Name: Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb linguini; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup baby spinach, packed; 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced; Handful of snap peas; 1 garlic clove, minced; 3 green onion stalks, sliced (whites and greens separated); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons Mirin; 2 teaspoons sesame oil (for sauce); 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1/4 cup dark soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste or minced ginger; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce; 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped (divided); Sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful, and absolutely mouthwatering dish, this Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry is exactly what you need. Bursting with bright colors, fresh veggies, and a perfectly balanced sauce that dances between spicy, sweet, and savory, this dish combines simple ingredients in a way that feels truly special. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug with every bite, effortlessly bringing together the nostalgic comforts of homemade cooking with an exciting kick that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry never fails to impress and satisfy.

Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for this Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry is simple but key. Each element plays an essential role—whether it’s the tender linguini providing the perfect base, the colorful vegetables adding crunch and freshness, or the sauce bringing all the flavors together in harmony. Let’s take a closer look at everything you’ll need before diving in.

1 lb linguini: A great noodle that soaks up the sauce beautifully while staying firm and satisfying.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty aroma that’s unforgettable in Thai cooking.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: A smooth and mild oil to balance the sesame’s intensity.
2 tablespoons Mirin: Brings subtle sweetness and a slight tanginess that elevates the sauce.
1 cup julienned carrots: Adds a crisp texture and vibrant orange color to brighten the dish.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Sweet and colorful, providing a juicy burst in every bite.
1 cup baby spinach, packed: Offers freshness and a lovely green hue with delicate texture.
8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and tender, they soak up flavors beautifully during cooking.
Handful of snap peas: Adds a crunchy pop that contrasts perfectly with the noodles.
1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses the stir fry with an irresistible depth and warmth.
3 green onion stalks, sliced (keep whites and greens separate): Whites brighten the sauté, greens garnish with fresh sharpness.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped: Herbaceous and bright, essential for authentic Thai flair.
1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped: Adds a crunchy texture and a rich, toasty flavor.
Sesame seeds for garnish: Small hits of nuttiness and beautiful speckles on the final dish.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: For the sauce, to deepen the nutty essence.
2 tablespoons light soy sauce: Brings savory umami with a lighter salt touch.
1/4 cup dark soy sauce: Adds depth, richness, and color to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon ginger paste or minced ginger: A fresh zing that lifts the entire dish.
1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances heat and acidity with a subtle molasses sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce: Packs the perfect spicy punch with garlicky warmth.
1/4 teaspoon Sriracha, more as desired: For an extra layer of bold heat.
1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes, more as desired: Adjust to taste to hit your preferred spice level.

How to Make Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry

Step 1: Whisking the Sauce

Start by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl—sesame oil, light and dark soy sauces, ginger, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, and chili flakes. Give it a good whisk until everything is perfectly blended. This magical sauce will coat every strand of noodle and every piece of veggie with incredible flavor, so take a moment to appreciate that zingy, sweet, and spicy aroma.

Step 2: Cooking the Linguini

Cook the linguini until just al dente according to the package instructions. The key here is to avoid overcooking, because you want the noodles to hold up nicely during the stir-fry process. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you move on to the veggies.

Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables

In a large skillet with high sides (trust me, size matters here), heat the sesame oil and olive oil together over medium heat. Toss in the mushrooms, julienned carrots, red bell pepper, baby spinach, and snap peas. Let them cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until the veggies soften but still hold some snap, and the mushrooms have released their juices. This step builds the hearty texture and keeps the dish fresh and colorful.

Step 4: Building Layers of Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic, the whites of the green onions, half of the chopped cilantro, and half of the peanuts. Cook everything for a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and irresistible. Then pour in the Mirin. Use a spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—it’s pure flavor gold. Lower the heat to keep the magic forming.

Step 5: Bringing It All Together

Add the cooked linguini back into the skillet and pour over the prepared sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so each noodle and vegetable snippet is coated in that spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. Let it cook together for one more minute to allow the sauce to reduce slightly and cling even better. Once you see the glossy finish, it’s ready to come off the heat.

Step 6: Final Touches

Plate your Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry and toss on the remaining peanuts, cilantro, green onion greens, and a scattering of sesame seeds. These final garnishes not only add crunch and freshness but also make the dish visually stunning and extra aromatic. Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry

Garnishes

While the peanuts, cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds in the recipe are a classic combination, feel free to add a squeeze of lime or some fresh chopped chili if you want to brighten or elevate the heat even more. A drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce on the plate, or a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts, can add texture contrasts and bursts of flavor every time.

Side Dishes

This Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even a light, refreshing papaya salad. These mild companions help balance the intensity of the noodles and provide a variety of textures to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in individual lettuce cups or inside halved bell peppers for a gorgeous edible bowl. You could also roll it up in rice paper wraps for a handheld, fresh version. These presentations make it an eye-catching dish perfect for parties or sharing with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more sauce, so the flavors get even deeper—but the vegetables stay fresh and crunchy if you don’t overcook them initially.

Freezing

Freezing this stir fry is not ideal due to the fresh vegetables, which can become mushy after thawing. However, if needed, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve texture, and toss frequently to warm evenly without drying out. Garnish fresh herbs or peanuts after reheating for an extra boost.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While linguini works wonderfully here, you can swap it out for rice noodles, spaghetti, or even soba noodles depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so noodles remain al dente.

How spicy is this dish?

The Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry has a medium heat level—enough to feel exciting but not overwhelming. You can easily adjust the chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, and chili flakes to make it milder or hotter based on your spice tolerance.

Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, it’s entirely vegetarian and can be vegan if you use soy sauce without fish ingredients and avoid any animal-based additions. The vegetable-packed sauce provides all the flavor without meat, making it hearty and satisfying.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Tofu, shrimp, chicken, or beef all pair beautifully with the vibrant sauce and vegetables. Just cook your protein separately or in the pan before the veggies, then combine everything at the end.

What makes this Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry authentic?

The balance of traditional Thai ingredients like Mirin, sesame oil, soy sauce varieties, ginger, and chili garlic sauce gives this recipe a real taste of Thailand. The fresh cilantro, peanuts, and bright veggies also help recreate the beloved layers of Thai cuisine.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing better than a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and just bursting with personality—and that’s exactly what you get with this Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry. It’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again because it hits every note: spicy, savory, sweet, crunchy, and satisfying all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, sharing it with friends and family who appreciate bold, joyful cooking as much as you do.

Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Thai Noodle Stir Fry featuring linguini noodles tossed with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and a spicy, savory sauce. This quick and easy dish balances heat and sweetness with a crunchy garnish of peanuts and sesame seeds, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ginger paste, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, and chili pepper flakes until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the linguini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the linguini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, julienned carrots, red bell pepper, baby spinach, and snap peas. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the mushrooms begin releasing their juices.
Add aromatics and deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic, the whites of the green onions, half of the chopped cilantro, and half of the chopped peanuts. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the Mirin and use a spatula to scrape up any caramelized bits from the pan. Reduce heat to low.
Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked linguini and the prepared sauce to the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly. Continue to cook for 1 minute to let the sauce slightly reduce and cling to the ingredients. Remove the pan from heat.
Garnish and serve: Transfer the noodles to serving plates. Sprinkle with the remaining peanuts, cilantro, green onion greens, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, and chili flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and acidity, but you can substitute with a mixture of sugar and white wine if unavailable.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and gluten-free noodles.
Feel free to swap linguini with rice noodles or other preferred noodles for authentic Thai texture.
To add protein, consider topping with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Thai