Fiery Spicy Garlic Noodles

$- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles - 4 tablespoons vegetable oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (like sriracha) - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted) - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Large pot for boiling noodles - Large skillet or wok for cooking - Cutting board and knife for chopping - Tongs or spatula for mixing - Measuring spoons for accuracy If you lack some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Use any pasta instead of spaghetti or rice noodles. - Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil if needed. - Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. - For less heat, skip the red chilies or use bell peppers. - Instead of hoisin sauce, try teriyaki sauce for a different flavor. - You can use lime juice instead of salt for a zesty touch. These substitutions allow you to make spicy garlic noodles with what you have on hand. Enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it's boiling, add the spaghetti or rice noodles. Cook them until they are al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Check the package for exact times. When done, drain the noodles and let them cool. Set them aside for later. In a large skillet or wok, heat four tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers—it means it's hot enough. Now, add six minced garlic cloves and one to two finely chopped red chilies. Cook for about two minutes. Stir often to avoid burning the garlic. This step makes the kitchen smell amazing. Next, pour in three tablespoons of soy sauce, two tablespoons of hoisin sauce, and one tablespoon of chili paste. Mix well until everything combines. Now, add the cooked noodles into the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the noodles. Make sure each strand gets covered in that spicy garlic sauce. Cook for an extra two to three minutes. This allows the noodles to soak up all those tasty flavors. Taste the noodles and add salt if needed. Right before serving, fold in two chopped green onions and sprinkle one tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Serve the noodles hot and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright touch. Enjoy! To get the perfect heat, start with one red chili. You can always add more if needed. If you like it hotter, use two chilies. For a milder taste, remove the seeds from the chilies. The seeds hold most of the heat. Always remember to taste as you cook. This helps balance the flavors just right. Heat your oil until it shimmers. This makes the garlic and chilies pop with flavor. Sauté the garlic until it smells good, but don’t burn it! If the garlic burns, your dish can taste bitter. Toss the noodles gently with the sauce to coat every strand. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. To serve, use large, flat bowls. This gives your dish a nice look. Scatter extra sesame seeds and green onions on top for color. A sprig of fresh cilantro adds a lovely touch. This makes the dish inviting and fun to eat. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder dish, reduce the number of red chilies or deseed them before chopping. Conversely, add more chilies or a dash of cayenne if you crave extra heat. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and green onions will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best taste. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Ensure your noodles are cooked just until al dente. They will continue cooking slightly in the skillet, absorbing the sauce without becoming mushy. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds not only add color but also elevate the flavor profile of the dish. Don’t skip these final touches! {{image_4}} You can add protein to make your spicy garlic noodles heartier. For a quick option, try tofu. Just cut it into cubes and pan-fry it until golden. Toss it in with the noodles at the end. Chicken is another great choice. Use bite-sized pieces and cook them in the skillet before adding the garlic and chilies. Shrimp also works well. Add them to the pan after the garlic is fragrant. They cook fast and pair perfectly with the spicy sauce. If you want a vegetarian or vegan meal, skip the meat and focus on veggies. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas add color and crunch. Sauté these veggies with the garlic and chilies. They bring extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. You can also replace hoisin sauce with a vegan version or make it at home. Use soy sauce mixed with a bit of maple syrup for sweetness. This keeps the dish plant-based without sacrificing taste. For a gluten-free version, swap spaghetti for rice noodles. They cook quickly and soak up the sauce nicely. Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free too. There are many brands available that cater to gluten-free diets. You can also make the dish with zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. Just spiralize the zucchini and cook it briefly. It adds fresh flavor while keeping the meal gluten-free and healthy. After enjoying your spicy garlic noodles, let them cool to room temperature. Transfer the noodles to an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the noodles away from strong-smelling foods. This helps maintain their flavor. To freeze the noodles, first ensure they are completely cool. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat your noodles, you can use a few methods. For the best taste, heat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep them moist. Stir until they are heated through. You can also use the microwave. Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. Enjoy your meal! Spicy garlic noodles are a quick and tasty dish. They feature noodles mixed with garlic, chilies, and savory sauces. The blend creates a burst of flavor that excites your taste buds. You can use spaghetti or rice noodles, depending on your preference. Yes, you can make spicy garlic noodles ahead of time. Cook the noodles and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat and combine. This way, you save time and enjoy this dish whenever you want. These noodles pair well with many sides. Try serving them with stir-fried vegetables for crunch. You can also add protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, for a filling meal. A simple salad can add freshness and balance the heat. This blog post showed how to make spicy garlic noodles. We covered ingredients, tools, and substitutions. I shared step-by-step cooking methods and helpful tips. You learned ways to change up your dish with different proteins and dietary options. Plus, I explained how to store the noodles and reheating methods. You can now make tasty spicy garlic noodles at home. Try it, and enjoy the bold flavors!$

A spicy and flavorful noodle dish with garlic and chilies.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 pieces red chilies, finely chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (such as sriracha)
2 pieces green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
to taste salt
for garnish fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes or until the mixture becomes aromatic, being careful to avoid burning the garlic.
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili paste, stirring well to ensure everything is thoroughly combined into a flavorful sauce.
Gently add the drained noodles to the skillet, using tongs or a spatula to toss them well, ensuring each strand is coated in the spicy garlic sauce.
Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and season with salt as needed. Just before removing the skillet from the heat, fold in the chopped green onions and sprinkle over the toasted sesame seeds.
Serve the noodles hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves on top.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in large, flat bowls and garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions.

Keyword garlic, noodles, spicy, vegetarian