Description
Chili Garlic Noodles
These spicy Chili Garlic Noodles are a delicious, quick, and easy dish that packs bold flavors, perfect for any busy weeknight. Inspired by Asian street food, this recipe combines the comforting chewiness of rice noodles with the intense flavors of chili, garlic, and soy sauce. Whether you want to enjoy it as a side dish or as a main meal, these noodles are versatile, fast to prepare, and taste better than take-out! Add your choice of veggies or protein to make it even more satisfying.
8 oz rice noodles
1/4 cup Shoyu soy sauce
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp grated ginger
2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 scallions, sliced thinly
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp peanut oil
Directions:
1. Cook noodles as per package instructions. Set aside.
2. Whisk soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Heat peanut oil in a wok, stir-fry garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
4. Add noodles and sauce, toss for 2 minutes on high heat.
5. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 231
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic, grate ginger, and thinly slice scallions. Chop cilantro. Measure all sauce ingredients.
2. Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook 8 oz of rice noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
3. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup Shoyu soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, the minced garlic, grated ginger, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, and 2 tsp toasted sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
4. Stir-Fry: Heat 2 tbsp of peanut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger from the sauce bowl and stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn.
5. Combine: Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce to the wok. Using tongs, toss and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all noodles are evenly coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Transfer to serving bowls and immediately garnish with sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these noodles hot as a main dish or a flavorful side. For a complete meal, top with a fried or soft-boiled egg, shredded rotisserie chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or crispy tofu. Add quick-steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy on the side. A light cucumber salad makes a refreshing contrast to the spicy, savory noodles.
How-to Summary
Cook rice noodles al dente. Whisk soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil into a sauce. Briefly stir-fry garlic and ginger in hot oil. Add noodles and sauce, tossing for 2-3 minutes until well-coated. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes. Udon, lo mein, or even spaghetti work well. Adjust cooking time per package instructions.
2. How can I make this dish less spicy? Reduce the chili garlic sauce to 1-2 teaspoons, or use a mild chili crisp. You can add more at the table.
3. Is there a substitute for Shoyu soy sauce? Regular low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) are excellent substitutes. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. The noodles can soften if stored. For meal prep, keep sauce separate and combine when ready to eat.
5. How do I add protein without complicating the recipe? Stir-fry thinly sliced chicken, beef, or shrimp in the wok before adding the garlic/ginger. Remove, then proceed and add back with the noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cook only until al dente. They will soften further when stir-fried in the sauce.
- Burning the Garlic: Stir-fry garlic and ginger for only 30-60 seconds over medium-high heat. Burnt garlic turns bitter.
- Using Cold Noodles: Ensure noodles are drained and at room temperature before adding to the hot wok to prevent clumping.
- Not Tossing Vigorously: Use tongs to toss the noodles constantly for even sauce distribution and to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
These Chili Garlic Noodles are the ultimate solution for a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The balance of spicy, savory, sweet, and umami flavors is deeply satisfying and highly customizable. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently achieve perfect, non-soggy noodles coated in a glossy, intense sauce. This versatile dish is sure to become a reliable favorite in your weekly rotation, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen.