This is more of a PSA than a recipe. It’s not a new idea. You should if you have yet to try adding peanut butter to instant ramen. It is my favorite way to upgrade ramen noodles, and these Spicy Peanut Butter Ramen noodles might be my favorite so far! These noodles are quick and filling. They can also be customized in a variety of ways. Let me show you how to make the basic recipe, and then you can customize it!
Shown here with lime wedges. (optional and not necessary for full flavor.)
It’s hard to say who came up with this brilliant idea. But adding peanut butter to instant noodles is probably a simplified version of Dan Dan Noodles – a spicy Chinese dish with Sichuan chilies, sesame, and peanuts. This chile and peanut flavor combination has been popular for years, with good reason. It is absolutely addictive. Here are two authentic Dan Dan Noodles recipes: The Omnivores’ Cookbook and Woks Of Life.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
I recommend using the natural style of peanut butter. This means that it is just peanuts ground up with a bit of salt and perhaps a little sugar. It has no added oils or sugar. This type of peanut spread has a stronger flavor than the heavily processed, sugared versions.
You may need to adjust the brown sugar in the recipe if you do not have natural peanut butter. This is because peanut butter already contains sugar.
Can I make it less spicy?
The chili garlic dressing adds heat and flavor to the dish, but also garlic, acidity, and a little heat. You can use the ingredients separately to make something like this Peanut Lime dressing to make a less spicy version.
What else can I add to my PEANUT BUTTER ramen noodles?
Add any type of protein or vegetable to your Spicy peanut butter Ramen noodles to keep it interesting and new every time. Here are some suggestions:
Cooked chicken
Shrimp
Red bell pepper
Spinach
Lime
Baked tofu
Red onion
Shredded carrot
Snow peas
Edamame
Sesame seeds
Do I need the Ramen Seasoning Packet?
This recipe is intended to be made with seasoning packets that come with ramen. If you want to use the seasoning pack, skip the soy sauce. It adds salt instead of the packet.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp Natural-style Peanut Butter ($0.25)
1 Tbsp chili garlic sauce* ($0.13)
1 Tbsp soy sauce ($0.06)
1 Tbsp Brown Sugar ($0.04)
1 3oz. Instant ramen (seasoning discarded).
1 Green Onion, sliced (0.10)
Instrucciones
Mix the peanut butter with the chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a large bowl.
Bring a small pan of water to the boil on high heat. Stir 1/4 cup water into the paste.
Add the ramen (without the seasoning packet) and the water to a boil. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the noodles become tender.
Then, drain the noodles and return them back to the pot. Turn off the heat. Pour the peanut sauce on top and mix to combine. Serve immediately. Top with green onions sliced.
