If you’re craving a dish that combines satisfying spice with a hint of sweetness, look no further than these incredible Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil. This recipe is exactly what you need to challenge your taste buds and enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dynamic Flavor Duo: The sweet coconut sugar balances the heat of the chili paste for a deliciously rich taste.
- Easy to Customize: Swap proteins or noodles based on what’s in your pantry or dietary needs, making it a versatile favorite.
- Aromatic Aroma: Fresh basil gives a fragrant finish that elevates the entire dish to aromatic perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This tantalizing dish relies on a handful of essential ingredients that each play their part in crafting the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil.
- Sesame Oil (or Avocado Oil): Provides a nutty, rich base that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Ground Chicken: A lean protein choice that absorbs all the delightful spices and flavors beautifully.
- Freshly Grated Ginger: Adds a zesty and warm kick that’s unmistakable.
- Garlic Cloves: Infuses the dish with a pungent yet pleasing aroma.
- Coconut Sugar: Balances out the spiciness with its natural sweetness.
- Tomato Paste: Offers a concentrated burst of umami and richness.
- Fresh Chopped Basil: Provides a refreshing and fragrant herbal note.
- Hot Chili Paste (such as sambal oelek): Packs a spicy punch that’s crucial for that distinctive heat.
- Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami depth, making each bite irresistibly savory.
- Rice Vinegar: Lends acidity that balances the bold flavors.
- Ramen Noodles: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all those delightful sauces.
Variations
It’s incredibly easy to adapt this Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun and simple ways to make it your own.
- Vegan Swap: Replace chicken with crumbled tofu for a plant-based alternative that keeps all the wonderful flavors intact.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
- Nut-Free Variation: Simply omit the nuts without losing any of the dish’s delightful texture.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is beautifully golden and still a bit chunky. This foundational step ensures the flavors develop right from the start.
Step 2: Build the Flavors
Add ginger, garlic, and coconut sugar to the pot, stirring to mix. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through, releasing an irresistibly savory aroma. Incorporate tomato paste, basil, and chili paste for about a minute, allowing everything to meld beautifully together.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This time lets the flavors deepen magnificently.
Step 4: Cook and Mix the Noodles
While the sauce is cooking, prepare your noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once ready, drain and combine with the sauce in the pot, thoroughly mixing everything so each noodle is coated perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil
- Optimal Heat: Experiment with chili paste quantities to find your personal sweet spot of spiciness without compromising flavor complexity.
- Flavor Boost: Letting the noodles rest briefly in the meat sauce ensures each strand absorbs even more flavor.
- Perfect Basil Preparation: Chiffonade your basil—roll the leaves tightly and slice to create beautiful ribbons that release maximum aroma.
- Nut Diversity: Try different types of roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique texture twist in your garnish.
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil
Garnishes
Top each serving with freshly chopped basil ribbons for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Add crunch with some chopped roasted cashews or peanuts, and sprinkle extra red pepper flakes if you love more heat. Each garnish enhances the visual appeal and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with a refreshing side like a cucumber salad or a simple Asian slaw, which complements the spice with a cool, crisp texture. These sides balance the heat and double the meal’s yum-factor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these noodles in deep white bowls to show off the vibrant colors. For a touch of elegance, use chopsticks to twirl the noodles into neat nests, topped with garnishes, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3-5 days. This dish is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the savory magic throughout the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the dish, do so without the noodles for best results. Freeze the sauce in a sturdy container for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to eat, simply whip up a fresh batch of noodles!
Reheating
To reheat your noodles, use either a microwave-safe dish or rewarm them gently on the stovetop in a saucepan. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce’s consistency, ensuring deliciousness in every bite.
FAQs
-
Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or even shrimp for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
-
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated, but remember that fresh basil really enlivens the dish!
-
Is there a way to reduce the spice level?
Yes, to make the dish milder, simply reduce the amount of chili paste or replace it with a milder version. You can also add more coconut sugar or serve with a cool yogurt sauce on the side to balance the heat.
-
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or canned chickpeas. Both alternatives soak up the sauce well and provide a satisfying, hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a dish that can wow your senses and offer comforting familiarity, these Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil are your answer. Dive into this culinary gem and enjoy each flavorful bite—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and fiery noodle dish combining juicy ground chicken with spicy chili paste, fresh basil, and a savory sauce. Topped with crunchy nuts and basil ribbons, this Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and herbaceous freshness in every bite. Ready in under an hour, it’s a flavorful meal that comes together quickly using stovetop techniques.
Ingredients
For the Noodles
1 pound ramen noodles (or rice noodles, spaghetti, or fettuccine)For the Sauce and Chicken
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or avocado oil)1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
2 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cup water
For Garnish
Fresh chopped basil (basil ribbons recommended)Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred)
Extra red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Add sesame oil to a large pot and place over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken to the pot and season generously with salt and pepper. Brown the meat, breaking it into medium-sized chunks, and cook for about 5 minutes until nicely browned underneath.
- Add Aromatics and Flavor: Stir in grated ginger, sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking the chicken into smaller chunks as it cooks, until nearly cooked through.
- Develop the Sauce: Mix in tomato paste, chopped fresh basil, and hot chili paste. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Let the sauce cook for about 30 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add back to the pot with the meat sauce, stirring well to coat the noodles evenly.
- Serve: Divide the noodles among bowls, top with basil ribbons, chopped nuts, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.
Notes
- Feel free to omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- For vegetarian or vegan options, replace ground chicken with crumbled tofu, cubed tofu, or chickpeas.
- Use gluten-free noodles if needed to make the dish gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 473cal
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 12.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63.4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
