These Sweet Thai Chili Ramen Noodles are a fun twist on your regular noodles! They are packed with flavor, thanks to a sweet and spicy sauce that brings everything to life.
Trust me, once you try these, you might find yourself using ramen noodles for dinner more often! They whip up quickly, making them perfect for a tasty weeknight meal. 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen is the star here. You can use any brand, but if you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles or soba noodles instead. They’ll offer a nice texture too!
Vegetable Oil: I recommend using vegetable oil for its neutral flavor. You could also use peanut oil for a hint of nuttiness or coconut oil for a sweeter touch.
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: This gives the dish its signature sweetness and spice. If you need a substitute, try mixing red pepper flakes with a touch of honey and vinegar for a homemade version.
Vegetables: Carrots and bell peppers work nicely, but feel free to swap in other veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms based on what you have (or prefer!).
How Do You Properly Sauté Vegetables for Ramen?
Sautéing your vegetables just right is key to keeping them vibrant and crisp! Here’s a simple approach:
- Heat your oil in the pan over medium heat – too high and they might burn.
- Add minced garlic and stir briefly – just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Then toss in harder veggies like carrots first as they take longer to soften. Stir for about 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, add softer veggies like bell peppers and cook until everything is tender but still colorful, about 2 more minutes.
This method helps highlight the fresh flavors in your dish! Enjoy those noodles! 🍜
Sweet Thai Chili Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 5-7 minutes for cooking. So in about 15-20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying your flavorful Sweet Thai Chili Ramen Noodles!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ramen:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for around 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the chopped carrot and yellow bell pepper pieces. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. You want them to maintain their vibrant color!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Pour in the sweet Thai chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to combine and let it heat through for a minute or two.
5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Gently add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the delicious sauce and mixed with the vegetables.
6. Final Touches:
Once combined, remove the pan from heat. Garnish your noodles with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and the optional toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Sweet Thai Chili Ramen Noodles hot in bowls. Enjoy using chopsticks or a fork—whatever you prefer. Dive into the lovely flavors of this quick and satisfying dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for instant ramen noodles, you can substitute them with other types of noodles like udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha sauce for an extra kick. Another option is to toss in some sliced fresh chilis while sautéing the vegetables!
Can I Add Protein to This Recipe?
Definitely! To add protein, you can include cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even scrambled eggs. Just make sure to cook the protein separately and add it during the final mixing step to warm it through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the noodles. Enjoy!