Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry Flavorful Weeknight Meal

December 24, 2025July 28, 2025 by Stella

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? Get ready to impress with my Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry! Packed with vibrant veggies and bold flavors, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Grab your chopsticks and let’s dive into this flavorful journey that you can whip up in no time!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Customizable Heat: The chili paste allows you to adjust the spice level to suit your taste, whether you like it mild or fiery.
Colorful and Nutritious: Packed with vibrant vegetables like bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich flavor that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 200g rice noodles

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics

– 1 cup snap peas

– 1 carrot, julienned

– 3 spring onions, chopped

Seasoning and Garnishes

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon chili paste

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

– Sesame seeds for garnish

To make Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry, gather these fresh ingredients. The rice noodles form the base of this dish. They soak up all the flavors well.

Next, the vegetable oil helps to sauté the garlic and veggies. Garlic gives a strong flavor that wakes up your taste buds. A red bell pepper adds sweetness and color.

Now, for the vegetables, snap peas add a nice crunch. The carrot brings a bit of sweetness, and when you julienne it, it looks pretty. Spring onions add a fresh touch at the end.

For seasoning, soy sauce brings saltiness. Chili paste adds heat, so you can adjust it to your spice level. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor, and sugar balances everything out.

Lastly, fresh cilantro and sesame seeds make great garnishes. They add brightness and a little extra texture. Each ingredient plays an important role in making this dish flavorful and fun to eat. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Noodles

Start by soaking 200g of rice noodles in hot water. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes until soft. Then, drain them and set them aside. This step is key for a great texture.

Sautéing the Aromatics

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not browned to keep its fresh taste.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Next, toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup of snap peas, and 1 julienned carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to keep them tender-crisp. This adds a nice bite to your dish.

Combining Noodles and Sauce

Now, add the softened rice noodles to the skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar for balance. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are coated and heated through, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Finishing Touches

Finally, scatter the chopped spring onions on top. Give it one last toss to combine. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. This adds flavor and a pop of color to your dish. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Adjusting Spice Levels

To adjust the heat in your Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry, modify the chili paste. If you like it spicy, add more chili paste. For a milder dish, use less. You can also balance heat with sugar or extra veggies. This way, you control the spice based on your taste.

Perfecting Texture

Cooking times matter for both the vegetables and the noodles. Overcooking makes veggies soggy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables. The rice noodles should be soft but not mushy. Stir-fry the veggies for 3-5 minutes and the noodles for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant.

Equipment Recommendations

For the best stir-fry, use a large skillet or a wok. A well-seasoned cast iron wok heats evenly and retains heat well. This helps you achieve that perfect sear on your ingredients. If you don’t have a wok, a heavy-bottomed skillet works too. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients.

Pro Tips

Soak Noodles Properly: Make sure to soak the rice noodles in hot water until they are fully softened, as under-soaked noodles can result in a chewy texture in the stir fry.
Control the Heat: Adjust the heat while stir-frying to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables; high heat is key for quick cooking without overcooking.
Customize Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste based on your spice preference. Start with less if you are unsure, as you can always add more later.
Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh cilantro and sesame seeds right before serving enhances the flavor and adds a lovely presentation to your dish.

Variations

Protein Additions

You can add protein to your spicy garlic noodle stir fry. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds great flavor. Just toss them in after the garlic. Chicken is another tasty option. Slice it thin and stir-fry until golden. For a plant-based choice, use tofu. Press it to remove water, then cube it. Add tofu with the veggies for a perfect crunch.

Vegetable Swap Ideas

Feel free to change the veggies in this dish. Broccoli brings a nice crunch and bright color. Just cut it into small pieces and stir-fry with the other veggies. Mushrooms add an earthy taste. Slice them thin and toss them in with the garlic. Zucchini is also great. Slice it into half-moons and add it when the other veggies are tender.

Gluten-Free Options

If you want a gluten-free meal, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari has a similar taste but is made without wheat. This change keeps your dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Just use the same amount as you would soy sauce. Enjoy your spicy garlic noodle stir fry without worry!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep your noodles safe and tasty. They will stay good for about three days. Make sure to separate any garnishes, like cilantro and sesame seeds, before storing.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, you want to avoid mushy noodles. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the noodles and stir gently. You can also use a microwave. Place the noodles in a bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. This keeps them nice and firm.

Freezing Tips

If you want to save your noodles for later, freezing is a good option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer the noodles into a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the skillet method to bring back the flavor and texture.

FAQs

What type of noodles work best for stir fry?

Rice noodles are great for this dish. They soak up flavors well. They cook fast and have a nice texture. Other noodles, like egg noodles, also work. They add a different taste. Both types can be used based on what you like. Just remember to adjust the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! This dish is easy to make vegetarian. Just swap the soy sauce for a vegan option. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or broccoli. Tofu is a great source of protein too. It gives a nice texture and flavor.

How spicy is Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry?

The spice level depends on the chili paste. You can add more for heat. If you prefer less spice, use less chili paste. You can also add some sugar to balance the heat. This helps make the dish more mild.

What should I serve with this dish?

You can serve this stir fry with a side salad. A simple cucumber salad pairs well. You might also like spring rolls or dumplings. They add fun textures and flavors. A light soup is another good choice. It can make your meal feel more complete.

This blog covered how to make a tasty Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. Adjust spice and swap vegetables to fit your taste. Use a good skillet for even cooking. Store and reheat leftovers well for future meals. Enjoy making this easy dish. It will surely be a hi

$- 200g rice noodles - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup snap peas - 1 carrot, julienned - 3 spring onions, chopped - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish To make Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry, gather these fresh ingredients. The rice noodles form the base of this dish. They soak up all the flavors well. Next, the vegetable oil helps to sauté the garlic and veggies. Garlic gives a strong flavor that wakes up your taste buds. A red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Now, for the vegetables, snap peas add a nice crunch. The carrot brings a bit of sweetness, and when you julienne it, it looks pretty. Spring onions add a fresh touch at the end. For seasoning, soy sauce brings saltiness. Chili paste adds heat, so you can adjust it to your spice level. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor, and sugar balances everything out. Lastly, fresh cilantro and sesame seeds make great garnishes. They add brightness and a little extra texture. Each ingredient plays an important role in making this dish flavorful and fun to eat. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by soaking 200g of rice noodles in hot water. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes until soft. Then, drain them and set them aside. This step is key for a great texture. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not browned to keep its fresh taste. Next, toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup of snap peas, and 1 julienned carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to keep them tender-crisp. This adds a nice bite to your dish. Now, add the softened rice noodles to the skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar for balance. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are coated and heated through, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Finally, scatter the chopped spring onions on top. Give it one last toss to combine. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. This adds flavor and a pop of color to your dish. Enjoy your meal! To adjust the heat in your Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry, modify the chili paste. If you like it spicy, add more chili paste. For a milder dish, use less. You can also balance heat with sugar or extra veggies. This way, you control the spice based on your taste. Cooking times matter for both the vegetables and the noodles. Overcooking makes veggies soggy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables. The rice noodles should be soft but not mushy. Stir-fry the veggies for 3-5 minutes and the noodles for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant. For the best stir-fry, use a large skillet or a wok. A well-seasoned cast iron wok heats evenly and retains heat well. This helps you achieve that perfect sear on your ingredients. If you don’t have a wok, a heavy-bottomed skillet works too. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients. Pro Tips Soak Noodles Properly: Make sure to soak the rice noodles in hot water until they are fully softened, as under-soaked noodles can result in a chewy texture in the stir fry. Control the Heat: Adjust the heat while stir-frying to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables; high heat is key for quick cooking without overcooking. Customize Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste based on your spice preference. Start with less if you are unsure, as you can always add more later. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh cilantro and sesame seeds right before serving enhances the flavor and adds a lovely presentation to your dish. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your spicy garlic noodle stir fry. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds great flavor. Just toss them in after the garlic. Chicken is another tasty option. Slice it thin and stir-fry until golden. For a plant-based choice, use tofu. Press it to remove water, then cube it. Add tofu with the veggies for a perfect crunch. Feel free to change the veggies in this dish. Broccoli brings a nice crunch and bright color. Just cut it into small pieces and stir-fry with the other veggies. Mushrooms add an earthy taste. Slice them thin and toss them in with the garlic. Zucchini is also great. Slice it into half-moons and add it when the other veggies are tender. If you want a gluten-free meal, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari has a similar taste but is made without wheat. This change keeps your dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Just use the same amount as you would soy sauce. Enjoy your spicy garlic noodle stir fry without worry! To keep your Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep your noodles safe and tasty. They will stay good for about three days. Make sure to separate any garnishes, like cilantro and sesame seeds, before storing. When reheating, you want to avoid mushy noodles. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the noodles and stir gently. You can also use a microwave. Place the noodles in a bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. This keeps them nice and firm. If you want to save your noodles for later, freezing is a good option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer the noodles into a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the skillet method to bring back the flavor and texture. Rice noodles are great for this dish. They soak up flavors well. They cook fast and have a nice texture. Other noodles, like egg noodles, also work. They add a different taste. Both types can be used based on what you like. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Yes! This dish is easy to make vegetarian. Just swap the soy sauce for a vegan option. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or broccoli. Tofu is a great source of protein too. It gives a nice texture and flavor. The spice level depends on the chili paste. You can add more for heat. If you prefer less spice, use less chili paste. You can also add some sugar to balance the heat. This helps make the dish more mild. You can serve this stir fry with a side salad. A simple cucumber salad pairs well. You might also like spring rolls or dumplings. They add fun textures and flavors. A light soup is another good choice. It can make your meal feel more complete. This blog covered how to make a tasty Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. Adjust spice and swap vegetables to fit your taste. Use a good skillet for even cooking. Store and reheat leftovers well for future meals. Enjoy making this easy dish. It will surely be a hit!$