Quick way: how to make spicy garlic noodles in Instant Pot. Happy.

Instant Pot Spicy Garlic Noodle Stir Fry

Get perfect al dente spicy garlic noodles in 15 mins with this Instant Pot recipe! A delicious one-pot Asian noodle stir-fry for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American-Chinese, Asian

Calories: 485

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 8 oz thin spaghetti noodles broken into half (thin variety, 226 g)
• ½ tbsp Finely Chopped Garlic.
• ½ green bell pepper thinly sliced
• ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot thinly sliced (like match sticks)
• 2 tbsp Avocado oil

For the Sauce

• 3 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Chili garlic sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce.
• 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (lightly toasted sesame oil tastes fabulous)
• ½ tbsp brown sugar

Liquid

• 2 cups water (or chicken broth)

Garnish

• ½ tsp lightly toasted white sesame seeds (**read NOTES)
• 3 scallions chopped into 2 inch long pieces (use only green parts)

Method

 

1. Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE function on NORMAL heat settings.
2. Add oil; when moderately hot, add chopped garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Cancel the SAUTE function, add liquid, and de-glaze the pot.
4. Add spaghetti noodles in a bird's nest or zig-zag pattern, avoiding dumping them all at once. Gently tap the noodles with a spatula to coat them with liquid. Do not stir.
5. Layer sliced vegetables on top of the noodles. (If you prefer crisp vegetables, do not add them now.) Do not stir anything in the pot.
6. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and seal the valve. Pressure cook on HIGH for 4 minutes for al dente noodles or 6 minutes for softer noodles.
7. After the pressure cooking cycle, wait for 3 minutes of Natural Pressure Release, then manually release the remaining pressure by moving the valve from SEALING to VENTING. Carefully open the lid.
8. Do not worry about the small amount of remaining liquid and softer vegetables; the cooked noodles will absorb the liquid as you detangle them.
9. Cancel the PRESSURE COOK function. Gently detangle the noodles with a fork, mixing in the cooked vegetables.
10. Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE on LOW.
11. Add all sauce ingredients. First, mix brown sugar into the light soy sauce until incorporated, then add this mixture to the pot.
12. Toss the noodles in the sauces for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the Instant Pot. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot, adding more Chili garlic Sauce and red pepper flakes if desired for extra spice.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 13gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 2005mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11g

Notes

1. Measuring Units Used, 1 Cup = 240 ml & 1 teaspoon = 5 ml.
2. Lightly toasted White Sesame seeds: Lightly toast the white sesame seeds over medium high heat stirring frequently and until they turn slightly golden in color. Toasted sesame seeds add great depth of flavor to a dish and also tastes yum with lots of nutty flavor minus any bitterness. 
3. Veggies consistency: Today's recipe will reward you with softer veggies. 
4. For Crisp crunchy Veggies: Do not pressure cook the veggies along with the noodles. Instead add them to the cooked noodles before adding the sauces. Mix everything together, mix the sauces and saute for 2-3 mins. Than cover the pot and let the noodles rest for 5-10 mins. The residual heat will cook the veggies and keep them crisp and crunchy. Always thinly slice the veggies.
5. For very spicy noodles: Double the amount of sriracha. Also add red pepper flakes.
6. Non-spicy Noodles: Skip the sriracha from today's recipe.
7. Never mix or stir the spaghetti noodles after adding them to the Instant Pot. Gently press them down with the help of your spatula to coat them with water.
8. Al dente Noodles: 4 mins High Pressure/ 3 mins Natural Release. The noodles won't fall apart.
9. Softer Noodles: 5-6 mins High Pressure / Quick Release. The Noodles will fall apart, imagine soggy noodles!

 

Calorific details are provided by a third party application & are to be used as indicative figures only.

 

Nutrition Facts

Chili Garlic Noodles Instant Pot

Amount Per Serving

Calories 485 Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 1mg0%

Sodium 2005mg87%

Potassium 388mg11%

Carbohydrates 72g24%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 4211IU84%

Vitamin C 49mg59%

Calcium 45mg5%

Iron 2mg11%

* Read our privacy policy - Calorie information is provided as a courtesy only and should be leveraged as an estimate rather than a guarantee.Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

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Why You’ll Love These Spicy Garlic Noodles

Another busy weeknight, another dinner dilemma? I get it, you’re tired. The kids are probably asking “what’s for dinner?” the moment you walk through the door. You’re craving that amazing takeout flavor, but honestly, who wants to deal with the delivery fees or the wait? I mean, sometimes you just want something homemade and quick.

That’s where this spicy garlic noodle stir fry Instant Pot recipe swoops in like a superhero. It’s a game changer, truly. You’ll get all those incredible, complex flavors you love from your favorite Asian spot, but in just one pot, and in a fraction of the time.

It’s perfect for when you want a warm, comforting meal without heavy winter flavors, especially now that spring’s here. Imagine the aroma of garlic and ginger filling your kitchen, without a huge pile of dishes to tackle later. That’s the dream, isn’t it?

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spicy Garlic Noodles

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. You don’t need anything super exotic for this Instant Pot Asian noodle recipe. Most of these items, you know, you’ve probably got hanging out in your pantry or you can grab them easily at Ralphs or Trader Joe’s during your weekly run.

We’re talking about things like soy sauce, maybe tamari if you’re going gluten-free, some sesame oil, chili garlic sauce for that kick, and of course, plenty of fresh garlic and ginger. I think fresh is always best here, you’ll really taste the difference. For noodles, I like using something like spaghetti or even ramen noodles (just toss the seasoning packet). They hold up really well in the pressure cooker.

For protein, I’ve had amazing success with small pieces of chicken or even firm tofu. Chicken needs to be cut into small, bite-sized pieces, by the way, so it cooks quickly with the noodles. This recipe is super flexible, honestly. It’s all about building that incredible garlic ginger sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Spicy Garlic Noodles

Making spicy garlic noodle stir fry Instant Pot style is probably easier than you think. The Instant Pot really does most of the heavy lifting, which is why I love it for busy nights. First, you’ll sauté your aromatics, like that beautiful minced garlic and ginger. You want them to get just right, fragrant but not burnt. This builds the foundation of our umami flavor.

Next, you’ll add your liquids and seasonings. Here’s a little trick: never pressure cook noodles along with the sauces. Cook the noodles separately, then toss them in the sauce after. This gives you better “wok magic” flavor, even without a wok. You’ll want to add your noodles to the Instant Pot in a bird nest or zig-zag pattern, and this is important, do not stir them after adding. Just let them be.

For al dente noodles, I usually go for 4 minutes on High Pressure. For softer noodles, maybe 5-6 minutes. The key is to release the steam right away after cooking to prevent them from turning mushy. That’s a high-value tip I learned the hard way, you know? Nobody wants mushy noodles.

Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Noodles

Getting that perfect noodle texture in the Instant Pot can feel a bit like a magic trick, but I promise, you’ve got this. The main thing to remember is the quick release. As I said, release steam right away after cooking noodles to prevent them from turning mushy. This is probably the most crucial step for avoiding overcooked noodles.

Another tip, if you’re worried about the dreaded “burn notice”: make sure you’ve deglazed the pot really well after sautéing. Any little bits stuck to the bottom can trigger that. And for the noodles themselves, try to keep them submerged in liquid without stirring too much initially. A fork helps to de-tangle pressure cooked noodles once they’re done.

I mean, Instant Pot noodles are often sticky due to starch, it’s just how pressure cooking works sometimes. If you want less sticky results, you can try an alternate method: use less water, pre-soak your noodles, or cook the sauce separately and add the noodles and any crisp veggies like broccoli after they’re pressure cooked. Then, just warm everything through. It’s a bit more hands-on, but worth it if you’re really particular about texture.

Flavor Variations & Customizations

This spicy garlic noodle stir fry Instant Pot recipe is truly a customizable noodle bowl. You can totally make it your own! For protein, if you’re not doing chicken, tofu is an amazing vegetarian Instant Pot noodles option. Just press it well, cube it, and sauté it before or after the noodles, or even air fry it for a crispy texture.

Veggies are a must, in my opinion, for a well-rounded meal. Carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers are fantastic. For crisp veggies like broccoli, you know, I always recommend adding them along with the sauces after the noodles are cooked. The residual heat will make them perfectly tender-crisp without getting mushy.

And spice level? You’re in charge! Adjust the chili garlic sauce, add a dash of Sriracha, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like it really fiery. A little brown sugar can help balance the heat, too. For toppings, think green onions, sesame seeds, chopped cashews instead of peanuts, or even a squeeze of Meyer lemon for brightness. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Noodles

Once your one pot Instant Pot garlic noodles are perfectly tossed in that glossy, fragrant sauce, you’re ready to serve! These noodles are so good, they can absolutely stand on their own as a satisfying weeknight meal. Honestly, it’s a complete meal with any protein and veggies you’ve added.

But if you’re feeling fancy, or want to stretch it a bit, they’re also amazing as a side dish. Imagine them next to some steamed veggies or even a simple baked chicken. Garnish with more vibrant green onions, a sprinkle of white sesame seeds, and maybe some extra hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick. They’re definitely chopsticks dinner worthy.

The smell of that rich garlic ginger sauce alone, you know, it just makes your mouth water. That first forkful, or chopstick-ful, with the perfect chewy texture and burst of umami flavor? So good. Your family will love this takeout fakeout noodles dish, I promise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

You’ll be happy to know this spicy garlic noodle stir fry Instant Pot recipe makes fantastic leftovers. That’s a win for meal prep noodles, right? Just pop any leftover noodles into an airtight container and they’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. I mean, they might even taste better the next day as the flavors meld!

When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. My go-to is usually the microwave; just a minute or two, stirring halfway, until they’re warmed through. If they seem a little dry, you can add a tiny splash of vegetable broth or water before reheating. You can also gently warm them in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, which is great for getting back a bit of that “stir-fry” feel.

Freezing is possible, too, for up to 2 months. Just a heads-up, though: some veggies, especially softer ones, might get a bit mushy after thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, maybe hold off on adding fresh green onions and sesame seeds until you’re ready to serve them after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Noodle Issues

More Instant Pot Noodle Recipes to Try

Once you’ve mastered this amazing spicy garlic noodle stir fry Instant Pot recipe, you’ll feel so confident in your Instant Pot skills, I mean, you’ll want to try everything! The Instant Pot is truly a one pot weeknight meal champion, especially for Asian-inspired dishes. I love exploring all the possibilities.

You could try a simple Instant Pot sesame noodles dish, or even an Instant Pot Asian noodles with chicken for a heartier meal. There are so many variations out there for pressure cooker garlic noodles, whether you prefer them vegetarian Instant Pot noodles or with added protein. It’s amazing what this appliance can do, honestly. It just opens up a whole new world of quick and easy meals.

So, don’t stop here! Keep experimenting with different noodles, sauces, and veggies. You’ll find your own favorites in no time. The important thing is you’re creating delicious, homemade meals without all the fuss.

When you make this spicy garlic noodle stir fry Instant Pot, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get a homemade, flavorful meal on the table. It’s truly a secret weapon for busy parents and anyone who wants delicious food without the stress. So, grab your ingredients on your next Trader Joe’s run, and reclaim your dinner time. You’ll thank me, I think. If you try it, tag me in your creations, I’d love to see them! For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards.

Source: Health & Nutrition Research