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Quick Gourmet 15-Minute Chili Oil Noodles Recipe Easy and Spicy

quick gourmet chili oil noodles - featured image

A quick and easy spicy noodle dish ready in just 15 minutes, featuring bold chili oil, toasted garlic, and simple pantry ingredients for a gourmet flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170 g) dried Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti
  • Water and salt for boiling
  • 3 tablespoons chili oil (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (toasted lightly)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • Optional garnishes: crushed roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt to the water.
  2. Add the dried noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles should be al dente.
  3. While the noodles cook, heat 3 tablespoons chili oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the minced garlic and toast lightly, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds or until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat immediately.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted garlic and chili oil with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon black or rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  6. Add the white parts of the scallion to the sauce and mix well.
  7. Once noodles are cooked, reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the cooking water, then drain the noodles in a colander.
  8. Immediately transfer the hot noodles into the bowl with the sauce.
  9. Using tongs or chopsticks, toss the noodles thoroughly to coat evenly with the sauce.
  10. Add reserved cooking water a tablespoon at a time if noodles seem dry to loosen the sauce.
  11. Sprinkle the green parts of the scallion on top.
  12. Add crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, or extra chili flakes if desired.
  13. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

Toast garlic gently over medium heat to avoid bitterness. Use quality chili oil for best flavor. Reserve some noodle cooking water to loosen sauce if needed. Adjust heat by reducing chili oil or adding neutral oil. Optional protein additions include shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Can substitute gluten-free noodles and tamari for soy sauce for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili oil noodles, spicy noodles, quick noodle recipe, easy dinner, Asian noodles, garlic noodles, weeknight meal