Garlic Chili Oil Noodles: A Spicy and Flavorful Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are a delightful fusion of flavors that can elevate any meal to new heights. As someone who has always been captivated by the bold and aromatic essence of garlic and chili, I find this dish to be a perfect representation of comfort food with a kick. Originating from various Asian cuisines, these noodles have become a beloved staple in many households, celebrated for their simplicity and versatility. The combination of al dente noodles, fragrant garlic, and spicy chili oil creates a symphony of taste and texture that keeps people coming back for more.

What I love most about Garlic Chili Oil Noodles is their ability to cater to a variety of palates. Whether you prefer a mild heat or a fiery punch, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Plus, this dish is incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that is both delicious and nourishing. Join me as we dive into this irresistible recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried noodles (your choice: egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the heat)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Salt, to taste

Preparing the Noodles

1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Make sure to add a generous pinch of salt to the water; this will help flavor the noodles.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the noodles. If you’re using fresh noodles, they will typically take about 2-3 minutes to cook. Dried noodles may take longer, so check the package instructions for the exact cooking time.
3. Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. You want them to be al dente, so keep an eye on them!
4. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to remove excess starch, which can make the noodles gummy.
5. Set the drained noodles aside while you prepare the garlic chili oil.

Making the Garlic Chili Oil

1. In a small saucepan, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking.
2. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Be careful, as it can splatter! Stir the garlic continuously to prevent it from burning. You want it to turn golden brown and fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Once the garlic is golden, remove the saucepan from the heat. This is where the magic happens! Immediately add the red chili flakes to the hot oil. The heat from the oil will release the flavors and colors from the chili flakes, creating a beautiful, vibrant oil.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar (if using). Mix everything well to combine. The sugar will help balance the heat from the chili flakes, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a spicier oil.
5. Let the garlic chili oil cool for a few minutes. As it cools, the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Combining the Noodles and Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained noodles. Pour the cooled garlic chili oil over the noodles, making sure to scrape in all the garlic and chili flakes.
2. Using tongs or chopsticks, gently toss the noodles in the oil until they are evenly coated. This is where you can adjust the seasoning; taste a noodle and add salt if needed.
3. If you like your noodles a bit saucier, feel free to add a splash more soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil at this stage.
4. Once the noodles are well coated, let them sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to penetrate the noodles, making them even more delicious!

Garnishing and Serving

1. After the resting period, give the noodles another gentle toss to ensure they are well mixed.
2. Transfer the noodles to serving plates or bowls. I like to use a pair of tongs to create a nice nest of noodles in the center of the plate.
3. Sprinkle the chopped green onions generously over the top. This adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color!
4. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the noodles for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
5. Serve the garlic chili oil noodles warm or at room temperature. They make a fantastic main dish or a side dish to accompany your favorite protein or vegetable dish.

Tips and Variations

Conclusion:

In summary, these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of the rich, aromatic garlic and the spicy kick from the chili oil creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Whether you want to add some sautéed vegetables, protein like chicken or shrimp, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch, the possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a go and experience the delightful balance of flavors for yourself. Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you add your own twist? What did you think of the heat level? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below or on social media. Let’s spread the love for these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles together! Happy cooking! Print

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles: A Spicy and Flavorful Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings



Print Recipe

These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are a quick and delicious dish that blends the bold flavors of garlic and chili flakes. Ideal as a main or side, they are easily customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes!

• Author: Maria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried noodles
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 tablespoons red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a generous pinch of salt to flavor the noodles.
2. Once boiling, add the noodles. Fresh noodles take about 2-3 minutes to cook; dried noodles may take longer, so check the package instructions.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente.
4. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
5. Set the drained noodles aside.
6. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
7. Add the minced garlic and stir continuously to prevent burning, cooking until golden brown and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
8. Remove from heat and immediately add the red chili flakes to the hot oil, stirring to release flavors.
9. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar (if using). Mix well.
10. Let the garlic chili oil cool for a few minutes to meld flavors.
11. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained noodles and pour the cooled garlic chili oil over them, scraping in all the garlic and chili flakes.
12. Toss the noodles with tongs or chopsticks until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
13. For a saucier dish, add more soy sauce or sesame oil if desired.
14. Let the noodles sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
15. After resting, toss the noodles gently again.
16. Transfer to serving plates or bowls, creating a nest of noodles in the center.
17. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness and color.
18. Optionally, add sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
19. Serve warm or at room temperature as a main or side dish.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your heat preference.
• This dish can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins for a more complete meal.