Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Sweet and spicy Noodles are a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired ingredients that will transport you to flavor heaven! 

Their balance of sweet, umami, and spicy flavors will make your tastebuds dance. 

A rich and glossy sauce coats each strand of rice noodle perfectly. And bean sprouts add a fresh crunch to contrast the soft noodles. 

Sweet and spicy noodles are a quick and satisfying meal, guaranteed to become your new weeknight go-to. 

Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Taste Sensation: Sweet honey and spicy chili garlic sauce create a delightful contrast that makes each bite exciting and memorable.

Quick and Easy: With pantry staples, straightforward instructions, and minimal preparation, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. And it’s ready in 15 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatile Dish: This noodle recipe can easily be adapted to include your favorite proteins or vegetables. You can customize the heat by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha.

Ingredients

• Rice Noodles: Thin, chewy, and delicate, these noodles soak up the flavorful sauce without getting soggy.
  
• Soy Sauce and Dark Soy Sauce: The dynamic duo of umami. They add depth and richness to the dish.
  
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet, sticky, and savory, this Chinese condiment brings a velvety texture and a hint of sweetness to the noodles.
  
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the heat and savory flavors.
  
• Rice Vinegar: It adds a bright, refreshing note to the dish.
  
• Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha: It adds a bold, fiery flavor that will leave you wanting more.
  
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, aromatic, and indulgent, this oil adds a luxurious sheen and a deep, nutty flavor to the noodles.
  
• Garlic and Ginger: This dynamic duo will leave your tastebuds tingling.|
  
• Green Onions and Bean Sprouts: Fresh, crunchy, and vibrant, these additions bring a pop of color and texture to each bite.
  
• Sesame Seeds and Red Chili Flakes: The perfect finishing touches. They add a nutty crunch and a spicy kick to each bite.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Noodles

These noodles only take about 15 minutes to whip up!

1. Cook the noodles. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Mix the sauce. Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin, honey, rice vinegar, and chili sauce to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside.

3. Saute. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Simmer. Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Combine. Add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts to the pan and toss well to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles have absorbed the sauce and are heated through.

6. Serve. Remove from the heat and garnish with the green parts of the scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Follow these tips for noodles that come out perfect every time.

• The hotter, the better. Your wok or skillet must be hot before adding the oil and aromatics. This helps to create a nice sear and prevents the ingredients from steaming and becoming soggy.
  
• Give them a good toss. Once you add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts to the sauce, toss everything together well. 
  
• Add a finishing touch. Finish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes for added color, crunch, and flavor. These garnishes make the dish look more appetizing and add textural contrast.
  
• Serve hot! Sweet and spicy noodles are best served immediately while hot. The noodles will continue to absorb the sauce as they sit. So, serve them right away for the best texture.

Add-ins, Variations, and Serving Ideas

• Try fun add-ins. For a heartier meal, add cooked proteins like chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. You can mix in sautéed vegetables like bok choy, carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
  
• Pick your pasta. Rice noodles are traditional. But you can also use egg noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti. Choose a noodle that will hold up well to the sauce and stir-frying.
  
• Spice it up or down. Adjust the amount of chili sauce to your desired spice level. Start with less and add more to taste. You can always add more heat, but it’s harder to tone it down.
  
• Make them a meal. Serve with steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Or pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a light soup to balance the spicy flavors.

How to Store

If you have leftover noodles, keep them fresh with these tips.

To Store: Place the cooled sweet and spicy noodles in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from affecting the noodles.

To Reheat: Transfer the noodles to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, and stir until warm.