Description
This quick and satisfying noodle dish balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with a vibrant mix of vegetables and a homemade sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or takeout alternative!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz lo mein, rice noodles, or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing)
Substitutions & Add-Ins:
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a vegan version.
- Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add tofu, shrimp, or chicken for extra protein.
- Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for more veggies.
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles:
- Boil noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant (30 seconds).
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add bell peppers and carrots to the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, keeping them crisp-tender.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, honey, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes.
-
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan.
- Toss everything together over medium heat until well-coated.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Drizzle with sesame oil, toss one last time, and serve hot.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: They will absorb the sauce, so keep them slightly undercooked.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste and adjust vinegar or sweetness as needed.
- Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: Keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg