Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

$- Noodles: You can choose from: - 200g spaghetti - 200g udon - 200g rice noodles - Aromatics: The key flavors here are: - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped - Oils and Seasoning: These add depth: - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust this to your taste) - Garnishes: For final touches: - Salt, to taste - Lime wedges, for serving Using these fresh ingredients makes the dish vibrant and full of flavor. The noodles are the base, while garlic and spring onions add warmth and brightness. Olive oil brings richness, and soy and sesame oil give it that umami kick. The chili flakes add just the right amount of heat. Don't forget the lime; it adds a refreshing zing! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the noodles, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add your 200g of noodles. If you use spaghetti, cook for about 8-10 minutes. Udon noodles need about 5-7 minutes, while rice noodles only take about 3-5 minutes. Always check the package for exact times. The goal is to achieve an al dente texture. This means the noodles should be firm but not hard. To do this, taste them a minute or two before the time is up. Drain the noodles and set aside some pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. In a large skillet, pour 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Then, add 6 finely minced garlic cloves. Stir gently and watch closely. The garlic should turn fragrant and lightly golden in about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, which you want to avoid at all costs. After the garlic is ready, add 2 teaspoons of red chili flakes. Stir for another minute. This step adds heat and depth to your dish. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high. Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss the noodles well so they are evenly coated. If the sauce looks thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps to loosen it up. Next, stir in 2 thinly sliced spring onions and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste and mix everything well. Your noodles are now ready to serve! - To boost the flavors, try adding ginger or sesame seeds. Both add depth. - Always choose fresh garlic and quality oils. Good ingredients make a big difference. - Don’t let the garlic brown too much. It can taste bitter if overcooked. - Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Start with less, then add more if needed. Pro Tips Perfect Noodle Texture: Make sure to cook the noodles al dente to maintain a pleasant bite. This prevents them from becoming mushy when tossed with the garlic chili oil. Garlic Care: Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing; it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Stir continuously to ensure even cooking. Adjusting Heat: Taste your garlic chili oil and adjust the chili flakes according to your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure, as you can always add more. Fresh Garnishes: Don’t skip the spring onions and cilantro; they add freshness and elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Add them just before serving for the best taste. {{image_2}} You can add protein to garlic chili oil noodles for a heartier meal. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. - Chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Sauté in the skillet until fully cooked. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Add it right after the garlic. - Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Toss them in with the noodles. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Dice it and pan-fry until golden. This adds a nice texture. Add it when mixing with the noodles. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. Always ensure your protein is cooked through for safety and taste. You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Here are some tips. - Substitutes: Use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. Replace any non-vegan ingredients with plant-based versions. - Noodle Choices: Rice noodles are a great gluten-free option. Udon and spaghetti also work, but check the labels for gluten. These simple swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy the flexibility of this recipe! To keep your garlic chili oil noodles fresh, first let them cool down. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Store the container in the fridge. The noodles can last for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for the best results. Just remember to label them with the date. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. For the best taste, use the stovetop. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the noodles and stir. This keeps them from getting sticky. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or broth. You can also use a microwave. Place the noodles in a bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep them even. Enjoy them warm and fresh! Garlic chili oil noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish. This dish blends noodles with garlic and chili oil. It has roots in Asian cuisine, often found in Chinese and Thai meals. The dish highlights the bold flavors of garlic and the kick from chili oil. You can use any type of noodle, like spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles. Each brings its own twist to the dish. To add more spice, try a few options. Increase the red chili flakes in the recipe. You can also add fresh sliced chili peppers. Another great addition is a splash of hot sauce, like sriracha. If you like it smoky, try using smoked chili powder. Mix these in while cooking the garlic. Adjust the spice to your liking for the perfect kick. Yes, you can make garlic chili oil noodles in advance. Cook the noodles and set them aside. Prepare the garlic chili oil, then mix them when ready to serve. Store the noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep them moist. Enjoy your delicious noodles anytime! This blog post covered the key steps to make garlic chili oil noodles. You learned about essential ingredients, from different noodles to tasty oils and garnishes. I shared simple cooking methods and tips to avoid common mistakes. I also highlighted variations for proteins and storage advice. In conclusion, you can easily customize this dish to suit your taste. Perfect the flavors and enjoy your delicious meal. Happy cooking!$

A spicy and flavorful noodle dish infused with garlic and chili oil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Ingredients

200 g noodle (your choice: spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles)
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons red chili flakes
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 spring onions thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
to taste salt salt
for serving lime wedges lime wedges

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Prepare the Garlic Chili Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Heat: Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Noodles and Oil: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Finish with Freshness: Stir in the sliced spring onions and chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste, mixing well.
Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with extra spring onions and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zing.

Notes

Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level.

Keyword chili oil, garlic, noodles, spicy