Description
These Garlic Chili Oil Noodles with Cilantro are a flavorful and spicy Asian-inspired dish featuring chewy noodles tossed with sizzling garlic chili oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh cilantro. Perfectly balanced with a touch of heat and freshness, this quick and easy recipe offers a satisfying meal for any noodle lover.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz (225 g) noodles, such as ramen, wheat noodles, or spaghetti
Sauce and Toppings
- 3 tablespoons neutral 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
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the noodle cooking water before draining the noodles well.
- Prepare garlic chili oil: Place the minced garlic and chili flakes in a heatproof bowl ready to infuse with hot oil.
- Heat the oil: In a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking, ensuring it will sizzle the garlic and chili without burning.
- Combine hot oil with spices: Carefully pour the heated oil over the garlic and chili flakes in the bowl. Stir to combine and let the mixture sizzle for about 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey or sugar to the garlic chili oil mixture, blending the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the cooked noodles into the bowl with the garlic chili oil sauce. Toss everything together until noodles are evenly coated. Add a splash of the reserved noodle water if the sauce needs loosening for better coating.
- Add fresh herbs and onions: Stir in the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions to give the dish fresh brightness and aroma.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds and serve the noodles immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For added protein, consider topping with a fried egg, shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use gluten-free noodles and tamari soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Be cautious when pouring the hot oil over the garlic and chili flakes to avoid splattering and burns.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
