These Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles are a burst of flavor! Loaded with garlic and a kick of heat, they are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Honestly, who can resist noodles that are spicy and garlicky? I could eat them every day! Toss in some veggies, and you’ve got a quick meal that’s tasty and fun.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I like using wide rice noodles for a chewy texture, but flat wheat noodles work too. If you’re gluten-free, rice noodles are the way to go. Just make sure to not overcook them to maintain that perfect bite!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is vital for flavor. While you could use garlic powder in a pinch, fresh minced garlic gives a much better punch. Don’t skip on the quantity if you love garlic like I do!
Chili Garlic Sauce: This adds the spicy kick! If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 2 tablespoons and adjust as needed. Alternatively, you can use sriracha if that’s what you have on hand. It adds a different flavor but still delicious!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works great, but dark soy sauce gives a richer color. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can be a nice substitute without losing too much flavor.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a pleasant tang. If you don’t have it, try using lime juice or white vinegar for a similar effect.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Noodles?
Cooking noodles can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it!
- Follow the package instructions carefully; every brand varies slightly.
- For rice noodles, soak them in hot water rather than boiling, as they can become mushy.
- Cook them al dente, as they will continue to soften when added to the sauce.
- Always rinse cooked noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Perfectly cooked noodles make the dish shine. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!
How to Make Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) wide rice noodles or flat wheat noodles
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6-8 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2-3 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce or tamari (for color and depth)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water or broth
For finishing touches:
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1-2 tsp chili flakes or crushed red pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and making the sauce, then just a few minutes to toss everything together and serve. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they are just al dente. Drain them and set them aside. For rice noodles, you can soak them in hot water instead of boiling them until softened, and then drain.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, making sure not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Mix in the Flavor:
Stir in the chili garlic sauce and cook for another 30 seconds. This will help release the amazing flavors of the sauce!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water or broth to the pan. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Toss in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss them well, making sure every noodle is coated. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes to allow the noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce!
6. Final Touches:
Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the noodles and toss again to combine. If you like it spicy, sprinkle in some chili flakes or crushed red pepper. For added texture and crunch, feel free to add toasted sesame seeds too!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the spicy noodles to serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve them hot and enjoy your mouthwatering spicy, garlicky noodles!
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Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While this recipe works best with wide rice noodles or flat wheat noodles, you can use other types like spaghetti or udon if that’s what you have at home. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as each noodle type can vary.
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you want to decrease the heat, simply reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce and chili flakes. Conversely, if you love extra heat, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce or include fresh sliced chilies for an added kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already quite vegan-friendly. Just be sure to use soy sauce or tamari that is labeled gluten-free if needed. Also, check that your chili garlic sauce doesn’t contain any animal products.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out during reheating.
