Rice Noodle Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic

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

Soft rice noodles stir-fried with a tangy tamarind sauce, garlic, and fresh vegetables for a bright and flavorful quick meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired noodle recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs rice noodles, soaked until softened, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 8 oz soaked rice noodles and set aside. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 cup trimmed green beans; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar, mixing well to create a balanced tangy-sweet sauce.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained rice noodles to the wok and toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until noodles absorb the sauce and are heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp sliced scallions. Serve topped with 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rice Noodle Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Rice Noodle Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rice Noodle Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic?

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 Rice Noodle Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic 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.

What goes well with Rice Noodle Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic?

Asian Fusion noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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