Instant Pot Peanut Noodles Recipe – Quick Sriracha & Veggie Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Peanut Noodles Recipe – Quick Sriracha & Veggie Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require a ton of effort. This Instant Pot Peanut Noodle recipe is a total lifesaver. I first stumbled upon a version of this when I was craving something comforting and spicy, and it’s been a regular in my kitchen ever since. Seriously, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another noodle dish. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavors – savory, sweet, spicy, and a little bit tangy. The Instant Pot makes it unbelievably easy, cooking everything together in one pot for minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can adjust the veggies and spice level to your liking. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s just plain fun to make!

Ingredients

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

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (about 30ml)
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 medium red pepper, sliced
• 3 stalks green onion, chopped (reserve some greens for garnish)
• 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce (about 37.5ml)
• 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar (about 22.5ml)
• 1.5 tablespoons honey (about 22.5ml)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste!)
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (about 45g)
• Salt, to taste
• 8 oz spaghetti (about 225g)
• 1.5 cups water (about 360ml)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (about 15g)
• 1 lime juice
• Crushed peanuts, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Peanut Butter: I usually go for smooth peanut butter for a really creamy sauce, but crunchy works beautifully too if you like a bit of texture. It’s totally up to you!
• Sriracha: This is where you control the heat. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you’re feeling brave. Some srirachas are hotter than others, so taste as you go.
• Soy Sauce: I like to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt level in check. Regular soy sauce works fine too, just be mindful of adding extra salt later.
• Noodles: Spaghetti is classic, but feel free to experiment! Linguine or even ramen noodles would be fantastic.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Once it’s hot, add the vegetable oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
3. Toss in the sliced carrots and red pepper, along with most of the chopped green onion (hold back a little for garnish). Give everything a good toss to combine.
4. Push the veggies to the side of the pot. In the center, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth, luscious sauce.
5. Now, break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Pour in the water, making sure the noodles are just submerged. Gently press the noodles down with a spatula to ensure they’re covered.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick pressure release. Carefully open the pot.
8. Give everything a good mix with tongs, making sure the noodles, sauce, and veggies are all combined. Stir in the reserved green onions, lime juice, and cilantro.
9. Finally, garnish with crushed peanuts and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the noodles! 4 minutes is usually perfect, but keep an eye on them. You want them al dente, not mushy.
• Taste and adjust: The sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s seasoned to your liking. Add more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.
• Prep your veggies ahead of time: This will make the cooking process even faster.

Variations

• Chicken Peanut Noodles: Add cooked, shredded chicken for a protein boost. My family loves this!
• Shrimp Peanut Noodles: Toss in some sautéed shrimp during the last minute of cooking.
• Tofu Peanut Noodles: For a vegetarian option, add cubed and pan-fried tofu.
• Extra Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is easily made vegan! Just make sure your honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar. Everything else is naturally vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Want to make this gluten-free? Simple! Use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the soy sauce with tamari.

Spice Level Adjustment

Don’t be afraid to play with the sriracha! Start small and add more to reach your desired level of heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.

Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation

To make this even faster, use pre-cut veggies. You can also cook the noodles separately while prepping the sauce in the Instant Pot.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of steamed edamame
• A fresh cucumber salad
• Spring rolls

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce, so you might need to add a splash of water when reheating.

FAQs

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together in the Instant Pot?

Breaking the spaghetti in half helps, and gently pressing them down into the water during cooking is key. Also, mixing them immediately after pressure release prevents sticking.

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites. Broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms all work well.

What is the best type of peanut butter to use?

It’s really a matter of preference! Smooth peanut butter creates a creamier sauce, while crunchy adds texture.

Can this be made ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add it to the Instant Pot with the other ingredients when you’re ready to cook.

Is it possible to adjust the sweetness level in the sauce?

Definitely! Add more or less honey (or maple syrup/agave for vegan) to suit your taste.

Enjoy! I hope you love this Instant Pot Peanut Noodle recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you come up with!