Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce

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

Tender rice noodles tossed in a spicy chili-garlic sauce with crisp vegetables for a quick and flavorful Asian stir fry. This asian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends rice noodles, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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 340 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes until pliable but not fully soft; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup shredded carrot and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper; stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Toss in the drained rice noodles and stir gently.
  5. Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl; pour over noodles and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles and heat through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and fold in 3 chopped green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce 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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