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Sweet & Spicy Ramen Noodles

Sweet & Spicy Ramen Noodles
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Sweet & Spicy Ramen Noodles is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining the perfect harmony of sweet and spicy notes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create a comforting yet exciting noodle bowl loaded with colorful veggies and your choice of protein. Ideal for weeknight meals, it’s versatile, nutritious, and customizable to suit vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-sodium diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 1 package ramen noodles (or substitute with soba, udon, or rice noodles for gluten-free)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free options)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste (adjust for preferred heat level)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1 cup bok choy or snap peas, chopped

Protein Options

  • Firm tofu, chicken breast, shrimp, or beef (amount as desired, preferably pre-cooked or quick-cooking)

Finishing

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions until just tender but still chewy. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later mixing if needed.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat a splash of sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger first to release their fragrance, then toss in your choice of vegetables, stirring until they’re just tender-crisp.
  4. Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and toss everything together to coat evenly. If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to every strand.
  5. Add Protein and Serve: Add pre-cooked or quick-cooking proteins like shrimp, tofu, chicken, or beef now to warm through. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, sprinkle with sliced green onions and cilantro, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly firm noodles hold up best to saucing without becoming mushy.
  • Balance your sauce: Taste before tossing and adjust sweetness or spice level based on your preferences.
  • Use fresh aromatics: Never skip fresh garlic and ginger—they are key to that lively, inviting flavor.
  • Add acid at the end: A squeeze of lime or splash of rice vinegar adds brightness and lifts the whole dish.
  • Toast your sesame oil: Heating it gently before adding to the pan enhances its nutty fragrance.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet spicy ramen noodles, quick ramen recipe, easy noodle bowl, spicy ramen, vegetarian ramen, gluten-free ramen

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/sweet-spicy-ramen-noodles/