10-Minute Chilli Garlic Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy ready in the time it takes to boil noodles.
• Full of flavor from a punchy chilli garlic sauce.
• Customizable heat level to suit your spice preference.
• Perfect pantry meal, with simple ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the noodles:

1. 150 g (5 ounces) dried wheat noodles or 300 g fresh noodles (see note 1)
2. ½ cup coriander, finely chopped
3. 2 spring onions, finely chopped
4. 1 tablespoon homemade crispy chilli oil (optional)

For the chilli garlic sauce:
5. 1 tablespoon chilli powder or flakes (adjust to taste, see note 2)
6. 4 cloves garlic, minced
7. ½ tablespoon white sugar
8. 3 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil (sunflower, grapeseed, or canola)
9. 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
10. ½ tablespoon black vinegar
11. ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

1. Cook the noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain, reserving a splash of cooking water.
2. Prepare the sauce base: In a large heatproof bowl, add minced garlic, chilli powder, and sugar.
3. Heat the oil: In a small pan, heat the neutral oil until hot but not smoking. Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic-chilli mixture it will sizzle and release aroma.
4. Add remaining sauce ingredients: Stir in soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well.
5. Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated, adding a splash of reserved cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Add toppings: Stir through coriander, spring onions, and crispy chilli oil (if using).
7. Serve immediately, while warm and fragrant.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 2.
• Prep time: 5 minutes.
• Cook time: 5 minutes.
• Total time: 10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes reduce the chilli powder or use a mild variety.

What’s the best noodle type for this recipe?

Wheat noodles work best, but you can use rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti.

Can I use store-bought chilli oil?

Absolutely use your favorite brand if you don’t have homemade.

What can I substitute for black vinegar?

Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar works, though flavor will be slightly different.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes try blanched bok choy, bean sprouts, or shredded carrots for extra texture.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, as long as your noodles and sauces are plant-based.

How can I add protein?

Toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a fried egg on top.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just maintain the same sauce-to-noodle ratio for balanced flavor.

What’s the role of the hot oil pour?

It blooms the garlic and chilli, intensifying aroma and depth of flavor.

Can I make it ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance and cook noodles just before serving.

Conclusion

These 10-Minute Chilli Garlic Noodles are the ultimate quick comfort food fiery, garlicky, and deeply satisfying. With a silky sauce that clings to every strand, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you crave big flavor in a short time.

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