Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles are a quick and tasty meal that blends smooth noodles with a zesty chili sauce. It’s a dish that brings a fun kick to your dinner table!
Honestly, these noodles can be ready in no time. Perfect for when you’re too busy to cook fancy meals. I love adding veggies or an egg to make it even more yummy! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen is perfect for this dish due to its quick cooking time. If you don’t have instant ramen, you can use any other type of long noodle like udon or rice noodles for a similar texture.
Ground Pork/Beef: I love using ground pork for its flavor and tenderness, but ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a nice sweetness and heat. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts of honey and chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a similar taste.
Bok Choy/Spinach: These leafy greens can be swapped with kale or other greens. If you want even more veggies, feel free to add carrots or bell peppers!
How Do I Cook Ground Meat for the Perfect Texture?
Getting ground meat just right can really elevate your dish. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly cooked:
- Start with a hot pan. This helps sear the meat for better flavor.
- Add the ground meat and let it sit for a moment without stirring. This allows it to brown nicely.
- Use a spatula to break it up gently into smaller pieces as it cooks to keep a good texture.
- Cook until fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Following these tips will ensure you have a delicious and well-cooked base for your ramen!
Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 150g ground pork or beef
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup bok choy or spinach, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 fried egg (optional)
- Sriracha or chili sauce for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s fast enough for a weeknight meal yet satisfying enough to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ramen:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Cook the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, then sauté for about 1 minute or until they become fragrant. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish!
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground pork or beef to the pan. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, making sure to break up any clumps as it cooks. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Broth and Sauces:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and then stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll start to smell those inviting aromas as it cooks!
5. Cook the Greens:
Add the chopped bok choy or spinach to the broth mixture. Cook until the greens are wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds color and nutrition to your ramen!
6. Combine with Noodles:
Now, add the cooked ramen noodles into the broth mixture. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through. Every noodle should be coated in that delicious sauce!
7. Serve:
Spoon the noodles and broth into a serving bowl. If you want to make it extra special, top with sliced green onions and a fried egg if you like. You can also drizzle some sriracha or extra chili sauce for more heat!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Lastly, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a lovely crunch, and serve hot! Enjoy your flavorful, spicy-sweet comforting bowl of Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While instant ramen is quick and easy, you can also use udon noodles, rice noodles, or even soba noodles for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Pork/Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work well. For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or tempeh can be used instead. Just cook them until browned for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you love spice, add more sriracha or chili sauce. You can also incorporate fresh chili peppers or chili flakes while sautéing the garlic and ginger for an extra kick!
