Garlic Chili Oil Noodles Recipe

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are a flavor-packed dish that combines the bold, spicy kick of chili oil with the rich aroma of garlic and a hint of sweetness to balance it all out. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a fast dinner, a snack, or a meal-prep option. It’s versatile, customizable, and a great introduction to the world of homemade Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of fiery flavors or prefer something milder, these noodles will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, these noodles can be ready in under 20 minutes.
2. Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables and protein.
3. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples that you likely already have.
4. Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is an explosion of garlicky, spicy, and savory goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Noodles:
   • Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and Rinse:
   • Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Chili Oil

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a medium skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium-low heat until shimmering.
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
   • Stir in the minced garlic, chili flakes, sesame seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
3. Mix in Liquid Ingredients:
   • Remove from heat and immediately stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add toasted sesame oil for a rich finish.
4. Let It Rest:
   • Allow the chili oil to sit for a minute or two to infuse.

Step 3: Combine Noodles and Sauce

1. Toss Together:
   • Place the cooked noodles in a heat-resistant bowl. Pour the garlic chili oil over the noodles.
2. Mix Thoroughly:
   • Toss the noodles until they’re evenly coated with the sauce. Use chopsticks, tongs, or a fork for thorough mixing.

Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients

1. Vegetables:
   • Toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
2. Protein:
   • Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling.
3. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or soy sauce as needed.

Serving Suggestions

1. Quick Meal:
   • Serve as a standalone dish for a satisfying meal.
2. Side Dish:
   • Pair with dumplings, spring rolls, or a light soup for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
3. Meal Prep:
   • Store in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

1. Use Fresh Garlic:
   • The flavor of fresh garlic shines in this recipe, so don’t skimp on it.
2. Control the Heat:
   • Adjust the chili flakes to match your spice tolerance.
3. Noodles Matter:
   • Choose noodles that can hold up to the rich sauce, like thick ramen or udon noodles.
4. Watch the Garlic:
   • Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat low and stir constantly when cooking it.
5. Customize Freely:
   • Experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and garnishes to suit your taste.

Variations

1. Peanut Butter Twist:
   • Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of peanut butter or tahini for a nutty, creamy sauce.
2. Citrus Zest:
   • Add a squeeze of lime juice or some orange zest for a fresh, tangy kick.
3. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make the dish gluten-free.
4. Extra Crunch:
   • Top with fried shallots or crispy garlic for added texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought chili oil?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought chili oil works as a quick substitute. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Q: What if I don’t have Sichuan peppercorns?
A: You can skip them, but they add a unique numbing spice that enhances the dish’s authenticity.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Absolutely! Ensure your soy sauce is vegan, and skip adding meat-based proteins.

Conclusion

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are the epitome of quick and delicious cooking. With their bold flavors, easy preparation, and endless customization options, they’re a must-try for any food enthusiast. Whether you’re making it as a standalone meal or pairing it with other dishes, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Yield: 2

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles Recipe

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Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are a flavor-packed dish that combines the bold, spicy kick of chili oil with the rich aroma of garlic and a hint of sweetness to balance it all out. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a fast dinner, a snack, or a meal-prep option. It's versatile, customizable, and a great introduction to the world of homemade Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of fiery flavors or prefer something milder, these noodles will leave you craving more.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons chili oil (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color and deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• For the Noodles:
• 8 ounces noodles (e.g., lo mein, udon, or spaghetti)
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• Optional Toppings:
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Crushed peanuts or cashews
• Fresh cilantro
• Fried egg or protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, tofu)

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Drain the noodles and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Chili Oil Base:

1. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in red pepper flakes and most of the sliced green onions, cooking for another 30 seconds.

4. Combine:

1. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic chili oil mixture.
2. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss until the noodles are evenly coated and warmed through.

5. Serve:

1. Transfer the noodles to serving bowls and garnish with reserved green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and your favorite toppings.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes or using a milder chili oil.

Noodle Choices: This recipe works with various noodles, including rice noodles, ramen, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Customization: Add vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.