Shrimp Noodles with Homemade Peanut Sauce Recipe

Flavorful shrimp noodles with creamy peanut sauce, garlic, and ginger. Quick, customizable, and perfect for weeknights.

If you’re craving a flavorful, savory noodle dish that’s quick to make and packed with delicious ingredients, this shrimp noodle recipe with homemade peanut sauce is for you. It combines tender shrimp with spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy, rich peanut sauce that has just the right balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Finished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts, every bite offers a satisfying texture and flavor.

Some of my favorite Thai recipes include peanuts as an ingredient, which inspired this recipe. This healthy dinner recipe is perfect for weeknight or a cozy night in, as it’s ready in about 40 minutes with simple ingredients you may already have at home. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein swaps. Let’s dive in and see why this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Noodle Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this shrimp recipe. First, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The homemade peanut sauce is creamy and provides an indulgent peanut taste you’ll love, while the shrimp adds a protein-rich element, making this a complete meal that doesn’t feel too heavy. The sauce has a hint of sweetness from honey and a touch of acidity from rice vinegar, balancing out the peanut butter’s richness.

Second, this recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can swap out the spaghetti noodles for rice noodles, use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp, and add in vegetables like red peppers, carrots, or broccoli. The ingredient list is simple, and the steps are easy, so even beginner cooks can whip this up in no time. Healthy recipes don’t have to be boring or filled with tasteless ingredients, and this dish is proof of that!

A Breakdown of the Ingredients for Thai Peanut Sauce and Shrimp Noodles

• Shrimp: The main protein in this recipe, shrimp cooks quickly and adds a mild, sweet flavor. Shrimp is a great source of protein and good source of Omega-3 fats, making them nutritious as well. Choose medium shrimp in this recipe for faster cooking. 
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasty flavor to the shrimp and complements the peanut butter in the sauce.
• Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics create a flavorful base and add warmth to the sauce.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors. If you prefer, you can use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter forms the backbone of the sauce, creating a rich, smooth consistency while also adding valuable nutrients, like protein, fiber, healthy fats, and 19 vitamins and minerals. 
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth to the sauce, enhancing its complexity.
• Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce brings a savory, salty element that balances the peanut butter.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the richness.
• Spaghetti Noodles: While spaghetti noodles are used here, you can also use rice noodles or soba noodles for a more traditional Thai twist.
• Cilantro and Peanuts: These fresh toppings add a final touch of flavor and texture, with cilantro providing brightness and peanuts adding crunch.

How to Make the Dish

1. Cook the Noodles: Begin by cooking your noodles in a large pot of water, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1.5 cups pasta water, then set the cooked noodles aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp only need a few minutes to become tender.
3. Add Aromatics: Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pot with the shrimp. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

1. Prepare the Sauce: Now, combine peanut butter, honey, tomato paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in the pot. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

1. Thicken the Sauce: Add the water to the pot and bring the mixture to a low boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1/4 cup cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water, then add it to the pot and stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

1. Combine and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked noodles to the pot and simmer for a few more minutes. Stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts before serving.

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftovers, let the shrimp noodles cool to room temperature before storing them. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the noodles to help rehydrate the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick.

To reheat, simply microwave the noodles in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. It’s best to consume the noodles within a few days, as shrimp doesn’t freeze well and may lose its texture when reheated after freezing.

Tips for Making the Thai-Inspired Shrimp Noodles with Peanut Sauce

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will give the best results. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry as instructed. This will help thicken the sauce without altering its flavor.
• Customize the Noodles: Feel free to swap the spaghetti noodles for rice noodles, udon, or soba noodles based on your preference. Each brings its unique texture to the dish.
• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, toss in some stir-fried or steamed vegetables, such as red bell pepper, broccoli, green peas, or sugar snap peas.
• Experiment with Toppings: Along with cilantro and peanuts, you can also add sesame seeds, green onion, lime wedges or fresh lime juice, or chili sauce for extra flavor.
• Make a Spicy Peanut Sauce: To dial up the heat in your sauce, add in chili sauce or red pepper flakes. This will make for delicious spicy peanut noodles and can even be used on a cold noodle salad recipe.