Ingredients
- Noodles (8 oz): Your choice of noodles! Spaghetti, linguine, ramen, udon, or even egg noodles work wonderfully. Choose your favorite for the texture you prefer.
- Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): The umami backbone of the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (3 tablespoons): Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the spice. Maple syrup offers a slightly different, richer flavor.
- Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and soy sauce, adding complexity to the flavor profile.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (1-2 tablespoons): The heat element! Adjust the amount to your spice preference. Sriracha offers a bright, chili flavor while chili garlic sauce brings in garlicky notes.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty aroma and flavor, essential for that authentic Asian noodle dish taste. Toasted sesame oil is recommended for a richer flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic is key for a pungent and aromatic base. Mince it finely for even distribution of flavor.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon): Fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty spice that complements the garlic and chili. Grate it finely for the best texture.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and garlic/ginger. Any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil works well.
- Bell Pepper (1 medium): Adds sweetness, color, and crunch. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are great choices. Slice them into strips.
- Onion (1/2 medium): Provides savory depth. Yellow or white onion works best. Slice it thinly.
- Carrot (1 medium): Adds sweetness and crunch. Julienne or thinly slice the carrot.
- Green Onions (2 stalks): For garnish, adding freshness and a mild oniony bite. Chop them thinly.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon): Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal as a garnish. White or black sesame seeds can be used.
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Begin by cooking your chosen noodles according to package directions. While the noodles are cooking, you can efficiently prepare the rest of the dish. It’s crucial to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly when combined with the sauce and vegetables. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside. Rinsing them briefly with cold water can prevent them from sticking together, especially if using starchier noodles like spaghetti.
- Whisk Together the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (or chili garlic sauce). Ensure all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more honey or maple syrup. For extra spice, increase the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside for later.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. The aroma of garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen, signaling the start of a flavorful dish.
- Add Bell Pepper and Onion: Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite while still being cooked through. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The bell pepper and onion will soften and release their natural sweetness as they cook.
- Incorporate Carrots: Add the julienned or sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the carrots are slightly softened but still crunchy. Carrots add a pleasant sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Continue to stir-fry, ensuring all vegetables are evenly cooked and coated with the aromatic garlic and ginger oil.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sweet and spicy sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Use tongs or two spatulas to gently toss and combine, avoiding breaking the noodles.
- Cook Until Heated Through: Continue to stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the noodles and vegetables are heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened and clung to the noodles. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to become more luscious. Be careful not to overcook, as the noodles can become mushy if cooked for too long in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes add a pop of freshness, flavor, and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious 20-Minute Sweet & Spicy Noodles!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 12g