If you love bold flavors and easy meals, these Sweet and Spicy Noodles are going to be your new favorite go-to dinner! This Thai-inspired dish brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and umami flavors in just 20 minutes. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful dish to impress your family, this recipe is simple, customizable, and packed with flavor.
The best part? These noodles require just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it effortless to prepare. With chewy noodles, a rich sauce, crunchy peanuts, and fresh garnishes, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly but can easily be customized with protein or extra veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Sweet and Spicy Noodles are a game-changer for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something quick yet packed with flavor. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love them:
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic nights when you need dinner on the table fast without compromising on taste.
✅ Incredible Flavor Balance: The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, spicy chili garlic sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a complex yet perfectly balanced dish that hits every taste bud.
✅ Versatile & Customizable: You can easily add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to boost protein, or toss in bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for extra veggies. The options are endless!
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: These noodles taste even better the next day, making them great for leftovers or weekly meal prep.
✅ Vegetarian & Easily Adaptable: Made without meat, this dish is naturally vegetarian but can easily be adjusted to suit vegan, gluten-free, or high-protein diets.
✅ Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip takeout and enjoy bold Asian flavors right from your kitchen with simple ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Noodles:
- 16 oz linguine, rice noodles, or regular pasta – Use whatever you have on hand!
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds a deep, umami flavor.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Provides a rich, slightly sweet depth.
- 4 tablespoons honey – Balances the heat with natural sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce – Brings the heat and flavor.
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for flavor.
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adjust to taste for extra spice.
- 1/4 cup sesame oil – Adds a nutty aroma and richness. Use regular sesame oil, not toasted.
For Toppings & Garnishes:
- 2 cups shredded carrots – Adds crunch and freshness.
- 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts – Provides texture and a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – Brings a fresh, herbaceous element.
- 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped – A mild oniony kick.
- Sriracha (to taste) – For extra heat and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente, about 6 minutes (or according to package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the noodles cook, prep the sweet and spicy sauce. In a small bowl, mix together:
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Honey
- Chili garlic sauce
- Red pepper flakes
Set aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic & Sauce
- A couple of minutes before the noodles are done, heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir, letting it simmer for a minute to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Toss the Noodles in Sauce
- Add the drained noodles immediately to the pan.
- Toss well until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Top with shredded carrots, peanuts, cilantro, green onions, and Sriracha.
- Toss everything together and serve warm!
Tips for the Best Sweet and Spicy Noodles
🔥 Adjust the Heat – If you love extra spice, add more Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili garlic sauce. 🌿 Boost the Freshness – Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy balance. 🥦 Add More Veggies – Try bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for extra nutrition and texture. 🍗 Make it Protein-Packed – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to make this a heartier meal. 🥜 Make it Nut-Free – Skip the peanuts and use sesame seeds instead.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy when thawed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 584 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 88g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 990mg
- Potassium: 391mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 16g
- Vitamin A: 7275IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 58mg
- Iron: 2mg
Final Thoughts
These Sweet and Spicy Noodles are the perfect quick-fix meal that satisfies your cravings for something flavorful, filling, and easy to make. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with an easy yet flavorful dish, this recipe is a must-try.
With just 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Plus, they’re completely customizable—add your favorite proteins, mix in extra veggies, or turn up the heat with more spice!
Print
🌶️ 20-Minute Sweet & Spicy Noodles – Quick & Delicious!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
When you’re craving something flavorful but don’t have much time, these Sweet & Spicy Noodles are the perfect answer! Inspired by Thai flavors, this dish is packed with bold, sweet, and fiery goodness. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes! Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying vegetarian dinner, this recipe will hit the spot. Give it a try tonight! 🍜🔥
Ingredients
- 16 oz linguine, rice noodles, or regular pasta
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅛ – ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
- ¼ cup sesame oil*
- 2 cups shredded carrots (about 2 large)
- 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp green onion, chopped
- Sriracha (to taste)
Instructions
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1️⃣ Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente (about 6 minutes).
2️⃣ While the noodles cook, prepare your veggies and garnishes. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes.
3️⃣ A couple of minutes before the noodles are done, heat sesame oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds (don’t let it burn!). Add the prepared sauce and stir.
4️⃣ Drain the cooked noodles and add them immediately to the pan with the sauce, tossing until fully coated.
5️⃣ Top with shredded carrots, peanuts, cilantro, green onion, and Sriracha. Toss everything together and serve hot!
Notes
✔ Use regular sesame oil for cooking (toasted sesame oil is best for a drizzle at the end).
✔ Want protein? Add shrimp, tofu, or chicken—cook it first in the sesame oil before adding the sauce.
✔ Love veggies? Stir-fry your favorites like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli before adding the noodles.
✔ Double the sauce if adding extra protein or veggies!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 584 per serving
- Sugar: 16g per serving
- Sodium: 990mg per serving
- Fat: 22g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 88g per serving
- Fiber: 5g per serving
- Protein: 11g per serving