These Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles are quick to make and packed with flavor! The spicy-sweet sauce gives every bite a delicious kick, making it an exciting meal.
Honestly, who doesn’t love slurping noodles? I can’t resist the sauce! It’s perfect when it’s a busy night, and I need something tasty in a hurry. Just ready in minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Instant Ramen Noodles: These are super convenient. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce gives the noodles their signature sweet and spicy flavor. If you can’t find it, you can mix some honey with hot sauce as a substitute.
Bok Choy or Spinach: Leafy greens add nutrition and color. You can swap bok choy for kale or Swiss chard. If you prefer softer greens, spinach works well!
Ground Chicken or Turkey: This is optional, but it adds protein. You can replace it with tofu for a vegetarian option or skip it altogether for a lighter dish.
How Do I Get My Noodles to Be Extra Flavorful?
To max out the flavor of your ramen, start by sautéing garlic and ginger in oil before adding anything else. This releases a lovely aroma! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a frying pan or wok on medium heat and add vegetable oil.
- Add your minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about a minute until fragrant.
- Continue cooking with your broth and sauces to really infuse the flavors into the noodles.
This method will ensure every strand of noodle is deliciously seasoned and incredibly tasty!
Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup ground chicken or turkey (optional)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 cup bok choy or spinach, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 soft boiled egg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sriracha or chili sauce (for serving, optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes total—5 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. It’s a speedy dinner option that packs tons of flavor without requiring lots of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Once cooked, 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 ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until they are fragrant. This step really brings out those delicious flavors!
3. Add Protein (Optional):
If you’re using ground chicken or turkey, add it to the pan now. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take around 4-5 minutes. If you’re skipping the meat, you can proceed to the next step.
4. Add the Broth and Sauce:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Then, stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; everyone has their own preference!
5. Mix in the Greens:
Add the chopped bok choy or spinach to the broth. Cook it for about 2 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
6. Combine with Noodles:
Now, return the cooked ramen noodles to the pan. Gently stir everything together to combine and warm the noodles through. You want all those delicious flavors to meld together!
7. Serve It Up:
Divide the noodles and broth into bowls. If desired, top each bowl with a halved soft boiled egg, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and a dash of sesame seeds. Serve with extra sriracha or chili sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!
Enjoy your flavorful, spicy-sweet bowl of Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles! This dish is quick, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your home.
Can I Use Leftover Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked ramen or any other type of noodles, feel free to toss them in. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the broth so that the noodles are warmed through without becoming mushy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply skip the ground chicken or turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out, and warm gently in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Substitute Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, you can mix equal parts of honey and hot sauce for a similar sweet and spicy flavor. Adjust to your taste, depending on how sweet or spicy you want it!
