Description
These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish with bold, spicy, and garlicky notes. Ready in under 15 minutes, they are perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying quick cravings. This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite toppings and proteins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz thick wheat noodles (Taiwanese sliced noodles, udon, or ramen work great)
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Sichuan chili flakes (or substitute Korean or regular red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 green onion, chopped and divided (white and green parts)
- 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt or chicken bouillon powder (adjust to your taste)
- Optional Garnishes: Cilantro, Toasted sesame seeds, More chopped green onion
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain well and set aside in a bowl.
- While noodles cook, add minced garlic, chili flakes, white parts of the green onion, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and salt (or bouillon powder) directly into the bowl with the cooked noodles.
- In a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic and chili mixture in the bowl.
- Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the spicy, garlicky chili oil.
- Garnish with green onion tops, cilantro, or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thick, chewy noodles like udon or knife-cut noodles for the best results.
- Do not overheat the oil; it should sizzle, not smoke.
- Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Make the recipe vegan by omitting chicken bouillon or using a plant-based alternative.
- Customize by adding protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or a soft-boiled egg.
- For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Noodles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl