If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor and a touch of heat, this Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil is sure to hit the spot. Imagine juicy ground chicken mingling with fiery chili paste, sweet coconut sugar, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh basil—it’s a harmony of tastes that’s both exciting and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Bold Flavors: A delightful mix of spicy, sweet, and umami that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or adjust the spice levels to suit your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor that lays the foundation for the dish.
- Ground Chicken: A lean source of protein that absorbs all those delicious flavors.
- Freshly Grated Ginger: Provides a zesty kick that enlivens the senses.
- Tomato Paste: Creates a deep, rich background to the sauce.
- Hot Chili Paste: Brings the heat and pairs perfectly with sweet notes.
- Fresh Chopped Basil: Adds a fragrant, herbal touch that refreshes the palate.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is how adaptable recipes can be. This Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil is no exception, and you can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with crumbled or cubed tofu for a vegetarian twist that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
- Spice Adjustment: Tailor the heat to your liking by adding more or less hot chili paste or tossing in some extra red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the noodles for your favorite gluten-free variety without compromising on the taste.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil
Step 1: Sauté the Ingredients
Begin by heating sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Allow it to brown, breaking up the meat into medium-sized chunks for about 5 minutes until it’s golden underneath. Introduce the ginger and garlic, letting them meld with the chicken for a few more minutes.
Step 2: Craft the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, chopped basil, and hot chili paste, cooking for just 30 seconds to a minute. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water, bringing everything to a simmer. Lower the heat and let the sauce thicken as it cooks uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
While the sauce develops its flavors, cook your noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain them and mix directly into the pot with the sauce, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated.
Pro Tips for Making Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil
- Simmer Success: Allowing the sauce to simmer not only thickens it but also deepens the flavors, so resist the urge to rush this part.
- Noodle Know-How: Cook noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly once mixed with the sauce.
- Proper Garnishing: Don’t skip the fresh basil or nuts at the end—they provide a lovely contrast of flavors and textures.
- Ingredient Integrity: Opt for the freshest ingredients, especially basil, to maximize the recipe’s vibrant taste.
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil
Garnishes
Top your noodles with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons and a handful of chopped roasted peanuts for an extra crunch. For those who love heat, a touch of red pepper flakes will give it an added kick.
Side Dishes
These aromatic noodles pair wonderfully with a light cucumber salad or simply steamed greens. The fresh, crisp sides offer a nice balance to the rich and flavorful noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the noodles family-style in a large, beautiful bowl set in the center of your dining table. For a personal touch, use individual deep bowls with mounded noodles, topped artistically with basil and peanuts—it’s like a work of art!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of these Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Just ensure they’re well sealed to keep flavors intact.
Freezing
While freezing might not be ideal due to the texture change in noodles, if necessary, freeze the sauce and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to enjoy again. This retains maximum freshness and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave in a microwave-safe dish or warm on the stove over low heat. If the noodles seem a bit dry, a splash of water will help regain their luscious consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of hot chili paste or omit the extra red pepper flakes to customize the spice level to your preference.
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What can I use as a substitute for ground chicken?
You can substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian or vegan option.
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Which type of noodle works best?
Ramen noodles work beautifully for this recipe, but even spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles will complement the flavors well. Choose your favorite!
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Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat and combine with freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a truly delectable Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil, full of vibrant flavors and customizable elements. I invite you to explore this recipe, tweak it to your liking, and savor every bite. Bon appétit!
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: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil is a flavorful and fiery dish that combines tender ground chicken, spicy chili paste, and fresh basil for a vibrant meal. Perfect for those craving a balance of heat, sweetness, and aromatic herbs, it comes together swiftly and is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- 3 tablespoons hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cups water
For the Noodles and Garnish
- 10 ounces ramen noodles (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles)
- Fresh chopped basil (basil ribbons for garnish)
- Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred)
- Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Add sesame oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high. Add ground chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and golden, breaking into medium chunks.
- Add Aromatics and Sweetener: Stir in grated ginger, sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through, breaking into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Incorporate Tomato and Basil: Mix in tomato paste, chopped basil, and hot chili paste. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute to develop the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Uncover and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the Noodles: While sauce simmers, cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, stirring well to coat. Divide among bowls, garnish with basil ribbons, chopped nuts, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- To make vegetarian or vegan, substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu, cubed tofu, or chickpeas.
- Use gluten-free noodles if needed for gluten intolerance.
- Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for 3-5 days and reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 473 kcal
- Sugar: 4.1 g
- Sodium: 1028 mg
- Fat: 12.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63.4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28.5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
