Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories per Serving: ~450
Budget-Friendly Peanut Butter Noodles with Vegetables
Creamy. Comforting. Customizable. Cheap.
This peanut butter noodle dish came to life on one of those wild evenings when I had a half-box of spaghetti, one sad carrot, some cabbage, and a jar of peanut butter. That’s all it took to create a recipe that became a family favorite in The Destined Kitchen.
- Plant-based
- Budget-friendly
- Quick and easy
- Totally satisfying
- Perfect for cleaning out the fridge
Why Peanut Butter Noodles?
Peanut butter adds creamy richness and pairs perfectly with soy sauce, garlic, and lime or vinegar. It’s savory, nutty, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a staple in most pantries—making this meal super affordable and fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Noodles & Veggies:
- 8 oz spaghetti, ramen, or rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or mixed veggies
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ - ½ cup warm water
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional)
How to Make It
Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and spice. Add warm water until smooth and pourable.
Sauté the Veggies: In a skillet, cook carrots, cabbage, and peas for 3–4 minutes.
Combine Everything: Add noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Serve & Garnish: Top with green onions and more spice if desired. Serve warm.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
This recipe is:
- Kid-approved
- Customizable with what’s in your fridge
- Meal-prep friendly
- Affordable and fast
Make It Your Own: Tasty Variations
- Protein boost: Add tofu, chickpeas, or edamame
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini
- More veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- Spicy: Use chili crisp or extra sriracha
- Grain swap: Try brown rice, soba, or quinoa
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Add a splash of water and warm on the stove or microwave
- Make-ahead: Prep the sauce in advance and store for up to a week
Final Thoughts: A Weeknight Hero
This meal proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to eat well on a plant-based diet. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your journey, this recipe has your back.
It’s fast, comforting, and flexible enough to keep on repeat. Bookmark this one, y’all—you’ll be making it again and again.
Call to Action
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Ingredients
For the Noodles & Veggies:
- 8 oz spaghetti ramen, or rice noodles (whatever’s on hand)
- 1 cup shredded carrots – adds sweetness and crunch
- 1 cup shredded cabbage – or sub any veggie mix
- ½ cup frozen peas – optional but tasty
- 2 green onions – optional but great for garnish and freshness
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ⅓ cup peanut butter – creamy or chunky both work
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar – balances the salt
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice – adds brightness
- 1 tsp garlic powder – or fresh minced garlic
- ½ tsp ground ginger – or 1 tsp fresh
- ¼ - ½ cup warm water – to get the sauce just right
- Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha for that kick
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Slowly add warm water until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and pourable.
Sauté the Veggies
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil (or water for oil-free). Add the shredded carrots, cabbage, and peas. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour in the peanut sauce and toss everything together until well coated. Let it cook another 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve and Garnish
- Top with sliced green onions and extra spice if you like it fiery. Serve warm and prepare to impress your taste buds with very little effort.
