Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

These Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are a perfect blend of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also suits any occasion—from a quick weeknight dinner to a gathering with friends. The combination of spicy garlic oil, caramelized shallots, and fresh scallions makes these noodles truly stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The spicy garlic chili oil infuses each bite with rich flavor, ensuring every noodle is delicious.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or vegetables.
• Addictive Taste: Once you try these noodles, they will quickly become one of your go-to meals!
• Customizable: Feel free to add protein or veggies to make this dish your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These utensils will help you create the best garlic chili oil noodles.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for gently simmering the garlic and shallots, which is crucial for building flavor.
• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the ramen noodles evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the ingredients and tossing the noodles with the flavorful oil.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for preparing your garlic, shallots, ginger, and green onions with ease.

Ingredients

These garlic chili oil noodles are loaded with so much flavor and are insanely addicting. Ramen noodles tossed in a spicy, garlicky chili oil, with caramelized shallots, toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions.

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup Canola or vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Garlic (minced fine)
• 1 Shallot (sliced thin)
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Korean chili flakes
• 1 tbsp Ginger (peeled and grated)
• 2 tsp White granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (toasted, plus more for garnish)
• 2 tsp Rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp Soy sauce (reduced sodium)
• 1/4 cup Green onions (sliced, plus more garnish)

For the Noodles

• 8-9 oz Dried ramen noodles

How to Make Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Step 1: Infuse the Oil

In a medium saucepan, start the pan cold with canola oil, garlic, and shallots. Simmer over low heat to infuse the oil. Stir occasionally until the garlic turns a light golden brown color and the shallots begin to caramelize, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

Next, add grated ginger. Stir until fragrant. Then add chili flakes, sesame seeds, sugar, and sesame oil. Cook for 1 minute until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Sauces

Stir in rice vinegar and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and remove from heat. Add sliced green onions. Pour this flavorful chili oil mixture into a large serving bowl.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the water thoroughly.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add the hot noodles into the bowl with the chili oil mixture. Toss until all noodles are coated evenly. Season with salt if needed. Finally, sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

Enjoy your deliciously addictive Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles!

How to Serve Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

These Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a delightful main dish or a flavorful side. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds a tasty protein boost.
• Tofu Stir-fry: Crispy tofu stir-fried with vegetables complements the noodles perfectly.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition.
• Sautéed Bell Peppers: Sweet sautéed bell peppers bring crunch and flavor.

Garnish Creatively

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with its aromatic flavor.
• Crushed Peanuts: Add a crunchy texture with crushed peanuts for an extra layer of taste.

Serve as a Cold Dish

• Chilled Noodle Salad: Toss the noodles with fresh veggies and sesame dressing for a refreshing cold salad.

How to Perfect Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Perfecting these Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles can take your dish from good to great. Follow these tips for an unbeatable flavor experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger give the best flavor compared to dried alternatives.
• Monitor Heat Levels: Simmer the oil on low heat to avoid burning the garlic, ensuring a rich, golden color.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Korean chili flakes based on your heat preference for personalizing the spice level.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Follow package instructions closely, as overcooked noodles can become mushy.
• Let Flavors Marinate: Allow the oil mixture to sit for a few minutes before serving, enhancing the flavors even more.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Pairing your Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spicy Edamame: These lightly salted and spicy edamame beans provide a fun finger food option.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar pairs well with the spicy noodles.
3. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed vegetable dumplings bring delightful textures that balance the noodles’ flavors.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comforting flavors that complement any noodle dish.
5. Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw tossed in sesame dressing adds a crisp contrast to the meal.
6. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered tempura vegetables add a satisfying crunch and variety to your table.
7. Seaweed Salad: This light, tangy salad introduces oceanic flavors that enhance your meal’s overall profile.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables provide brightness and acidity, balancing out the rich noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate the dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Too Much Oil: Excessive oil can make your noodles greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for the perfect balance of flavor.
• Not Infusing the Oil Properly: Failing to simmer the garlic and shallots long enough will result in a lack of depth in flavor. Ensure you infuse them until golden brown.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Overdone noodles can ruin your dish’s texture. Always follow package instructions and taste to achieve al dente.
• Skipping Ingredients: Each ingredient adds a distinct flavor. Omitting items like ginger or sesame oil will lessen the overall experience.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Garnishes like scallions and sesame seeds enhance both texture and presentation. Never skip them for that final touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

• Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a bit of oil or broth, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles.

What type of noodles work best for Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles?

Ramen noodles are ideal due to their quick cooking time and ability to absorb flavors well. You can also use other types of Asian noodles if preferred.

Can I customize the spice level in Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles?

Yes! Adjust the amount of Korean chili flakes according to your heat preference. You can also add fresh chili peppers for more spice.

How can I make Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles vegetarian?

Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all sauces used are plant-based.

Can I use a different type of oil?

While canola or vegetable oil is recommended, you could substitute with olive oil or grapeseed oil, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile. They can be customized with various proteins or vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Whether as a main dish or side, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful meal!