Quick Indonesian-Inspired Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and quick stir fry featuring noodles tossed with garlic, chili, and savory Indonesian spices for a flavorful weeknight meal. This indonesian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs rice noodles, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Indonesian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 8 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced red chili to the oil, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Toss in the drained noodles along with 3 chopped scallions, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 cup fresh bean sprouts for crunch.
  6. Step 6: Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Indonesian-Inspired Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quick Indonesian-Inspired Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Indonesian-Inspired Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Indonesian-Inspired Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Quick Indonesian-Inspired Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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