Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu – Easy Asian Noodle Recipe

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – sometimes you just need a quick, flavorful meal, right? This Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu recipe is my go-to when I’m craving something satisfying, a little bit spicy, and totally fuss-free. I first made this when I was a student and needed something quick and tasty after a long day of classes. It’s become a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you! It’s inspired by the incredible street food flavors of Asia, but made easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another noodle recipe. It’s a flavor explosion! Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful: The homemade spicy peanut powder is the star.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your spice preference and dietary needs.
• Healthy-ish: Packed with protein from the tofu and goodness from the veggies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 1 cup Peanuts (blanched, preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Red Chili powder
• ?? teaspoon Salt (plus more to taste)
• 8 oz Noodles
• 2 tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil
• 1 Small Red Onion, chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, finely minced
• 6 Scallions, chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 1 medium Red, yellow or Orange Bell Pepper, chopped
• 2~3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 cups Baked Tofu, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

Peanuts & Peanut Powder – Regional Variations & Health Benefits

Using blanched peanuts makes the powder smoother, but you can use skin-on if that’s all you have. Roasting them really brings out their flavor! Peanuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, but remember they are calorie-dense, so enjoy in moderation.

Noodles – Types & Choosing the Right One

I usually use wheat noodles for this, but feel free to experiment! Udon, ramen, or even spaghetti work well. About 200-225g of noodles is a good amount.

Spices – Exploring the Heat: Chili Powder & Cumin

Adjust the chili powder to your liking. Kashmiri chili powder gives a beautiful color and mild heat. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that complements the peanuts beautifully.

Tofu – Baking vs. Frying & Protein Power

I prefer baking the tofu for a healthier option, but you can definitely fry it if you want extra crispiness. Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess water before baking or frying. Tofu is a fantastic plant-based protein source.

Soy Sauce – Varieties & Sodium Content

I use regular soy sauce, but low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake. Dark soy sauce will add a richer color and slightly sweeter flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the spicy peanut powder: Dry roast the peanuts in a pan until golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely, then blend them with the cumin, chili powder, and salt into a coarse powder. Store any leftover powder in an airtight container – it’s amazing on other dishes too!
2. Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for creating a creamy sauce. Drain the noodles and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the veggies: Throw in the chopped scallions and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, stir in the grated carrot and chopped bell pepper and cook until they’re tender-crisp.
5. Peanut Power! Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of the peanut powder and soy sauce. Season with salt to taste. Don’t be shy with the peanut powder – it’s where all the flavor is!
6. Combine & Coat: Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the peanut sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Fold in the tofu: Gently fold in the chopped baked tofu.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with a drizzle of chili garlic sauce, if you like!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Peanut Powder Consistency

Don’t over-blend the peanuts! You want a coarse powder, not peanut butter. Pulse the blender a few times, scraping down the sides as needed.

Preventing Noodles from Sticking

That reserved pasta water is your friend! It helps create a silky sauce that prevents the noodles from clumping together.

Balancing Flavors: Salt & Soy Sauce

Taste as you go! Soy sauce is salty, so start with less and add more if needed.

Tofu Preparation for Optimal Texture

Pressing the tofu is key to getting it nice and firm. Wrap it in paper towels and place something heavy on top for about 30 minutes.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just double-check your soy sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Noodle Choices)

Use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or soba noodles (make sure they are 100% buckwheat). Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Fiery

Reduce or omit the chili powder for a milder flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili for a real kick!

Festival Adaptation – Street Food Style for Celebrations

Add a sprinkle of sev (crispy chickpea noodles) and a squeeze of lime juice for a street food-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

What goes well with spicy peanut noodles?

Garnish Ideas – Cilantro, Sesame Seeds, Crushed Peanuts

A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts adds a lovely texture and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions – Complementary Sides & Drinks

Serve with a side of steamed edamame or a refreshing cucumber salad. A cold glass of iced tea or a light beer pairs perfectly with the spice.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftover Noodles

Leftover noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may dry out a bit, so add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating.

Making Peanut Powder Ahead of Time

You can make the peanut powder up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of making peanut powder?

While you can use natural peanut butter, it won’t have the same texture or flavor as the homemade powder. It will be much smoother and the flavor won’t be as concentrated.

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Wheat noodles are my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Udon, ramen, or even spaghetti will work.

How can I adjust the spice level to my preference?

Start with a small amount of chili powder and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.

Can I add other vegetables to this noodle dish?

Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and spinach are all great additions.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! The noodles and sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately. Combine them just before serving.

How long does the peanut powder stay fresh?

The peanut powder will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.