Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

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Indulge in 15-Minute Spicy Thai Noodles: A Flavorful Journey

Ever wonder if you can eat gourmet on a broke budget? Same. Here’s my hack: a quick, spicy, and absolutely delish noodle dish that feels fancy but doesn’t require fancy skills (or cash). It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up after a long day, impress guests, or just treat yourself when you need a little flavor explosion. No oven needed! It’s perfect for busy moms juggling dinner and toddlers, broke students battling the college crunch, or anyone who just needs something quick and satisfying. Let’s dive into this delightful culinary journey without leaving you broke or frazzled.

What Makes This Special

• No oven needed!
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Zero fancy kitchen gear needed
• Leftovers are even better the next day
• Easy to meal prep or double for later

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the rice noodles in hot water according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, and peanut butter until smooth.
3. In a large pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the red bell pepper and carrots to the pan, stirring frequently until they start to soften, around 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the noodles to the pan, followed by the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated.
6. Stir in the bean sprouts and scallions, cooking for an additional minute.
7. Remove from heat, add lime juice, and garnish with cilantro and crushed peanuts.
8. Serve immediately or store leftovers in the fridge for an easy next-day meal.

Make Money While You Cook — Real Gigs That Paid Me

Keeping It Real

• This recipe’s simplicity mirrors the ease of these side gigs — perfect for those juggling multiple roles.
• Like our Spicy Thai Noodles, these gigs require minimal setup and provide extra cash flow.
• Both the recipe and gigs offer flexible solutions without added stress—keeping life deliciously manageable.