Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that brings a touch of excitement to your dinner table, these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are just the ticket! This recipe is not only super easy to whip up, but it also packs a punch with its bold flavors. I love making this dish on busy weeknights when I need something comforting yet delicious. It’s perfect for family gatherings too, as everyone will want seconds!

The beauty of Garlic Chili Oil Noodles is that they deliver restaurant-quality taste without the fuss. You can easily adjust the spice level to match your preference, making it ideal for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In under 20 minutes, you can have a delightful meal ready to go!
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste buds; spice it up or keep it mild!
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a go-to for family dinners.
• Vegan Delight: It’s completely plant-based and packed with flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce ahead of time for even faster meals during the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles call for simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious dish!

For the Noodles:

• 11 oz (300g) dried ribbon noodles

For the Sauce:

• 1½ tablespoons cooking oil (e.g., grapeseed oil or neutral oil)
• ½ cup scallions (white part only), thinly sliced
• 1½ tablespoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
• ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Korean chili powder or flakes (e.g., Gochugaru)

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup scallions (green part), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Extra chili flakes (optional)

Variations

The flexibility of this recipe makes it even more exciting! You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home or what you’re in the mood for.

• Add Protein: Toss in some sautéed tofu or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.
• Veggie Boost: Include your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch.
• Noodle Swap: Try using rice noodles or whole grain pasta if that’s what you have on hand.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil at the end for a refreshing twist.

How to Make Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Step 1: Make the Aromatic Base

In a small frying pan, heat the cooking oil over very low heat. This gentle heating helps infuse the oil with flavor from the scallions and garlic. Add the white part of the scallions along with the minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning. This step creates a wonderfully fragrant base that will elevate your noodles.

Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients

Now that your aromatic base is ready, increase the heat to medium-low. Stir in the vegetable broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and Korean chili flakes. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

While your sauce simmers away, cook the dried ribbon noodles in a pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly. It’s essential to get rid of any excess water so that your noodles soak up all that incredible sauce later!

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add those drained noodles directly into the pan with your flavorful sauce. Toss everything well until each noodle is coated evenly with that gorgeous garlic chili mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, it’s time to make your dish look as good as it tastes! Top your noodles with the green part of the scallions, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds, and add extra chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Serve hot and enjoy every mouthful of this delightful meal!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Creating the perfect Garlic Chili Oil Noodles is all about attention to detail and a few simple tricks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and scallions will enhance the aromatic qualities of the dish, making it more vibrant and flavorful compared to their dried counterparts.

• Adjust the Heat: If you’re unsure about spice levels, start with less Korean chili powder or flakes. You can always add more later to suit your taste without overwhelming the dish.

• Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Sautéing the garlic and scallions over low heat allows their flavors to develop fully. This step makes a huge difference in creating a rich, aromatic base for your noodles.

• Reserve Some Noodle Water: Before draining your noodles, save a small cup of the pasta water. Adding a splash of it to your sauce can help create a silkier texture if you find it too thick.

• Customize with Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. This not only adds color but also enhances nutrition and flavor complexity.

How to Serve Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are not only easy to make but also look stunning on any dinner table! Present them beautifully with fresh garnishes and delicious side dishes for a satisfying meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the spiciness of the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty kick that balances out the flavors wonderfully.
• Sliced Red Chili: For an extra pop of color and heat, thinly slice fresh red chili peppers as a garnish.

Side Dishes

• Stir-Fried Greens: Sautéed bok choy or spinach tossed in sesame oil make a perfect light accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the noodles.

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds adds crunch and freshness, making it an excellent palate cleanser.

• Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with assorted veggies provide a delightful textural contrast and can be dipped in soy or sweet chili sauce for added flavor.

• Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers protein-packed morsels that complement the noodles beautifully while adding a fun finger food element to your meal.

Enjoy making these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles and don’t hesitate to get creative with your garnishes and sides! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making lunch or dinner a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the noodles completely before freezing.
• Portion the noodles into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water over low heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Garlic Chili Oil Noodles that might help you out!

Can I customize the spice level of Garlic Chili Oil Noodles?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of Korean chili powder or flakes based on your preference. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish and add more to suit your taste!

How do I store leftover Garlic Chili Oil Noodles?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them for a quick meal!

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Ribbon noodles are ideal, but feel free to use any type of noodle you have on hand. Rice noodles or udon would also be great alternatives!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Make sure your noodles are also gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles as much as I do! This dish is not only comforting but also bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic go-to for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite ingredients, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with loved ones. Happy cooking!