this with homemade ramen seasoning when you want a different savory profile.
Key Ingredients
This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients. Follow the tips below for the best results.
- Ramen Noodles – any dried ramen or brown rice/millet ramen works well.
- Natural Peanut Butter – creamy or crunchy. Natural peanut butter yields a thinner sauce that coats noodles easily.
- Honey – balances the savory elements with mild sweetness.
- Ground Ginger – convenient pantry substitute for fresh ginger.
- Chili Garlic Sauce – adds heat; serve on the side if you prefer milder bowls.
- Green Onion – for fresh crunch and aroma.
- Peanuts – chopped for extra texture.
- Cilantro – optional herbaceous garnish.
How To Make Peanut Butter Ramen
This dish comes together in about 10 minutes. Simple steps and photos help if you want a visual guide.
- Combine peanut butter, honey, chili garlic sauce, and soy sauce. Stir in ground ginger until smooth.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot or a bowl.
- Toss the cooked, drained noodles with the peanut sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve with cilantro, green onion, and chopped peanuts for a bright finish.
Hint: Increase chili garlic sauce for more heat, or serve it separately so diners can control the spiciness.
Helpful Hints
If you’re cooking for kids or those who prefer mild food, keep the chili garlic sauce on the side. That way everyone can customize their bowl and the whole family can enjoy it.
Top tip
Use natural peanut butter for a thinner sauce that mixes easily. If your peanut butter is thick or commercial (non-natural), stir in soy sauce a 1/4 teaspoon at a time to reach the desired consistency. If using sweeter, non-natural peanut butter, reduce the honey by a tablespoon to avoid an overly sweet sauce.
Recipe
Peanut Butter Ramen
Andrea
Equipment
-
Sauce Pan
-
Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 blocks of ramen noodles
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce
Garnishes
- green onion sliced
- cilantro
- peanuts chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the dried ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and place the noodles in a bowl.
- While the noodles cook, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, ground ginger, chili garlic sauce, and honey until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the drained noodles and toss until the noodles are well coated.
- Serve topped with cilantro, sliced green onion, and chopped peanuts. Enjoy.
Notes
- Natural peanut butter creates a thinner sauce. If your peanut butter is thicker, thin the sauce with ¼ teaspoon soy sauce at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve chili garlic sauce on the side for those who prefer less heat.
- You can use instant ramen: discard the seasoning packet, cook the noodles, drain, and toss with the peanut sauce.
- Leftovers keep 2–3 days in the fridge. Store the sauce and noodles separately if possible; if mixed and stored, the noodles will absorb flavor and may need extra soy sauce, peanut butter, or chili sauce when reheating.
- If using sweeter commercial peanut butter, reduce the honey by about a tablespoon to avoid excess sweetness.
- To make it extra spicy, double the chili garlic sauce or add sriracha to taste.
- For added protein, top with cooked shrimp or shredded chicken.
- If serving non-spicy bowls, omit the chili garlic sauce entirely and offer it on the side so guests can add their own heat.
- Add a jammy egg for richness and extra texture.
- Kids often enjoy the noodles without the chili garlic sauce—serve plain peanut-seasoned noodles for a child-friendly option.
- For a deluxe finish, garnish with cilantro, sliced green onion, and chopped peanuts just before serving.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 65g
Substitutions and Variations
- Instant Ramen – use a single pack of instant ramen, discard the seasoning packet, cook, drain, and toss with peanut sauce.
- Sriracha – substitute sriracha for chili garlic sauce if you prefer a different heat profile; use sparingly as it can be hotter.
- Non-Natural Peanut Butter – if using commercial peanut butter, the sauce will be thicker; thin with soy sauce ¼ teaspoon at a time.
- Protein – add cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
Storing Spicy Peanut Noodles
If you won’t eat immediately, store the sauce separately and mix with the noodles just before serving to preserve the brightest flavor. When mixed and refrigerated, the noodles will absorb sauce and the flavor can fade.
Leftovers keep 2–3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave and, if needed, refresh the taste with a splash of soy sauce, a little extra peanut butter, or a pinch of chili garlic sauce. Add fresh garnishes—cilantro, green onion, and chopped peanuts—after reheating.