Description
These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles with Cilantro are a spicy and savory Asian-inspired dish that’s quick and simple to prepare. Chewy noodles are tossed in a flavorful garlic chili oil, combined with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and finished with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, making a perfect main course packed with bold and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz (225 g) noodles, such as ramen, wheat noodles, or spaghetti
Sauce and Oil
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the noodle cooking water before draining the noodles thoroughly.
- Prepare Chili Garlic Oil: In a heatproof bowl, combine the finely minced garlic and chili flakes. In a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic and chili flakes in the bowl, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to sizzle for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil with garlic and chili flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey (or sugar) to the hot oil mixture. Stir to combine all the elements into a cohesive sauce.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the bowl with the chili garlic sauce. Toss thoroughly until all noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick or sticky, add a splash of the reserved noodle water to loosen it up and create a silky texture.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and aroma.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the noodles with sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to make the noodles more or less spicy according to your preference.
- For extra protein, top the noodles with a fried egg, shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use gluten-free noodles and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Be cautious when pouring hot oil over the garlic and chili flakes as it can splatter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
