Garlic Chili Noodles
Equipment
-
Pot
-
Frying Pan
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, ramen, or wheat noodles)
Garlic Chili Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp reserved noodle water
Optional Garnish
- Chili flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced scallions
Instructions
-
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles until about one minute shy of al dente.
-
Before draining, reserve two to three tablespoons of the starchy noodle water.
-
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant and lightly toasted—be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, and reserved noodle water. Let the sauce simmer briefly until it thickens slightly.
-
Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss continuously so the sauce clings to each strand and becomes glossy.
-
Transfer to bowls and garnish, if desired, with extra chili flakes, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Why These Garlic Chili Noodles Are My Fastest Comfort Meal
Even for someone who cooks professionally, some days call for a quick, satisfying meal. These garlic chili noodles fit that need: they’re fast, spicy, and flavorful without a long ingredient list. The garlic provides the dish’s backbone while the chili flakes add heat. A touch of sugar rounds out the sauce and balances the sharper notes. There’s no heavy sauce or extra steps required—this is essentially a soup-less ramen that shines on its own, though extra toppings are welcome.
How To Give These Garlic Chili Noodles Maximum Flavor
The key is to toast the aromatics in oil so their aroma infuses the base of the sauce. Gently cook the garlic and chili flakes until fragrant so the oil carries those flavors. Adding soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of starchy noodle water rounds and thickens the sauce. Toss the hot noodles in the pan so the sauce emulsifies and clings to each strand—when the noodles look glossy, they’re done.
What You’ll Need To Make Garlic Chili Noodles
Noodles
- 8 oz noodles of your choice (spaghetti, ramen, or wheat noodles)
Garlic Chili Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp reserved noodle water
Optional Garnish
- Extra chili flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced scallions
How to Make Garlic Chili Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until about one minute before al dente.
Reserve a few tablespoons of the starchy noodle water before draining the noodles.
In a pan with a little oil, cook the minced garlic and chili flakes until fragrant and lightly toasted. Add the soy sauce, sugar, and reserved noodle water, then simmer briefly until the sauce thickens a touch.
Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss continuously until the sauce evenly coats the noodles and becomes glossy.
Serve in bowls and finish with optional garnishes like extra chili flakes, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions.
Tips and Variations
The garlic amount is balanced for most palates, but add more if you prefer a stronger garlic presence.
For a silkier sauce, add another tablespoon of reserved noodle water while tossing.
To increase heat and aroma, stir in a tablespoon of chili oil.
Toast sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling for extra crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ramen noodles for this recipe?
Yes. Ramen cooks quickly and holds the sauce well, making it an excellent choice.
Why is noodle water added to the sauce?
The starchy noodle water helps emulsify the sauce so it coats the noodles evenly and becomes glossy.
Why does my sauce look oily?
If the sauce appears oily, it usually needs more tossing to emulsify the oil with the starchy water and soy sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
These noodles are best fresh, but leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a tablespoon of water before reheating to restore moisture.
What to Make Next
Craving more noodles? Try Spicy Peanut Noodles or Chili Garlic Butter Noodles for different flavor profiles. If you want protein, Mongolian Ground Beef pairs nicely.