Introduction
Craving a dish that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these Spicy Chili Noodles. This recipe is the ultimate weeknight meal, delivering a punch of heat and a rich, savory taste in just minutes. We’ll show you how to create an intensely flavorful chili-garlic oil sauce that perfectly coats every noodle. It’s a versatile dish that you can serve on its own or with your favorite protein and vegetables. Get ready for a delicious dinner that’s faster than any takeout!
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Chili Noodles
- Lightning Fast: This entire recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The hot oil poured over garlic and chili creates a fragrant, deep flavor that is truly addictive.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Pantry-Friendly: The sauce uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Perfectly Sauced Noodles: The simple sauce coats the noodles evenly, ensuring every bite is a flavor bomb.
Ingredients
- 10-12 oz (285-340g) noodles of your choice (ramen, udon, or knife-cut noodles work great)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (reserve the green parts for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) or red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or brown sugar)
- A pinch of salt
- ¼ cup (60ml) neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Reserved green parts of the onion, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- A fried egg or your favorite protein
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Small saucepan
- Large heatproof bowl
- Whisk or fork
Instructions
Part 1: Prepare the Noodles and Sauce Ingredients
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook your noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large, heatproof bowl, combine the minced garlic, the white parts of the green onion, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, gochugaru (or red pepper flakes), sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.
Part 2: Make the Chili Oil
- Heat the Oil: Pour the neutral oil into a small saucepan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s very hot and shimmering. It should just begin to smoke.
- Pour and Sizzle: Carefully and slowly pour the hot oil over the ingredients in your bowl. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. This process “toasts” the chili flakes and cooks the raw garlic, releasing their full aroma and flavor.
- Mix: Use a whisk or fork to stir the mixture until it is well combined. The oil should be a vibrant red color.
Part 3: Assemble and Serve
- Toss Everything Together: Add the cooked noodles to the bowl with the chili oil sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring every strand of noodle is fully coated in the fragrant sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Divide the noodles into serving bowls. Garnish with the reserved green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately while hot!
Storage and Essential Tips for the Best Spicy Chili Noodles
- Use a Heatproof Bowl: This is crucial, as you will be pouring hot oil into it. A glass or ceramic bowl is ideal.
- Watch the Oil: Do not let the oil get so hot that it begins to smoke heavily or burn the chili flakes. The goal is a gentle sizzle, not a scorched mess.
- Noodle Choice: Any noodle will work, but a thicker noodle like udon or knife-cut noodles stands up well to the sauce and provides a great chew.
- Add a Protein: For a more complete meal, you can stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or fried tofu.
- Storage: This dish is best served immediately. However, you can make the chili oil in advance and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Share Your Sweet Creation!
Did you make a batch of these quick and delicious spicy chili noodles? We’d love to see your creation! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @FoodieIdeas and use the hashtag #SpicyChiliNoodles. What’s your favorite go-to quick meal?