Name: Peanut Butter Noodles with Garlic and Chilli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: Noodles; 85 g (3 oz) instant ramen noodles (discard flavour sachet); Broth; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 pinch white pepper; ¼ tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes); 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced; 1 chicken or vegetable stock cube, crumbled; 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter; 240 ml (1 cup) just-boiled water; 3 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced; Garnish; Extra sliced spring onions; Extra chilli flakes; Mixed black and white sesame seeds

Quick peanut butter noodles made in the microwave with garlic, chilli, and spring onions. This easy noodle recipe is ready in under 10 minutes using instant ramen and a creamy peanut broth. Perfect for a fast lunch, weeknight dinner, or budget-friendly meal with bold Asian-inspired flavours.

These quick and flavourful peanut butter noodles are perfect for busy days. Made in the microwave using instant noodles, garlic, chilli, and a creamy peanut broth, they’re ready in under 10 minutes and packed with bold, comforting flavours.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Noodles

85 g (3 oz) instant ramen noodles (discard flavour sachet)

Broth

1 tsp sesame oil
1 pinch white pepper
¼ tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 chicken or vegetable stock cube, crumbled
1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
240 ml (1 cup) just-boiled water
3 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced

Garnish

Extra sliced spring onions
Extra chilli flakes
Mixed black and white sesame seeds

Instructions

Place the noodles in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Add the flavourings: Drizzle in the sesame oil, then add white pepper, chilli flakes, garlic, crumbled stock cube, and peanut butter on top of the noodles.
Pour over the hot water and flip the noodle cake 2–3 times to help it absorb the liquid and start mixing in the flavours.
Microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds.
Stir in the sliced spring onions.
Microwave again on high for another 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the noodles are fully tender.
Serve: Stir everything well, then garnish with more spring onions, chilli flakes, and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips

Stir between microwave intervals to evenly distribute the peanut butter.
Use boiling water from a kettle to help dissolve the stock and peanut butter quickly.
A large, deep bowl prevents boiling over during cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Noodles: Use rice noodles or udon noodles if preferred.
Protein: Add shredded cooked chicken, tofu, or a boiled egg for extra protein.
Heat level: Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to taste.
Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
Vegan: Choose a vegetable stock cube and plant-based noodles.

FAQs

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Simmer the noodles in the broth mixture over medium heat until tender, about 4–5 minutes.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. It will add some extra texture to the dish.

Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers for up to 1 day and reheat with a splash of hot water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a quick lunch or light dinner.
Pair with steamed greens like bok choy or spinach.
Add crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chilli oil for extra flavour and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and easy—ready in under 10 minutes
Made with pantry staples
Customisable with add-ins like tofu, egg, or greens
Microwave-friendly with no fuss or mess
Full of bold, comforting Asian-inspired flavours