Sweet & Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir-Fry
A quick and bold weeknight meal featuring sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all in one pan.
Ingredients
Main Components
- 1 pound flank steak or chicken breast, thinly sliced Choose your preferred protein.
- 8 ounces brown rice noodles
- 3 cups assorted vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots) Use any combination of your favorite veggies.
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves For garnish and flavor.
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds For garnish.
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons Korean chili paste Adjust for desired spiciness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided For cooking the protein and vegetables.
Instructions
Build the Flavor Base
- In a medium bowl or jar, combine soy sauce, honey, chili paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until silky and well-blended. Set aside to let the flavors mingle.
Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the brown rice noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss lightly with a few drops of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Sear the Protein
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the shallots and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced meat and sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a golden crust. Toss and cook until just browned.
Stir-Fry the Veggies
- Remove the meat and set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil and toss in the vegetables. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Pour in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce, letting it glaze the veggies.
Combine and Finish
- Return the meat to the pan, add the noodles, and pour in the remaining sauce. Toss everything together over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes until the noodles are glossy and coated in flavor.
Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat, stir in the fresh basil, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve the Sweet & Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir-Fry hot from the pan for best texture; top with extra basil or sesame seeds and offer lime wedges or chili flakes for extra zing. Cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying the noodles.