These gluten-free Honey-Garlic Instant-Pot Noodles are sticky, sweet, and so addicting—an easy dinner that even picky eaters enjoy!
Sticky. Sweet. Tangy.
That’s what’s up with these honey-garlic Instant-Pot noodles, and they are really good. They’re delicious the day you make them and as leftovers for lunch the next day. Oh, and definitely when you wake up hangry in the middle of the night and only noodles will do—true story.
Not only are honey-garlic Instant-Pot noodles here to delight you with cozy vibes, but you only need about 15 minutes to make this dish. So if you’re wondering if these noodles are weeknight-worthy, the answer is a definite yes.
Honey-garlic noodles don’t take much effort, but they taste as though you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. While the recipe is clearly garlic-forward, the honey and vinegar lend a sweet tang that mellows out the flavors. Then there’s the fresh ginger, which I use for its warmth and brightness. But the “secret” to these noodles comes from a spicy umami mix of sriracha and soy sauce. In the end, it all comes down to striking a balance between sweet and savory.
Also, if you want some protein to go with your noodles, that’s not a problem! Just sauté a chopped-up chicken breast in your Instant Pot before adding all the sauce ingredients and noodles. Either way, you’re looking at a recipe practically made for busy weeknights and lazy weekends.
Why so sticky?
I have to tell you something that you will either find totally cool or totally not cool.
These noodles are sticky.
I’m not talking about a little sticky—they’re really sticky. These aren’t the kind of noodles that twirl on your fork like pasta. Wheat-based noodles contain all that gluten, making them more elastic and easier to separate. Rice noodles contain more starch, which is why they’re so dang sticky. When combined with a caramelized sauce, you create that perfectly sticky consistency.
Personally, I’m a fan of sticky noodles, and so is my hubby. For one thing, they’re chopstick-friendly, and who doesn’t love enjoying noodles with a fancy pair of chopsticks? Also, these rice noodles act like a sponge, soaking up more flavor in every strand. To me, that’s worth the stickiness!
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate your leftover noodles for up to 3 days. Just so you know, the sauce will thicken in the fridge, and the noodles might get even stickier. When it’s time to reheat, add a splash of water and sesame oil as you warm the noodles in the microwave or on the stove. This helps loosen the sauce.
Serving suggestions
Since this is a carb-centric meal, why not add a bit of protein? This sweet and savory Three-Cup Chicken recipe would pair perfectly with honey-garlic noodles. If you’d prefer something simpler (and quicker), you can’t go wrong with Pan-Seared Chicken Breast. For a vegetarian option, try Crispy Baked Tofu or Air-Fryer Tofu—both soak up the sauce beautifully!
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 package rice noodles (18 ounces)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onion
- Sesame seeds
- Peanuts optional
- Cooked peppers optional
Instructions
- Combine everything up to the noodles in a 6-quart Instant Pot on sauté mode and stir together until mixed.
- Once the mixture is almost boiling, add the rice noodles. Crush them up with a wooden spoon to stir them into the sauce, making sure they are covered in the sauce.
- Cover the Instant Pot (make sure it’s set to sealing) and cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
- Do an immediate steam release. If the noodles are too saucy for you, let them sit in the Instant Pot for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they absorb the sauce.
- Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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