Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles

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

A colorful stir-fry of rice noodles tossed with a sweet and spicy sauce, fresh vegetables, and crunchy peanuts. This asian fusion-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs rice noodles, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 8 minutes until tender but still slightly firm, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large wok or skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the soaked noodles to the wok along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Toss continuously for 2 minutes until the noodles are well coated and the sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 medium julienned carrot, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1/3 cup chopped green onions. Cook for another 2 minutes until vegetables soften but remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh and crunchy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles 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 Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles?

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 Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles?

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 Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles 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 Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles 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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