Hot honey garlic noodles are a delicious and quick meal that brings a warm, sweet, and spicy kick to your taste buds. The sensation of the flavors is something you will feel on your tongue, thanks to the combination of fresh ingredients like garlic and onions. It’s a 30-minute dish that has become my favorite when I need something satisfying but easy to prepare.

Whether you're using instant noodles or another variety, the balance between savory, hot, and garlicky notes makes every bite feel like perfection.

A Perfect Quick Meal

This recipe fits perfectly into busy weeks, and it's ideal for either lunch or dinner. Start by sautéing some garlic and onions before whisking together the honey and sauce mixture. Once your noodles are cooked, simply toss them in the sauce until everything is beautifully smothered.

The mix of textures and flavors pairs wonderfully with a side of cucumber salad, bringing a refreshing contrast. It's the kind of meal that can easily become a daily obsession, ready for any night of the week when you need something filling yet flavorful.

Why I Love This Recipe

This hot honey garlic noodles recipe is a fantastic way to add some excitement to your usual meal rotation. Noodles and pastas have been a staple in kitchens for centuries, but with this modern sauce, they take on a whole new flavor. The combination of sweet honey with the sharpness of garlic creates something truly unique and delicious.

I absolutely love using noodles in my kitchen because they are so versatile—whether you're in a hurry or just want something satisfying, they cook quickly and are incredibly inexpensive. It's a great dish to make when you're looking to try something different without much fuss.

This recipe is the perfect vehicle to bring these flavors together and turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish that’s easy to make and easy to enjoy.

This Hot Honey Noodles Recipe Is

If you're looking for a dish that's spicy, sweet, and bursting with bright, flavorful tastes, these hot honey garlic noodles are perfect. They’re so versatile & customizable, making it easy to adjust the heat or sweetness to suit your preference. Whether you're going for a vegetarian version or want to make it vegan or gluten-free, the recipe is incredibly flexible. Best of all, it's easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. You'll love how these noodles bring together a harmony of flavors, offering the right balance of sweetness and heat in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 300g chicken breast (cut into thin strips)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided use)
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp onion granules
• 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (use apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 4 tbsp hot honey
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 3 nests of egg noodles (or 8 oz wide rice noodles as a substitute)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (use a mix of light and dark soy sauce if desired)
• 5 spring onions (finely chopped)
• A large bunch of coriander (finely chopped for garnish)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
• 1/4 cup honey (to adjust sweetness)
• 1 tbsp corn starch (optional for thickening sauce)
• 1 tbsp cold water (to mix with corn starch)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (for seasoning)

Substitutions:

• Rice Noodles: Can be used instead of egg noodles.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Can be substituted for rice wine vinegar.

Method:

Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, mix the chicken strips with 1/2 tbsp of olive oil, garlic granules, onion granules, and smoked paprika.

• Heat a large pan over medium heat, spray lightly with oil, and cook the chicken until lightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

• Deglaze the same pan with apple cider vinegar.
• Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the garlic for 2 minutes over medium-low heat.
• Stir in the hot honey and sriracha, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Avoid letting the honey boil over.

Cook the Noodles:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles (or rice noodles) according to package instructions.
• Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Combine Noodles and Sauce:

• Add the cooked noodles into the honey garlic sauce in the pan, tossing to coat evenly.
• Stir in the spring onions, soy sauce, and coriander. Mix well to ensure the noodles are fully coated.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry.
• Add the slurry to the noodle mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add the Chicken:

• Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing to combine with the noodles and sauce.
• Season with black pepper and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serve:

• Garnish with additional coriander and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Additional Info About Hot Honey Garlic Noodles

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Hot Honey Garlic Noodles.

Health Benefits:

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein.
• Garlic: Contains antioxidants and can support immune function.
• Honey: Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Spring onions: Rich in fiber and vitamins A and C.
• Coriander: Helps with digestion and is packed with vitamins A, C, and K.

Notes:

• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha or chili flakes.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
• The corn starch slurry is optional and can be omitted for a thinner sauce.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

Equipment:

• Large pan
• Large saucepan
• Bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Serving Suggestions:

To complement the bold and spicy flavors of Hot Honey Garlic Noodles, consider serving the Smoked Queso Dip as an appetizer, adding a creamy and smoky contrast to the dish. For a refreshing drink, the Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail will offer a bright, citrusy balance to the rich noodles.

As a side, Southern Chicken and Rice can be a hearty option that pairs well with the spicy and sweet notes. Finish the meal with the indulgent Tres Leches Cheesecake, providing a light, creamy dessert to cool off the palate. These choices will create a well-rounded meal with complementary flavors and textures.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

When you've made a delicious batch of Hot Honey Garlic Noodles, it’s always good to know how to store and reheat them properly. First, make sure to place any leftover noodles in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you're ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the noodles in a microwave, oven, or even on the hob—all work well depending on your preference.

However, be mindful that freezing these noodles might slightly change their texture, which is why I wouldn't always recommend it for this recipe. Keeping them in the fridge is a much better option for enjoying them at their best.

Can you add honey to instant noodles?

Yes, adding honey to instant noodles creates a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and savoury flavors. It takes just 10 minutes with basic ingredients from your store cupboard. The spicy garlic pairs well with sweet honey, and the noodles bring a comforting savoury taste. Different varieties of ramen noodles work, but my favourite is the classic instant kind, which absorbs all the flavors beautifully.

What is garlic noodles made of?

Garlic noodles are a fusion of Western and Asian flavors, blending the rich taste of garlic with sauces like soy sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes butter. The mix of ingredients creates a balance between the two cuisines. Some versions add brown sugar for sweetness, or honey for a different twist, with Parmesan cheese adding a final touch. The result is flavorful noodles that are simple yet delicious, perfect for anyone new to this dish.

How to Add Garlic to Instant Noodles?

Ramen is a quick and tasty option, and adding garlic and spice makes it even better. Cook your ramen according to the package directions and drain well. In a pan, heat some ghee over medium heat, then stir in chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant but not burnt. Add the drained noodles, toss to coat them, and push to one side of the pan while stirring the sauce. Mix well for a flavorful meal.