Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that packs a punch, you’ve come to the right place! These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are one of my absolute favorites. They’re simple yet bursting with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The combination of garlic and chili creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a delightful side, these noodles are sure to impress. Plus, they’re quick to whip up and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights.
• Flavor Packed: With garlic, scallions, and Korean chili flakes, every bite is filled with exciting flavors.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili flakes to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this spicy noodle dish!
• Vegan Delight: Made without any animal products, it’s suitable for everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you need to make these delicious Garlic Chili Oil Noodles:

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

One of the best things about Garlic Chili Oil Noodles is how flexible they are! Here are some tasty variations you might enjoy:

• Add some veggies: Toss in some stir-fried bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
• Swap the protein: Add tofu or tempeh for a heartier meal; both soak up the sauce beautifully!
• Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free noodles to make this dish accessible for everyone.
• Change up the spice: If you prefer milder flavors, swap Korean chili flakes for sweet paprika.

How to Make Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Step 1: Make the Aromatic Base

Start by heating your cooking oil over very low heat in a small frying pan. It’s important to go low here because we want to gently infuse the oil with flavor without burning anything. Add in the white parts of your scallions along with that fragrant minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly. This step brings out their natural sweetness and creates a beautiful aromatic base!

Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients

Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! Increase the heat to medium-low and stir in your vegetable broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and Korean chili flakes. Let this simmer for around 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This will help all those wonderful flavors meld together into one tasty sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

While your sauce is bubbling away, cook those ribbon noodles in a pot of boiling water according to package instructions. It’s essential to drain them thoroughly afterward so they can soak up all that delicious sauce!

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Once your noodles are ready, add them directly into the pan with your simmering sauce. Toss everything well until those lovely noodles are completely coated with that garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle on those green parts of scallions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes! Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a quiet night at home, these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles will bring warmth and satisfaction to your meal!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

These noodles are incredibly versatile and easy to make, but a few little tricks can elevate your dish even further!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and scallions add an aromatic punch that dried or older ingredients simply can’t match. This freshness will enhance the overall flavor profile of your dish.

• Adjust the heat: Start with less Korean chili powder or flakes if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always add more at the end, allowing for a better balance of flavors based on your preference.

• Don’t rush the sauté: Taking your time while sautéing the garlic and scallions ensures they develop a rich, deep flavor. High heat can burn them quickly, leading to bitterness instead of sweetness.

• Experiment with noodles: While ribbon noodles are great, feel free to try other types like udon, soba, or rice noodles. Each type brings its own texture and taste, making the dish uniquely yours.

• Save leftovers creatively: If you have any leftover noodles, toss them into soups or stir-fries. They can easily be repurposed for another meal without losing their deliciousness!

How to Serve Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Presenting your Garlic Chili Oil Noodles beautifully can turn a simple meal into an inviting feast! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the spices beautifully.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and balances the heat.
• Crushed peanuts: For added crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for texture contrast.

Side Dishes

• Steamed bok choy: Lightly steamed bok choy is a nutritious side that pairs well with the spiciness of the noodles. The mild flavor balances out the bold dish.
• Cucumber salad: A tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the noodles.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame seasoned with sea salt is not only healthy but also provides a nice pop of protein alongside your noodle dish.
• Vegetable spring rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls serve as a delightful appetizer that complements the flavors in your main course while adding some satisfying crunch.

Enjoy making and sharing your Garlic Chili Oil Noodles! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have a deliciously complete meal that’s bound to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are perfect for meal prep! They store well and can be made in advance, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• They should last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the noodles are cooled completely.
• Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw the noodles in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen them up.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Garlic Chili Oil Noodles!

Can I adjust the spice level in Garlic Chili Oil Noodles?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of Korean chili flakes based on your preference. For less heat, start with a smaller amount and add more gradually.

How long do Garlic Chili Oil Noodles last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Garlic Chili Oil Noodles can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just reheat thoroughly before serving!

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

While ribbon noodles are ideal for this dish, you can also use spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles and substitute tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for the soy sauces in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Garlic Chili Oil Noodles as much as I do! This recipe is not only quick and easy but packed with flavor that will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking; after all, cooking is all about creativity! Enjoy every bite!