Sweet Chilli Noodles with Peppers

Sweet chilli noodles are a super quick and easy side dish featuring egg noodles, sweet peppers, garlic and red onion in a silky spicy sauce.

When I say quick, this recipe takes 10 leisurely minutes to prepare and cooks in right around 5 minutes!

Stir-Fried Egg Noodles

Ordinarily, noodles for me form an integral part of a stir fry dish, whether that be in dishes like dan dan noodles, the takeaway favourite, Singapore chow mein, Japanese-influenced yaki udon, Filipino pancit bihon or something like my beef noodle soup.

I am definitely guilty of egg fried rice "tunnel vision" when it comes to sides for Chinese or Southeast Asian influenced dishes.

But noodles make a wonderful side dish or simple lunchtime munch!

These quick and easy stir-fried sweet chilli noodles join my sweet and sour noodles in that category.

They are incredibly quick to cook, weighing in at around 15 minutes, and that is taking your time.

They are also vegetarian if that is important to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to cook egg noodles?

Now there is an open question.

Egg noodles vary massively from brand to brand; some are fine to pour boiling water over and let sit for 5 minutes, especially if you are frying them after. Others need boiling for 1-2 minutes.

Choose a brand you like and stick with it!

Can I use straight-to-wok noodles?

Yes, but again, these vary massively from brand to brand. I tend to find that the ones packed in tightly vacuum-sealed packets are pretty rubbish because they break up too easily.

Loosely packed "fresh" egg noodles are great and make this recipe even easier... if that's possible. But you do pay a premium!

Can I use rice or glass noodles?

For me, they are not ideal for this recipe, coupled with the fact that I am not keen on them.

If you do try them, please let me know how it works out!

Can I use udon noodles?

Yes, in fact, I have a sweet chilli chicken noodle recipe that is very similar to this.

Do I have to use Chinkiang vinegar?

No, I use it because I love it; it has an incredible flavour, but you can use any rice vinegar.

Do I have to use different coloured peppers?

No, I mainly do it for a splash of colour, use whatever you have!

Can I make this in advance?

Whilst it is safe to do this, and the noodles will sit in the fridge for 3-5 days if stored correctly, they are far from their best if you do this.

Serving Suggestions

These stir-fried sweet chilli egg noodles are the perfect side dish for a host of dishes.

It is served above with my cod en papillote, and they are great with fish and seafood. Everything from my honey and soy salmon and baked tuna steak to sweet and sour prawns are great matches.

But it ain't just fish!

I love this recipe served alongside sweet and sour chicken balls, or sweet and sour pork balls!

Sticking with a theme, it is also wonderful with sweet and sour tofu.

A final few to pique your interest and inspire, try this with my Chinese braised pork knuckle, crispy Thai BBQ chicken thighs or even my crispy Chinese pork belly.

The Japanese make a strange but delicious dish called yakisoba pan, which consists of noodles stuffed in a hot dog bun. These noodles are delicious served like that!

Equipment Used

I do not recommend specific equipment brands unless I believe it makes a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Hob/stovetop.
• Wok, I use a large carbon steel wok.
• A combination of weighing scales and or measuring cups and spoons.
• Sieve, to drain the noodles.
• Small saucepan or large bowl for the noodles, depending on your cooking method.
• A spoon for stir-frying, I use a large metal serving spoon.
• Sharp kitchen knife.
• Chopping board.