These Sweet and Sour Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender noodles are tossed in a tangy and savory sauce with a hint of sweetness, making for a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Versatile: The sauce is a delicious balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, making it a versatile option for a variety of noodles and vegetables.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish comes together in just minutes.
- Quick and Healthy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a healthier option, as it uses less sugar and oil than traditional takeout versions.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Sweet and Sour Noodles:
- Butter or sesame oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- Bell pepper: Chopped, for color, flavor, and crunch.
- Onion: Chopped, for flavor and texture.
- Ginger: Minced, adds a fresh and zesty flavor.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a tangy flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar: Adds a tangy kick.
- Mirin or pineapple juice: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- Lo mein, spaghetti, or linguine noodles: Cooked, use your preferred type of noodles.
- Toasted sesame seeds: For garnish.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: To taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Noodles
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the butter or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced ginger, and sauté until slightly softened and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the ketchup, soy sauce, stock, rice vinegar, and mirin (or pineapple juice). Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Let the sauce simmer until it reduces and thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more vinegar, soy sauce, or sweetener as needed.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Turn off the heat and add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible.
- Adjust the flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, sourness, and saltiness to your liking.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the noodles to al dente so they don’t become mushy in the sauce.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Noodles
- Quick and Easy Meal: These Sweet and Sour Noodles are a perfect quick and easy meal for busy weeknights.
- Side Dish: Serve them as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired main course, such as stir-fried chicken or tofu.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use any type of noodle you like, but long noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or lo mein, work best for this recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snap peas.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan butter and substitute the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Sweet and Sour Noodles that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintSweet and Sour Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
These Sweet and Sour Noodles are a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor. Tender noodles are tossed in a homemade sweet and sour sauce with a medley of vegetables, making it a satisfying and delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 2–3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mirin or pineapple juice
- 9 ounces lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or linguine, cooked
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat butter or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, onion, and ginger, and sauté until slightly softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Pour in ketchup, soy sauce, stock, rice vinegar, and mirin (or pineapple juice). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce Sauce: Simmer the sauce until it thickens and reduces slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
- Toss with Noodles: Turn off the heat and add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Notes
- Noodles: Use your favorite type of noodles, but make sure they are cooked al dente before adding them to the sauce.
- Sweet and Sour: Adjust the amount of vinegar and sweetener (maple syrup or pineapple juice) to your liking.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as sliced carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli florets.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated. Toss with cooked noodles just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 400kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg