Name: Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 16 oz udon noodles (thick cut); 1 cucumber (spiralized or thinly sliced); 1 block tofu (extra firm, optional); 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted); 2 tsp sriracha; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp garlic (minced or powdered); 1 tsp ginger (minced or powdered); 1/2 cup hot water (reserved from noodle cooking); Scallions (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish and tofu topping)

If you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dish that feels both comforting and a little fancy, you’re going to love this Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe. It’s one of those meals I whip up when I want something satisfying but fuss-free—the kind of recipe you can throw together in about 15 minutes and still impress your taste buds. Creamy peanut sauce meets thick, chewy udon noodles with fresh cucumber and golden tofu, making every bite a delicious little party. Stick around—I’m going to share all my best tips to help you nail this recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: Ready in just about 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Satisfyingly Creamy: The peanut sauce is rich but light, balancing flavors perfectly.
Flexible Protein: Whether you love tofu or want to skip it, this recipe adapts easily.
Fresh and Crunchy: Cucumber adds a delightful crunch that keeps this dish refreshing.

A round white bowl filled with creamy light beige noodles mixed with small green pieces, topped with four rectangular golden brown tofu slices sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The noodles have a smooth texture, and the tofu pieces are placed side by side in the center. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with two whole green onions placed above it and a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on a beige cloth to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Peanut Udon Noodles, easy Asian noodle dish, quick vegetarian dinner, creamy peanut noodle recipe, flavorful udon stir-fry

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. The thick-cut udon noodles give a wonderful chewiness, while the peanut butter and soy sauce deliver deep, savory flavor. Here’s a little about the ingredients that make this work so well.

Flat lay of thick cut udon noodles arranged loosely, a whole fresh cucumber with glossy dark green skin, a block of extra firm tofu with a smooth creamy white surface, a small bunch of vibrant green scallions, a small mound of shiny light brown sesame seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden toasted sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red sriracha, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with finely minced or powdered garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with finely minced or powdered ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of steaming hot water, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Peanut Udon Noodles, easy Asian noodle dish, quick vegetarian dinner, creamy peanut noodle recipe, flavorful udon stir-fry

Udon noodles: Thick and chewy, udon noodles soak up the peanut sauce wonderfully without getting mushy.
Cucumber: Adds a fresh, crisp bite that cuts through the richness of the sauce—don’t skip it!
Tofu (extra firm): I like to pan-fry it until crispy outside for texture and flavor, but it’s optional if you want to keep it simple or vegan.
Scallions: For that sharp, oniony freshness as a garnish.
Sesame seeds: Toasted or raw, they add nuttiness and a lovely crunch on top.
Peanut butter (unsweetened): The heart of the sauce—stick to unsweetened for best control over flavors.
Soy sauce: Brings in that savory umami punch.
Sesame oil (toasted): Just a splash makes the whole sauce aroma pop.
Sriracha: Adds a gentle heat, adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that balances the richness.
Garlic and ginger (minced or powdered): Essential aromatics that take the sauce from good to irresistible.
Hot water: Loosens the peanut sauce for the perfect creamy consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe can be! Depending on what you have on hand or your cravings, you can tweak it to make it your own.

Protein swap: Instead of tofu, I once tried grilled shrimp and it was amazing—the peanut sauce paired beautifully with the smoky flavor.
Veggie boost: Toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Spice it up: If you like it hotter, add more sriracha or even a dash of chili oil for a fiery kick.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap udon for rice noodles or shirataki noodles.

How to Make Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles Perfectly

Start by boiling your udon noodles following the package instructions. I always watch closely so I don’t overcook them—they should be tender but still have a nice chew. Once done, drain the noodles but don’t rinse; you want that residual heat and starch to help the sauce cling better, plus save about half a cup of that hot water for loosening the sauce later.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Peanut Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and that hot water you saved. Whisk really well until everything turns into a silky, creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a tiny splash more of hot water—this sauce should coat the noodles without drowning them.

Step 3: Prepare the Fresh and Crispy Cucumber

While the noodles cook, spiralize or thinly slice your cucumber. The cucumbers bring such a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the peanut sauce. Set these aside for adding right before serving.

Step 4: Cook the Tofu to Golden Perfection (Optional)

Cut the tofu into thin slices or cubes and sauté it in a little oil over medium-high heat until golden and crispy on both sides. Here’s a trick I discovered: once the tofu is nicely browned, splash in some soy sauce or coconut aminos and turn the heat to low, letting the tofu soak up that savory flavor—it’s a game-changer! Sprinkle sesame seeds on top while still in the pan for a toasty finish.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together and Serve

Add the hot noodles straight into the bowl with your peanut sauce, then toss in the fresh cucumber slices. Give it all a good toss until the noodles are coated and everything is well combined. Serve in bowls and top with your golden tofu, scallions, and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately while warm and fresh!

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe

Noodle texture matters: Don’t overcook udon; al dente gives the best chew and holds sauce nicely.
Sauce consistency: Use hot water gradually when mixing peanut sauce so it’s creamy but not watery.
Tofu flavor boost: Finishing tofu in soy sauce or coconut aminos is a little trick I learned that adds depth and umami.
Freshness matters: Add the cucumber last to keep it crunchy and bright in every bite.

How to Serve Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a bowl with three layers. The bottom layer is thick, light tan noodles with a creamy sauce, speckled with tiny black and white seeds. On top of the noodles, there are golden-brown rectangular tofu pieces sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds and chopped green onions. At the top, a pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand lifts some noodles, with a few green onion slices stuck to the chopsticks. The bowl is white, and the background surface has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Peanut Udon Noodles, easy Asian noodle dish, quick vegetarian dinner, creamy peanut noodle recipe, flavorful udon stir-fry

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with a handful of chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The scallions add a sharp, fresh note, and those sesame seeds give a subtle nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the peanut sauce. Sometimes I also add a few crushed peanuts on top for extra texture and flavor—my family goes crazy for that!

Side Dishes

This Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed edamame, miso soup, or a simple Asian cucumber salad. If you want something heartier, spring rolls or a crunchy Asian slaw make great complements too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these noodles in pretty bowls topped with edible flowers or fresh cilantro to make the colors pop. Another fun way is to plate them in a bento box style with neat sections of tofu, cucumber, and a little dipping sauce on the side—it always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover peanut udon noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, I add any fresh cucumber or garnishes only when I’m ready to eat. The tofu might soften, but reheating it separately helps keep some crispness.

Freezing

While I haven’t tried freezing the full noodle dish because udon’s texture can suffer, you can freeze cooked tofu separately. Just reheat tofu slices in a pan until crisp before adding them back to the noodles for serving.

Reheating

When reheating the noodles, I gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce without drying it out. I add fresh cucumber and scallions only after reheating to keep that fresh crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I make this Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally plant-based if you leave out the tofu or use a vegan soy sauce alternative. Make sure your peanut butter contains no added animal products, and you’re good to go.
What if I don’t have udon noodles?

No worries! Thick rice noodles or soba noodles can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How do I make the peanut sauce smoother?

Using hot water and whisking vigorously helps smooth out the peanut butter. If lumps persist, try briefly warming the peanut butter first or using a hand blender.
Can I prepare ingredients in advance?

Definitely! You can cook and store noodles separately, slice cucumbers ahead, and prepare the peanut sauce in advance. Just combine everything right before serving for best texture.
What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder sauce. The peanut and soy flavor will still shine through wonderfully!

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Udon Noodles Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners because it’s so easy yet packed with layers of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll love it as much as my family does—give it a try and tweak it a bit to make it your own. Trust me, once you get this peanut sauce just right, you’ll be making it again and again!