Savory, creamy, and slightly spicy, these Thai Red Curry Peanut Noodles are the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist. This dish combines the nuttiness of peanut butter with the rich spice of red curry paste, balanced perfectly by the creaminess of coconut milk. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s bursting with flavor and can be customized to your liking.
Whether you’re making this as a cozy dinner for yourself or a fun, flavorful dish for guests, these noodles are guaranteed to impress. Let me walk you through how to make this delicious meal step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of red curry paste, peanut butter, and coconut milk creates a rich, layered sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
- One-Pan Simplicity: The sauce comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Recipe: Thai Red Curry Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tablespoon red curry paste
- ¼ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup steamed broccoli
- Optional Garnishes:
- Crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook until tender, following the package instructions (usually about 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside. To prevent sticking, toss the noodles with a small amount of sesame oil or neutral oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the red curry paste. Stir it for about 30 seconds to release its aromas. Then, mix in the peanut butter, soy sauce, and coconut milk. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and well-blended, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Broccoli
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they’re fully coated. Gently stir in the steamed broccoli, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Plate the noodles and garnish with crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch. Add a squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Thai Red Curry Peanut Noodles
- Choose Your Noodles: Rice noodles work best for an authentic texture, but you can also use soba noodles, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles for a twist.
- Control the Heat: Red curry paste can vary in spiciness, so adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for extra protein.
- Customize Your Veggies: Steamed broccoli is a classic choice, but you can also use bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an additional minute or two to reduce slightly.
Why These Noodles are Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a fancy dinner party main course. The rich, nutty sauce has a universal appeal, and the vibrant red curry flavor adds an exotic twist that makes it feel special.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s one of those dishes that always gets rave reviews. The best part is that you can make it as simple or elaborate as you like. Keep it minimalist with just noodles and broccoli, or load it up with veggies, proteins, and garnishes for a more substantial meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan red curry paste and replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Most rice noodles and coconut milk are naturally vegan.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, toss it with freshly cooked noodles, and add the veggies.
Q3: What if I don’t have red curry paste?
You can substitute with a mild curry powder or even sriracha for a spicy kick, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
The noodles may lose some texture when frozen, but the sauce freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and toss with freshly cooked noodles.
Q5: How do I make it spicier?
Add more red curry paste, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha to amp up the heat.
Final Thoughts
These Thai Red Curry Peanut Noodles are the perfect combination of bold flavors and creamy comfort. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s restaurant-quality yet easy enough for a casual weeknight meal. The balance of savory peanut butter, spicy curry paste, and creamy coconut milk is pure magic, and the noodles and broccoli round it out beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal. I hope you enjoy every flavorful bite as much as I do! Happy cooking!
Thai Red Curry Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tablespoon red curry paste
- ¼ cup peanut butter creamy or chunky
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup steamed broccoli
Optional Garnishes:
- Crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook until tender, following the package instructions (usually about 5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside. To prevent sticking, toss the noodles with a small amount of sesame oil or neutral oil.
- Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the red curry paste. Stir it for about 30 seconds to release its aromas. Then, mix in the peanut butter, soy sauce, and coconut milk. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and well-blended, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Broccoli
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they’re fully coated. Gently stir in the steamed broccoli, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the noodles and garnish with crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch. Add a squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose Your Noodles: Rice noodles work best for an authentic texture, but you can also use soba noodles, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles for a twist.
- Control the Heat: Red curry paste can vary in spiciness, so adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for extra protein.
- Customize Your Veggies: Steamed broccoli is a classic choice, but you can also use bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an additional minute or two to reduce slightly.
