Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

If you’re looking for a dish that brings both comfort and excitement to your table, you’ve come to the right place! These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are a true favorite in my home. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With their bold flavors and delightful aroma, they can easily steal the show at any meal.

What makes this recipe even more special is how customizable it is. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, ensuring everyone at your table enjoys every last bite of these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast!
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, scallions, and Korean chili flakes creates a savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes to suit your preference.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these noodles; they’re sure to please even picky eaters!
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh garlic and scallions, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious Garlic Chili Oil Noodles recipe, you won’t need any fancy ingredients—just some simple, wholesome staples that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked tofu or vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for a heartier meal.
• Make it Extra Spicy: If you love heat, double the amount of Korean chili flakes for a fiery kick!
• Try Different Noodles: Use rice noodles or soba noodles instead of ribbon noodles for a different texture.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Stir-fry some baby bok choy or snap peas along with the noodles for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Step 1: Make the Aromatic Base

Start by heating cooking oil in a small frying pan over very low heat. This gentle heat helps infuse the oil with flavor without burning the garlic. Once it’s warm, add the white part of the scallions along with minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly. We want that beautiful aroma without any burnt bits!

Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients

Now it’s time to crank up the heat a bit! Increase it 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 about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This step melds all those wonderful flavors together into a savory sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

While your sauce is simmering away, bring a pot of water to boil. Cook your ribbon noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Once they’re done, drain them thoroughly—no one likes soggy noodles!

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add those drained noodles directly into your pan with the sauce. Toss everything together well so that every noodle gets coated in that delicious garlic chili mixture. It’s important because this ensures every bite has that vibrant flavor!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, top off your dish with the green parts of the scallions and sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds. If you’re feeling adventurous, add extra chili flakes for an extra kick! Serve hot and watch everyone enjoy this delightful meal!

These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are not just a recipe; they’re an invitation to gather around the table and share good food with loved ones. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Making your Garlic Chili Oil Noodles perfect is all about attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and scallions will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. The freshness ensures a vibrant taste that dried or pre-minced options simply can’t match.

• Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less Korean chili powder and gradually add more until it reaches your desired level. This way, you can create a balance that suits your palate perfectly.

• Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time and check for doneness a minute early. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy, while perfectly al dente noodles cling beautifully to the sauce.

• Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer develops deeper flavors. This step encourages the garlic and scallions to meld harmoniously, resulting in a mouthwatering concoction.

• Customize with Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, bok choy, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture. It’s an easy way to make this dish more filling!

How to Serve Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Presenting your Garlic Chili Oil Noodles beautifully can make them even more enjoyable! Here’s how you can serve this delicious dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the heat.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick that enhances the flavors.
• Crushed Peanuts: Adding crushed peanuts provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with smooth noodles.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Edamame: These protein-packed soybeans are lightly salted and make for a perfect appetizer or side dish that balances out the spices in the noodles.

• Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp and fresh, spring rolls filled with veggies or tofu offer a light crunch that pairs wonderfully with the rich noodles.

• Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick sautéed bok choy drizzled with soy sauce makes for a perfectly simple companion dish that brings additional greens to your meal.

• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds warmth and comfort, creating a soothing contrast to the bold flavors of your Garlic Chili Oil Noodles.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable meal that’s not only satisfying but also visually appealing! Enjoy this delightful culinary journey!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are perfect for meal prep! They store well and can be easily reheated, making them a great option for busy weeknights or lunch on the go.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Package the cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Ensure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, you can microwave them with a splash of water to steam and soften the noodles.
• Alternatively, stir-fry them in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
• Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or chili flakes for flavor.

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 easily adjust the amount of Korean chili powder or flakes according to your heat preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and increase as you like.

How long do Garlic Chili Oil Noodles last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Garlic Chili Oil Noodles will last for about 3 days. If you choose to freeze them, they will keep well for up to 2 months.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes! While ribbon noodles work beautifully in this recipe, feel free to substitute with any noodle type you prefer—such as rice noodles or even whole grain pasta.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are perfect for meal prep since they store and reheat well, making them an ideal choice for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Garlic Chili Oil Noodles! Their bold flavors and satisfying textures make them truly special. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main dish or a side, I believe you’ll love how easy they are to prepare. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every delicious bite! Happy cooking!

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