Ah, Chili Garlic Noodles! Let me tell you, this dish has a special place in my heart (and stomach). I still remember the first time I made it—my kitchen turned into a mini noodle shop, the air was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of sautéed garlic and spicy chilies, and I may or may not have done a little happy dance while waiting for it to come together. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it a weeknight hero in my household.
What I love most about Chili Garlic Noodles is that it’s super versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or just want a comforting bowl of noodles, this dish can adapt to your taste buds perfectly. Plus, it’s a nod to my love for Asian-inspired flavors that never fails to take me back to my favorite noodle shops. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious, garlicky feast!
What’s in Chili Garlic Noodles?
Wide Rice Noodles: These chewy noodles are the backbone of the dish. I usually stick with 8 oz of wide rice noodles, but feel free to substitute them with any noodles you love—egg noodles, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you’ve got on hand!
Vegetable Oil: This is for sautéing. I recommend using a neutral oil like canola or sunflower for their light flavor; they won’t compete with our lovely garlic and chilies.
Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic bring in that big punch of flavor we all crave in a good noodle dish. Trust me, don’t skimp on this one!
Red Chilies: I’m all about the spice, but the amount is totally up to you! Two to three thinly sliced chilies will add a nice kick, but if you want it milder, just adjust accordingly.
Soy Sauce: This savory sauce will bring depth to our dish. I like to go with low-sodium soy sauce to keep things a bit lighter.
Chili Sauce (Sambal Oelek): This is where the real spice magic happens! Just a tablespoon of sambal oelek will add a fiery flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try another sauce like sriracha for a different kick!
Oyster Sauce: This is optional, but if you have it, it adds a lovely depth of flavor, making your noodles even more luxurious.
Sesame Oil: Just a teaspoon of this fragrant oil will give the dish a nutty finish, truly elevating it.
Green Onions: Chopped for garnish, they add freshness and a nice crunch.
Sesame Seeds: These toasted little gems are perfect for sprinkling on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Salt: Just a pinch will do. We’ll adjust based on our sauces’ saltiness.
Is Chili Garlic Noodles Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health side of things! These Chili Garlic Noodles can be quite the satisfying meal.
Noodles: Depending on what you choose, they can provide a good source of carbs for energy, great for those busy days when you need a fuel-up!
Garlic: It’s not just for flavor! Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure. Plus, it says hello to your taste buds – win-win!
Chilies: They not only kick things up a notch in flavor but also contain capsaicin, which has been linked to boosting metabolism.
Soy Sauce: The key here is to use low-sodium versions to reduce your salt intake.
That said, if you’re watching your sodium levels, you might want to be cautious about the soy sauce and oyster sauce. It’s all about balance, after all!
Ingredients
– 8 oz wide rice noodles (or any preferred noodles)
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2-3 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon chili sauce (such as sambal oelek)
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Salt to taste
Serves 2–3.
How to Make Chili Garlic Noodles?
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This is the best time to enjoy the aroma of those noodles cooking – it’s heavenly!
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Let the oil warm up nicely.
3. Add the minced garlic and sliced red chilies to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned. If that waft of garlic doesn’t get your taste buds dancing, I don’t know what will!
4. Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing to combine with the garlic and chilies. Make sure they get that nice garlicky coating!
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, chili sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the noodles and toss well so all those delicious flavors intermingle.
6. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors. Give it a little taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
7. Remove from heat and serve in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. They should look as good as they taste!
8. Enjoy your Chili Garlic Noodles hot—just be careful, you might want to inhale them!
Serving Suggestions for Chili Garlic Noodles
These noodles are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate your experience (and impress your dinner guests), consider adding some protein! Grilled shrimp, sautéed chicken, or tofu tossed in at the end can add an excellent touch. You can also serve these noodles alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or some steamed vegetables. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit more sesame oil or add some chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch!
Now that you have all the details, I encourage you to give these Chili Garlic Noodles a try. I promise they won’t disappoint! Whether it’s a cozy night in or you want to impress a date, this dish has got your back. And once you make it, please share your experience—I’d love to hear how your noodle adventures turned out! Happy cooking!
