Q1: Can I use regular pasta instead of rice noodles?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti works well in place of rice noodles. Just cook them al dente and toss them into the sauce like you would with rice noodles.

Q2: How can I reduce the spiciness of the dish?

To make it milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and chili garlic sauce. You can always add Sriracha later to adjust the heat to your taste.

Q3: What proteins pair well with these noodles?

Shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even scrambled eggs are great protein options. Cook your protein in sesame oil before adding the sauce and noodles.

Q4: How do I prevent the noodles from clumping together?

Rinse the cooked noodles briefly under cold water and toss them with a small amount of oil if you're not adding them to the pan immediately.

Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Name: Sweet and Spicy Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 16 oz rice noodles or regular pasta; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 4 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce; 2–3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste); 1/4 cup sesame oil; 2 cups shredded carrots; 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped; Sriracha to taste

Description

A quick and flavorful 20-minute sweet and spicy noodle recipe made with rice noodles, a bold homemade sauce, and fresh garnishes. Perfect for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz rice noodles or regular pasta
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
4 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup roasted, salted peanuts
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons green onion, chopped
Sriracha to taste

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, honey, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles or pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and rinse if needed.
While noodles cook, heat sesame oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add the sauce to the pan and let it simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss them thoroughly in the sauce until well coated.
Top with shredded carrots, peanuts, cilantro, green onions, and a drizzle of Sriracha. Mix gently and serve hot.

Notes

Use regular sesame oil for cooking; toasted sesame oil may taste bitter when heated.
Adjust spice level by reducing red pepper flakes and chili garlic sauce.
For added protein, cook shrimp, tofu, or chicken in the sesame oil before adding sauce and noodles.
Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or cabbage.
Double the sauce if adding extra protein or vegetables to maintain flavor balance.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 584
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 990mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 88g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 1mg