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Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

4.8 from 14 reviews

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles offer a quick, flavorful, and plant-based meal that combines tender rice noodles with a bold, aromatic sauce made from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, and sesame oil. This easy-to-make dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity, inspired by East and Southeast Asian flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, usually by boiling or soaking until tender. Drain and set aside, making sure they do not stick together.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to release maximum aroma and flavor.
  3. Prepare the sauce: Stir in soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
  4. Toss noodles in sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the spicy, savory sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and intensify the flavor absorption.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of brightness.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • Adjust chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
  • For added protein, stir in tofu, tempeh, or edamame.
  • Toast sesame seeds before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of water or soy sauce.
  • Can be served cold as a noodle salad with extra shredded veggies and lime.
  • Suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spicy chili garlic noodles, vegan noodles, Asian fusion recipe, quick stir-fry noodles, plant-based dinner, gluten-free noodle recipe, easy weeknight meal