Spicy Coconut Peanut Noodles

Some of the best recipes come from a little kitchen experimentation, and this one is proof! My husband and I stumbled upon coconut peanut butter at a local farmers market and couldn’t resist getting creative with it. The result? Spicy, creamy, nutty noodles with a hint of coconut richness, perfectly balanced with fresh veggies and crispy tofu. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together easily—perfect for a weeknight stir-fry with a unique twist!

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• 1 tbsp coconut peanut butter (or sub with ½ tbsp PB2 + ½ tbsp coconut oil)

• 2 tbsp PB2

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp salt

• Drizzle of chili oil (optional)

Vegetables & Protein: (handful of each, cut into thin strips ~1.5 inches long):

• Broccoli florets & stems

• Red cabbage

• Carrots

• Green beans

• Onions

• Tofu, cut into strips (air-fried or sautéed until golden brown)

Other:

• Stir-fry rice noodles

• Crushed peanuts & green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the tofu: Cut into strips and either air-fry or pan-fry until golden brown.

2. Prep the veggies: Chop the vegetables into thin strips (~1.5 inches long).

3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.

4. Prep the noodles: Boil the rice noodles according to package instructions.

5. Sauté the veggies: Heat a pan on high heat, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then lower the heat.

6. Thin out the sauce: While the noodles are boiling, add 3 tbsp of noodle water to the sauce and mix until smooth.

7. Combine everything: Drain the noodles (do not rinse!) and immediately mix them into the pan with the veggies. Add the sauce and toss to coat.

8. Serve immediately: Top with crushed peanuts and green onions.

Additional Notes

• Coconut Peanut Butter? This unique nut butter combines the creaminess of peanut butter with a subtle coconut flavor, adding depth to the sauce. If you can’t find it, the PB2 + coconut oil substitute works just as well!

• Don’t Rinse the Noodles – This keeps them warm and starchy, helping them absorb the sauce better.

• Customizable – Swap tofu for tempeh, add more chili oil for heat, or throw in extra veggies for crunch!

This dish has quickly become a go-to favorite in our kitchen, and I hope it does in yours too! Let me know if you try it.