Spicy garlic noodles are a delicious and comforting dish with a chewy texture. It’s a regular in my weekly meals, and I always have a jar of spicy sauce on hand. This flexible chilli garlic noodles recipe lets you control the spice and add meat or veggies for a satisfying meal. Whether you want a quick spicy noodle bowl or a full dish, give this recipe a try – it’s sure to make you a fan!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (about 225g) of egg noodles or your preferred noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu) and veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, etc.)
Feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients based on your taste preferences and dietary choices!
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cooking:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
- Add Spice:
- Sprinkle red chili flakes into the pan and stir well with the garlic.
- Combine Sauce and Noodles:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the garlic and chili flakes mixture.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
- Optional Additions:
- If you’re adding protein or vegetables, this is the time to do it. Add pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or your choice of veggies. Stir until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the noodles with chopped green onions.
- Serve the spicy garlic noodles hot and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the spice level, and don’t hesitate to get creative with additional ingredients based on your preferences. Enjoy your homemade chilli garlic noodles!
Why this noodle is so popular?
Chilli Garlic Noodles are popular for several reasons:
- Flavorful Combination: The dish offers a perfect balance of flavors. The garlic provides a savory and aromatic base, while the chili adds heat, creating a delicious combination that appeals to many taste buds.
- Customizable: The recipe is highly versatile and can be customized to suit individual preferences. You can adjust the spice level, add different proteins or vegetables, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Quick and Easy: Chili Garlic Noodles are relatively quick and easy to prepare. The simple cooking process and readily available ingredients make it a convenient choice for a tasty meal, especially on busy days.
- Comfort Food: The chewy texture of the noodles and the bold, spicy flavors make it a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s the kind of meal that provides a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
- Culinary Flexibility: The recipe allows for creativity in the kitchen. You can experiment with different ingredients and variations, making it a go-to dish for those who enjoy trying new things.
- Asian Influence: The popularity of Asian cuisine has contributed to the widespread appeal of dishes like Chili Garlic Noodles. The combination of garlic and chili is a common flavor profile in many Asian cuisines.
- Social Media Influence: The dish’s popularity may also be fueled by trends on social media platforms where people share and discover new recipes. Eye-catching images and positive reviews can quickly make a dish go viral.
Overall, the popularity of Chilli Garlic Noodles can be attributed to its delicious taste, simplicity, and the ability to adapt to various preferences and dietary needs.
Conclusion
Making chilli garlic noodles is easy! Choose your favorite noodles and spice them up with hot chili powder or go milder with paprika. Add Chinese black rice vinegar for authenticity or use white rice vinegar or balsamic. Customize your tasty chili garlic noodles just the way you like!
FAQs
Q: What noodles are best for chilli garlic noodles?
A: Start with broad wheat noodles or try biang biang, ribbon, or knife-cut options.
Q: Where can I get these noodles?
A: Find them at Chinese supermarkets or online, like Amazon.
Q: Can I control the spiciness?
A: Yes, use Korean gochugaru or hot chili powder for heat, or milder options like paprika.
Q: Is black rice vinegar a must?
A: No, use white rice vinegar, rice wine vinegar, or balsamic as alternatives.
Q: Can I tweak the recipe?
A: Absolutely, customize the spice, vinegar, and noodle type to your liking!