Got 10 minutes, a spoon of peanut butter, and a craving for something salty, spicy, and slurpable? You’re in luck. This little bowl of joy is inspired by Sichuan dan dan noodles – but we’ve given it the Plan4One glow-up: no fancy ingredients, no wok wizardry, just bold flavours and easy prep.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or those moments when toast just won’t cut it.
🧑🍳 A Quick Word from Plan4One
If you’re new here, welcome! Plan4One is your friendly corner of the internet where cooking for one isn’t sad, wasteful, or complicated. We’re all about healthy, single-serve meals that don’t leave your fridge full of half-used kale or mystery leftovers.
Back to the noodles…
🍜 What You’ll Need
This recipe serves one hungry human. No leftovers, no regrets.
- 1 nest of whole wheat noodles (or soba – both are fab)
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy – I don’t judge)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (low sodium if you’re watching the salt)
- ½ tsp chilli oil or sriracha (more if you like it fiery)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (or a squeeze of lime in a pinch)
- A handful of chopped cucumber or shredded carrot (for crunch and balance)
Optional Protein Boost:
- ½ cup cooked edamame or
- ¼ cup cooked minced chicken
🔥 How to Throw it Together
- Cook your noodles
Boil your noodle nest in a saucepan until tender (usually 4–6 minutes). No pot? No problem – microwaving with hot water in a bowl works too.
Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep things nice and firm. - Mix the magic sauce
In a small bowl, stir together your peanut butter, soy sauce, chilli oil or sriracha, and rice vinegar. Add a tablespoon of warm water to help it all loosen up into a glossy, glorious sauce. - Toss it all together
Add the noodles to your sauce bowl and give everything a good mix. Top with your crunchy veg and optional protein. - Eat immediately
Ideally straight from the bowl, standing over the sink. Zero judgement here.
💡 Handy Tips & Healthy Hacks
- Too thick? Add a splash more warm water to your sauce until it’s silky.
- No rice vinegar? Use a squeeze of lemon or white vinegar instead.
- Want it hot? Toss in a pinch of Sichuan pepper if you’re feeling brave (or reckless).
- Add greens: A few baby spinach leaves or steamed bok choy go beautifully with this and up the fibre.
⚖️ Nutrition Notes
This recipe gives you a good mix of:
- Complex carbs from the noodles to keep you energised
- Healthy fats from peanut butter (plus flavour to die for)
- Spice to help rev your metabolism
- Veg for crunch, fibre, and balance
Add that protein boost (edamame or chicken) and you’ve got yourself a super satisfying meal that hits all the macros.
💬 Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest – some nights, all we want is comfort in a bowl. This peanut noodle dish delivers that and lets you feel smugly healthy at the same time. That’s what I call a win.
If you try it, let me know how it goes! And if you come up with your own version, I’d love to hear about it.
👉 Hungry for more solo meal ideas that won’t break the bank (or your brain)?
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