These Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles are packed with flavor and super easy to make! The spicy-sweet sauce brings out the best in the noodles, making every bite fun.
Honestly, I can’t resist twirling these noodles around my fork—it’s just so satisfying! Plus, they’re perfect for a quick meal that feels special. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Instant Ramen Noodles: These are the base of your dish and cook quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use fresh ramen or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
Ground Pork or Chicken: This adds protein, but feel free to swap it with tofu for a vegetarian dish or even shrimp for a seafood twist! I sometimes skip the meat entirely and load up on veggies instead.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star in giving the dish its sweet and spicy flavor. If you can’t find it, you can mix equal parts honey and sriracha as a substitute.
Baby Bok Choy: A fantastic green that wilts beautifully, but you can also use spinach, kale, or even frozen peas if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Make Perfectly Soft-Boiled Eggs?
Soft-boiled eggs are a delicious topping for ramen, but they can be tricky! Here’s a fool-proof method:
- Start by boiling water in a pot. Make sure it’s enough to cover the eggs.
- Once boiling, gently place your eggs in the water. Use a spoon to lower them in to avoid cracking.
- Set a timer for 6-7 minutes for that perfect soft yolk. The longer you cook, the firmer the yolk will be.
- Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- After a few minutes, peel the eggs and they’re ready to top your noodles!
With these tips, you’ll have tasty Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles and perfectly soft-boiled eggs every time! Enjoy cooking and making it your own!
Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Noodles:
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- For the Base:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 pound ground pork or chicken (optional)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Greens:
- 1 cup baby bok choy or other Asian greens, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- For Topping:
- 2 eggs
- Red chili flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes of cooking time. So in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Eggs:
Start by bringing enough water to a boil in a large pot for the eggs. Gently add the eggs and boil for 6-7 minutes for those soft, dreamy yolks. Once done, carefully remove them and place them in a bowl of cold water to cool. After a few minutes, peel them and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot or a separate large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté this mix until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute. Enjoy that delicious smell!
3. Cook the Protein (Optional):
If you’re adding ground pork or chicken, throw it in now! Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as you go.
4. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the Noodles:
Now, add the ramen noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the instructions on the package, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Nothing like freshly cooked noodles!
6. Add the Greens:
In the last minute of cooking the noodles, toss in the chopped bok choy or any other Asian greens you have. This will wilt them nicely and add some color to your bowl.
7. Final Adjustments:
Stir in the sesame oil and taste your broth. Add salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to your liking, adjusting it just how you like it!
8. Serve It Up:
Divide the steaming noodles and broth between two bowls. Halve your soft-boiled eggs and place a half on top of each bowl.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish with the green parts of the sliced green onions sprinkled on top, and add extra chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Serve immediately with chopsticks, and dig into your flavorful Sweet Chili Ramen Noodles!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the instant ramen noodles for gluten-free ramen or any preferred gluten-free noodle substitutes. Just be sure to adjust cooking time according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Ramen?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help loosen up the noodles and prevent them from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, and perhaps some tofu for added protein!
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, a mix of honey and sriracha or even a dash of Asian plum sauce can work as a substitute for that sweet and spicy kick. Just combine them to taste and use in place of the sweet chili sauce!
