Name: Sweet and Spicy Garlic Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce; ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste); 16 oz rice noodles or linguine; ¼ cup sesame oil; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded carrots; 1 cup roasted salted peanuts; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped; Sriracha sauce to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Bold Flavors – A mix of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors creates a delicious and addictive dish.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap the noodles, or add proteins to make it your own.
Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples, so you won’t need a long shopping list.
Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats easily for a flavorful meal anytime.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce:

4 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
⅛ – ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)

For the Noodles:

16 oz rice noodles or linguine
¼ cup sesame oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced

For Garnish:

2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup roasted salted peanuts
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Sriracha sauce to taste

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat sesame oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and heat through.
Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss until well coated with the sauce.
Garnish with shredded carrots, peanuts, cilantro, and green onions.
Serve hot with additional Sriracha sauce if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef for a heartier dish.
Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or baby spinach for added nutrition.
Noodle Swap: Use ramen, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles as an alternative.
Nut-Free: Skip the peanuts or replace them with toasted sesame seeds.
More Heat: Increase the chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes for extra spice.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or sesame oil to loosen the noodles.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and chili garlic sauce for a milder version.

2. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! Spaghetti, ramen, or even zucchini noodles work well in this recipe.

3. What protein pairs well with these noodles?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef make great additions to this dish.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If using rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce, this dish can be made gluten-free.

5. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Toss the cooked noodles with a little sesame oil before adding them to the sauce.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and cook the noodles separately, then toss together just before serving.

7. What’s a good substitute for hoisin sauce?

You can mix soy sauce with a little brown sugar and peanut butter as a substitute.

8. How do I add more umami flavor?

Try adding a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of MSG for deeper flavor.

9. Can I serve this cold?

Yes, this dish makes a delicious cold noodle salad. Just chill before serving.

10. What can I use instead of peanuts?

Toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews make great alternatives.

Conclusion

This sweet and spicy garlic noodle dish is a simple yet flavor-packed meal that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a tasty side, or a meal-prep option, these noodles check all the boxes. Try it out and customize it to your taste!

This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Noodles recipe is a perfect blend of bold flavors with minimal effort. A delicious combination of honey, hoisin sauce, and chili garlic sauce creates an irresistible umami-packed dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful side for an Asian-inspired meal.