Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles

Why You’ll Love Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and a little fiery, this recipe delivers in every way. The savory umami from soy sauce, the heat from chili oil, and the deep aromatic presence of garlic and ginger make each bite addictive. It’s incredibly customizable, vegan-friendly, and ideal when you need a satisfying meal without much prep or cleanup.

Ingredients

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

• 8 ounces noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles)

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil)

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 teaspoons maple syrup

• 1–2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to spice preference)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat.

3. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let simmer for 1 minute.

5. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.

6. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 2 servings

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add a protein: Top with crispy tofu, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp for a more filling meal.

• Use different noodles: Try soba, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check your noodles are gluten-free.

• Add vegetables: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, bok choy, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for added nutrition.

• Adjust heat: Dial back or increase chili oil and red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Microwave reheating also works—cover and heat in short intervals until warmed through.

• For best texture, add fresh garnishes (green onions and sesame seeds) after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these noodles ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the noodles and sauce ahead, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Store components separately for best results.

What noodles work best for this recipe?

Ramen, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles are ideal. Even spaghetti can work in a pinch.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is adjustable. Start with 1 tablespoon chili oil and skip the red pepper flakes if you’re spice-sensitive.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

How do I add protein to this dish?

Crispy tofu, stir-fried shrimp, or grilled chicken are excellent additions. Just cook separately and toss in before serving.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey (if not vegan) or agave syrup.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli all work well and add nutrition and texture.

What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

You can skip it—it’s mainly for color and depth. Regular soy sauce alone still makes a great sauce.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Double or triple the ingredients, but avoid overcrowding your pan.

What oil is best to use?

Any neutral oil like avocado, canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil works well for sautéing the aromatics.

Conclusion

Spicy chili garlic noodles are a quick and delicious solution for those busy nights when you want something satisfying with minimal effort. With bold flavors, simple ingredients, and endless ways to customize, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s an easy win every time.

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles

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These spicy chili garlic noodles are quick, easy, and full of bold flavors. Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and chili oil, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch in under 15 minutes.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 8 ounces noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles)
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let simmer for 1 minute.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
6. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Use your favorite type of noodle; rice noodles or ramen work well.
• Adjust chili oil and red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance.
• Dark soy sauce is optional but adds a rich color and flavor.
• Top with your choice of protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a complete meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg