Sautéed Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce and Scallions
Stir-fried noodles coated in a vibrant chili-garlic sauce, topped with fresh scallions for a spicy and satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 33 minutes blends dry rice noodles, vegetable oil, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry rice noodles
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili paste
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 oz dry rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable, then drain well.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 2 tbsp chili paste, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the drained noodles to the wok along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Toss continuously for 3-4 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup sliced scallions and cook for 1 minute until scallions soften slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce and Scallions?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce and Scallions?
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 Sautéed Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce and Scallions 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 Sautéed Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce and Scallions 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.