Description
Spicy Garlic Chili Noodles are a vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a savory, spicy garlic chili sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines soy sauce, chili oil, garlic, and a hint of sweetness to create an irresistible meal perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or whenever you’re craving something with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 8 ounces noodles such as ramen, spaghetti, or rice noodles
Sauce & Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water or water as needed
Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before setting noodles aside.
- Heat the oil and garlic: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook it until fragrant and lightly golden, making sure not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Add chili flavors: Stir in the chili flakes and chili oil, allowing the flavors to bloom and infuse the oil for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Combine sauces and seasonings: Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Toss noodles in sauce: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly with the spicy garlic chili sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed so it clings nicely to the noodles without drying out.
- Finish with sesame oil and garnish: Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodles, toss once more, then remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the noodles by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili oil and chili flakes to suit your desired spice level.
- You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more texture and nutrition.
- For added protein, include chicken, shrimp, or tofu when cooking the noodles.
- Using fresh garlic rather than garlic powder ensures a brighter and more pungent garlic flavor.
