Cheater’s Sweet and Sour Noodles {Gluten Free}

This Asian noodle recipe for Cheater’s Sweet and Sour Noodles makes a delicious and healthy dinner. It’s incredibly easy to make and a great use for leftovers! Homemade sweet and sour sauce is the key to the amazing flavor of this meal. It’s dairy free, gluten free, and comes together in about 20 minutes!

Yes, I am a cheater! But I’m okay with it. When it comes to Asian American dishes, I totally cheat. That’s allowed, right?

Today’s Asian noodle recipe is a throw together recipe that utilizes that healthy sweet and sour sauce I posted last week. I promised you a recipe with it! So here I am. Also, this easy recipe is a twist on one of my superfood bowl cookbook recipes, Sweet and Sour Ham and Pasta Noodle Bowls! The difference is, we’ve changed up the sauce a wee bit  and we’re giving you the option to throw in ANY cooked meat of choice.

These type of “cheater’s” meals are seriously my go to. Why?

No fancy techniques.

No hard to find ingredients.

Just leftovers at their best! A family favorite meal that’s dairy free. Oh and for those of you all looking for dietary substitutes, I got you covered.

For vegetarian and lower carb options, see recipe notes or read below.

Ingredients you’ll need to make the Asian noodle recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is; it’s simple to make the the dish your own. Feel free to create it as shown, or use up any of the leftovers in your fridge to make your own creation!

• Rice noodles or gluten free spaghetti. Low carb options –> VEGGIE NOODLES!
• Sesame oil
• Onion – The sweetness of red onion is great in sweet and sour noodles, but yellow or white onion are fine, too.
• Bell pepper – Just like red onion, red bell peppers are a bit sweeter than green. Plus, red peppers pack more beta carotene than the other bell pepper varieties.
• Cooked ham or other cooked protein of choice. I actually love to use diced smoked ham or turkey for some umami flavor, but tempeh (or tofu), fried egg, chicken, or shrimp will work as well.
• Homemade sweet and sour sauce – I’m partial to my homemade version, mostly because it’s all-natural. If you’d rather use bottled sauce, my feelings will only be hurt a little. 😉
• Diced pineapple, optional
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish
• Green onion (scallion)
• Fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to make sweet and sour noodles

You’re busy… I feel you. That’s why this easy Asian dinner comes together in under 20 minutes. Like I said earlier, nothing fancy to see here. It’s just oodles of noodles and some leftovers from your fridge. Let’s make this!

1. COOK THE NOODLES

Cook your pasta according to package directions, but to avoid over cooked, soggy noodles, stop cooking when they’re al dente. Rinse under cold water and set them aside in a strainer.

2. SAUTE YOUR VEGGIES

Heat a large skillet or a wok with sesame oil over medium high. Add the red onion and saute for 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add bell pepper slices and saute/stir fry again for and additional minute, or until peppers are coated in oil and slightly cooked.

3. COMBINE NOODLES WITH VEGGIES

Add the cooked pasta to the ingredients in the pan and toss to combine. If the noodles seem a bit dry, you can add an additional 1 tablespoon oil.

4. ADD YOUR COOKED PROTEIN AND THE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

Mix in the sweet and sour sauce and cooked protein of choice. Toss all together and cook on medium until noodles are well coated, about 5 minutes.

5. ADD PINEAPPLE (if using)

Add optional diced pineapple, and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until pasta and sauce are evenly coated with vegetables.

6. GARNISH and SERVE!

Garnish with chopped green onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately or place in airtight container to store in fridge.

See? It’s just that easy. The Asian noodle recipe makes enough sweet and sour noodles to serve 4 to 5 people.

How long can you keep leftovers?

Well, when you make a recipe with fresh ingredients, leftovers are usually good for a few days. But, if you are using leftovers from your fridge to make the sweet and sour noodles, I’m going to suggest that you eat the meal up within 2 days.

Other deliciousness to serve with this Asian noodle recipe:

Make yourself a full-blown, gluten free, dairy free Asian inspired dinner. Because who doesn’t love that, right? YOLO! There are a lot of things that pair well with sweet and sour noodles. Need some ideas? I got you covered

• Quick Pineapple Paleo Cauliflower Fried Rice {with extra Protein}
• Gluten free egg rolls or spring rolls!
• Instant Pot Sticky BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps

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Alright my friends. Your turn to confess. Are you cheater when it comes to certain dishes? I won’t tell if so. But you must share your tricks! Mmm k?

Cheers,

LC