Cheap Microwave Peanut Butter Noodles

Craving a creamy, savory noodle dish without breaking the bank or turning on the stove? Our cheap microwave peanut butter noodles are your new best friend. Costing under $2 per serving and ready in 5 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for broke college students and busy parents alike.

We’re talking pantry staples like instant ramen and peanut butter transformed into a luxuriously thick sauce. Bonus: zero fancy equipment needed—just a microwave and a mug.

Here’s everything you need to nail this lazy-day meal, from avoiding gluey noodles to boosting flavor with chili flakes or soy sauce.

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Cheap Microwave Peanut Butter Noodles

Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Asian

Servings

2

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

10

minutes

These microwave peanut butter noodles are a fantastic, affordable meal option that can be prepared in just a few minutes. With the creamy richness of peanut butter and the savory taste of soy sauce, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're in need of a quick snack, these noodles are customizable with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.

Ingredients

• of instant ramen noodles

• creamy peanut butter

• soy sauce

• honey or maple syrup

• sesame oil

• red pepper flakes optional

• green onions for garnish

• vegetables . optional

Directions

• Place the instant ramen noodles in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with water, leaving about an inch of water above the noodles.
• Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until the noodles are soft.
• Drain any excess water, if necessary.
• Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to the noodles.
• Stir well to combine all ingredients until the noodles are coated and the sauce is creamy.
• Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if the sauce is too thick.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and steamed vegetables if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter or soy sauce according to your taste preferences. You can also add pre-cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. This recipe is extremely versatile and can be a great way to use up leftover veggies from your fridge!

Cheap Microwave Peanut Butter Noodles Recipe

This recipe has been our family’s emergency meal since my grandpa whipped it up during a 1970s power outage. Total cost today: $1.78 per serving. My kids Sarah and Timmy once demolished three batches during their dinosaur-themed birthday party – proof even picky eaters approve.

Ingredients

• 1 pack instant ramen (discard seasoning)
• 2 tbsp peanut butter – creamy or chunky
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tsp soy sauce (or ¼ tsp salt)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar – lemon juice works in a pinch

Ingredient Substitutes &Amp; Alternatives

When Sarah’s peanut-allergic friend joined Timmy’s party, we swapped peanut butter for sunflower seed butter – same creamy results. Other swaps:

• Noodles: Rice vermicelli (microwave 3 mins) or spaghetti snapped into 2″ pieces
• Soy sauce: Coconut aminos for gluten-free needs
• Flavor boosters: ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp sriracha

How to Make Microwave Peanut Butter Noodles

My grandpa’s original method involved a coffee mug and 90 seconds. We’ve refined it to avoid volcanic sauce eruptions – Timmy’s 6th birthday taught us that lesson! For coffee lovers, there are clever microwave hacks that can elevate your brew experience. Exploring these tricks can help you make the most out of your coffee routine while ensuring tasty results.

Step-by-step Directions

1. Prep noodles: Break ramen block into quarters in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with water (1.5 cups).
2. Microwave 3 minutes at 800W. Stir halfway to prevent clumping.
3. Drain, leaving 2 tbsp cooking water. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar.
4. Stir vigorously 45 seconds until sauce emulsifies. Sauce should coat noodles like velvety magma.

Tips for Perfect Noodles

• Stop sogginess: Under-microwave noodles by 15 seconds if your microwave runs hot (most do)
• Saucing science: Reserved starchy water helps fat (peanut butter) and acid (vinegar) bind
• Texture hack: Add 1 tsp sesame oil post-microwave for restaurant-level gloss

Curious how this Frankenstein’s monster of pantry staples actually tastes? Let’s dissect the flavor profile – no lab coat required. Utilizing a simple microwave trick can elevate the flavor of simple vegetables, making them taste like a dish created by a gourmet chef. With just a few minutes, the right techniques can transform your veggies into a restaurant-quality delight.

What Do Peanut Butter Noodles Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite takeout sesame noodles had a baby with a peanut butter sandwich. Rich and nutty from the peanut butter, tangy-sweet from the rice vinegar, and umami-bomb from soy sauce. The texture? Slippery noodles wearing a velvety sauce coat. For a quick and easy dinner, consider whipping up a microwave honey sesame chicken, which blends sweet and savory flavors just like your favorite dish.

My 8-year-old Timmy calls it “peanut butter spaghetti” – accurate, though our Italian grandma winces. The sauce clings like a koala hug, with optional chili flakes adding cheeky heat. Pro tip: Let it cool 60 seconds. Hot peanut butter tastes flat, but at 140°F (60°C), flavors pop like confetti. Whether you’re making cheap microwave peanut butter noodles or a gourmet dish, this trick works wonders.

Also See: Anyday Microwave Meal: Spicy Black Bean Cornbread

How to Store Microwave Peanut Butter Noodles

These noodles are best fresh but keep 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Don’t leave them out over 2 hours – peanut butter turns rancid faster than milk in July sun. For a quick meal option, consider preparing 2 minute microwave Thai peanut noodles vegan, which offer a delicious, hassle-free alternative. This dish combines the rich flavors of peanut sauce with tender noodles, making it a perfect choice for busy days.

• Fridge: Store sauce-coated noodles. Add 1 tsp water before reheating to revive creaminess
• Freezer: Portion into silicone molds. Reheat frozen blocks 90 seconds (stir twice)

Avoid metal containers – microwaving them sparks more drama than a reality TV reunion. Glass or BPA-free plastic only. It’s also important to consider what type of plastic is used, particularly when it comes to safety. Some plastics can release microplastics when heated, raising concerns about health effects.

Also See: Microwave Basa Fish Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Common Mistakes &Amp; How to Fix Them

We’ve all been there. My first attempt in 2018 resembled glue-coated shoelaces. Learn from our fails:

If you accidentally use natural peanut butter (the oil-separating kind), stir in ¼ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water. Microwave 15 seconds – sauce magically unbreaks!

Ready to see how this $1.78 meal stacks up nutritionally? Let’s crunch numbers without the calculator drama. Utilizing quick and healthy microwave meals can be a game-changer for weight loss. Incorporating easy microwave meal prep ideas not only saves time but also supports your journey toward healthier eating habits.

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up These Noodles!

We’ve covered everything from ingredients to storage, so you’re all set to make these cheap microwave peanut butter noodles. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a midnight snack, this recipe has your back.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out—just don’t blame us if you end up making it every day! The combo of creamy peanut butter and tender noodles is downright addictive.