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This tangy chilli garlic noodles recipe brings a fast fiery noodle bowl straight from your wok to your table when you crave something warm with a quick spicy kick that satisfies
I first threw this together during a busy weekday when I needed comfort food fast and now I crave it whenever I need a quick spicy noodle fix
Ingredients
- Coriander leaves: bring fresh bright notes and balance the rich sauce use fresh bright green bunches
- Spring onions: add gentle sharpness and a fresh crunch look for firm crisp stalks
- Dried wheat noodles: give a perfect chewy texture you can swap for fresh noodles if you have them
- Dark vinegar: adds tang and depth to the sauce use a good quality for best flavor
- Chilli flakes or powder: build the heat level adjust to your comfort
- Sesame oil: brings toasty nutty depth even a small splash enhances everything
- Soy sauce: adds umami and saltiness for the sauce
- Garlic cloves: provide the key sharp aromatic backbone mince finely for even distribution
- Plain oil: like canola or sunflower helps bloom aromatics and carries the heat for the sauce
- Sugar: balances the heat and acidity for a rounded sauce
- Optional crispy chilli oil: adds a final slick of heat and texture if you want extra spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Boil your noodles following the package directions which usually takes about three minutes for dried noodles drain them thoroughly using a sieve or colander to avoid soggy noodles
- Make the Sauce Base:
- Place chilli flakes garlic and sugar in a heatproof mixing bowl without stirring yet this will let the hot oil bloom the aromatics later
- Heat the Oil:
- Warm plain oil in a small pot over medium heat until it shimmers or you see a light smoke which shows it is hot enough to pour over the aromatics
- Pour Hot Oil Over Aromatics:
- Carefully pour the hot oil directly over the chilli garlic sugar mixture in the bowl this will create a sizzling bloom mix well immediately to combine everything and release the aromatics
- Combine Soy Sauce Vinegar and Sesame Oil:
- Add soy sauce dark vinegar and sesame oil into the mixture and stir well to form your chilli garlic sauce
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Divide the sauce into serving bowls and add the freshly boiled noodles toss everything thoroughly so the noodles are fully coated and glossy
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with fresh coriander leaves and spring onions for a fresh crunch add a spoon of crispy chilli oil if you want extra heat serve immediately while hot for the best texture
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The coriander is my favorite in this dish as it cuts through the spice with fresh bright flavors reminding me of the quick street noodles I loved during travel and making this brings back those moments of walking through food markets craving a warm bowl
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge they keep well for up to four days reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have dark vinegar you can use rice vinegar with a splash of balsamic for depth if fresh coriander is not available parsley can give a mild freshness
Serving Suggestions
Top with a soft jammy egg for extra richness or serve with pork wontons or pan fried dumplings for a fuller meal that pairs with the noodles perfectly
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Cultural Context
Spicy chilli garlic noodles are a staple in many Asian street food markets and this fast version captures that spirit using pantry staples while still delivering a wok fresh flavor
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried wheat noodles?
- Yes, you can use fresh noodles if you have them on hand, which will reduce boiling time and give a softer, slightly chewier texture.
- → How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
- You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chilli flakes or powder, or omitting crispy chilli oil for a milder bowl.
- → Can I add protein to these chilli garlic noodles?
- Yes, you can add tofu, cooked chicken, prawns, or a soft jammy egg to make the dish more filling while keeping its spicy flavor intact.
- → How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?
- Drain the noodles thoroughly after boiling to remove excess water, and toss them immediately in the sauce to maintain a glossy, chewy texture.
- → Can I prepare the chilli garlic sauce in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it easy to toss with freshly boiled noodles whenever needed.