Go Back
- 8 oz rice noodles - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 2 green onions, sliced - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped - Sesame seeds for garnish For this recipe, I use rice noodles. They have a nice chew and soak up flavors well. You will need two tablespoons of vegetable oil to cook the garlic and ginger. The garlic adds a strong, rich taste, while ginger brings warmth. Sweet chili sauce is a key ingredient. It gives the dish its sweet and spicy kick. We also add soy sauce for a savory touch. A little sesame oil brings a nutty flavor that enhances the taste. The crushed red pepper flakes add heat. You can adjust this to your liking. I like to finish the dish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. They add brightness and freshness. Finally, sesame seeds make for a lovely garnish. They add crunch and make the dish look appealing. This mix of ingredients creates a tasty meal that comes together quickly. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to boil the rice noodles. Place 8 oz of noodles in a pot of boiling water. Cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes. You want them tender but not too soft. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them from getting mushy. Set the noodles aside while you work on the sauce. Now it’s time for the sauce. Grab a large skillet or wok and heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them often for about 1 minute until they smell great. This step is key for great flavor. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix everything well and let it simmer. This helps all the flavors blend together. Add the cooked noodles to your skillet. Toss them gently with the sauce. If the noodles feel too sticky, splash in a bit of water or broth. This will loosen them up. After that, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Toss again to make sure the spice spreads evenly. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve your noodles right away, and don’t forget to add sesame seeds on top for some crunch! To avoid sticky noodles, rinse them well under cold water after cooking. This cools them down and stops the cooking process. The type of noodles you use can change the cooking time. For rice noodles, follow the package instructions. They usually cook in about 4 to 6 minutes. If using egg noodles, check them at about 3 to 5 minutes. You can adjust spice levels by adding crushed red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add more flakes. For a milder taste, use less. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. They add a bright taste that dried spices cannot match. Garnish your noodles with sesame seeds for added crunch. They add nice texture and look great. To serve, add colorful vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. This makes your dish pop and is more inviting. You want your meal to be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Ensure to cook the rice noodles just until al dente; they will continue to soften when tossed with the sauce. Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired. Fresh Herbs are Key: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro and green onions. They add a vibrant taste that dried herbs cannot replicate. Garnishing Tips: Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top for an extra nutty flavor and crunch that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your sweet chili garlic noodles for extra flavor and nutrition. Great choices include chicken, shrimp, or tofu. - Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Marinate them in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. - Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp for quick cooking. Toss them in the skillet after garlic and ginger. - Tofu: Opt for firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture, then cube and marinate in sweet chili sauce. Sauté until golden. If you want a vegetarian or vegan dish, you can easily substitute the sauce and add more veggies. - Substituting sweet chili sauce: Use a homemade sweet chili sauce. Combine sugar, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a fresh taste. - Additional vegetables for bulk: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Stir-fry them with garlic and ginger for a hearty meal. For anyone with gluten sensitivity, you can still enjoy this dish. - Alternative noodles for gluten sensitivity: Use rice noodles, zucchini noodles, or quinoa. These options keep the dish light and tasty. - Soy sauce substitutions: Opt for tamari or coconut aminos. Both are great gluten-free alternatives that add flavor without the gluten. To store leftovers, place the noodles in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a little water or broth to help the noodles steam. This keeps them soft and prevents sticking. You can also use a microwave, but make sure to cover them to retain moisture. Yes, you can freeze this dish. To freeze, let the noodles cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best texture. Sweet chili sauce is a popular condiment made from simple ingredients. It often includes sugar, vinegar, and chili peppers. The sauce offers a mix of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a favorite for many dishes. You can use it as a dip or a sauce in stir-fries. The balance of heat and sweetness gives it a unique taste that works well in many recipes. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the noodles and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in a skillet. This way, the flavors stay fresh. Be sure to toss in some extra sauce to keep the noodles moist. Sweet Chili Garlic Noodles go well with several side dishes. Here are some great options: - Spring rolls: These add a crunchy texture. - Grilled chicken: The savory flavor complements the noodles. - Stir-fried vegetables: Fresh veggies enhance the meal. - Egg rolls: A classic pairing that adds flavor. The sweet and spicy notes of the noodles work well with Asian cuisines. You can also serve them with dishes that have a rich or tangy sauce. Experiment with different sides for a fun meal! This blog covered how to make Sweet Chili Garlic Noodles. We listed the ingredients and provided step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips to perfect your noodles and make them extra tasty. We also explored variations, storage, and answers to common questions. Now you can create a delicious dish with your unique twist. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with friends!

Sweet Chili Garlic Noodles

A delicious and easy-to-make noodle dish with a sweet and spicy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring frequently for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
  • Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce. If the noodles are too sticky, you can splash a little bit of water or broth to loosen them up.
  • Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and toss again to distribute the heat evenly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds on top for added crunch.

Notes

Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Keyword garlic, noodles, sweet chili