Imagine a bowl of steaming noodles glistening with vibrant chili oil, releasing a tantalizing aroma of garlic and sesame.
There’s something magical about the way these simple ingredients transform into a comforting, spicy delight in just 20 minutes.
This dish is a go-to favorite when you’re craving something both easy and indulgent.
Let’s bring this dish to life and savor every flavorful bite together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 pot
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 colander
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 200 grams noodles
- 3 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, sliced
- Salt to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chili Oil Noodles, you can follow this timeline, which includes additional time for reading and understanding the recipe:
- Reading and Understanding the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Begin by carefully reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the ingredients, equipment, and steps involved. This will help you avoid any surprises during cooking.
- Prep Work (5 minutes):
- Gather and measure all the ingredients: 200 grams of noodles, 3 tablespoons chili oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, 2 scallions (sliced), and salt.
- Mince the garlic and slice the scallions.
- Set up your equipment: a pot for boiling noodles, a small mixing bowl for the sauce, a large mixing bowl for the noodles, a colander for draining, and a whisk for mixing the sauce.
- Cooking Noodles (10 minutes):
- Boil water in a pot.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions (typically around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of noodles).
- While the noodles are cooking, proceed to the next step.
- Making the Sauce (5 minutes):
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar.
- Draining Noodles (2 minutes):
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them using a colander and set them aside.
- Combining and Serving (3 minutes):
- Place the cooked noodles in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the chili oil mixture over the noodles and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced scallions over the noodles.
- Season with salt to taste and mix well.
- Serve immediately.
Note: If you choose to add additional ingredients like vegetables or protein, allocate extra time for preparation and cooking of those items.
Adjust the timeline accordingly to accommodate any additions.
Recipe Instructions
Boil water in a pot and cook the noodles according to package instructions.
Drain the noodles using a colander and set them aside.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar.
Place the cooked noodles in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the chili oil mixture over the noodles and toss until evenly coated.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced scallions over the noodles.
Season with salt to taste and mix well.
Serve immediately.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for added nutrition and a crunchy texture.
- Cucumber Salad: Serve with a cool cucumber salad to balance the spiciness of the noodles.
- Egg Drop Soup: Complement the dish with a light and savory egg drop soup for a complete meal.
- Spring Rolls: Enjoy alongside crispy spring rolls for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
- Tofu Skewers: Add marinated tofu skewers for a protein-rich accompaniment that enhances the dish’s Asian flair.
Storage
To store chili oil noodles, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Consume within 2-3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of water if needed.
Freezing
To freeze chili oil noodles, let them cool completely.
Then, transfer them to an airtight container.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat chili oil noodles, gently warm them in a pan over medium heat.
Add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness.
Stir occasionally for even heating.
Final Thoughts
Chili Oil Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any meal.
They can be customized with added vegetables or proteins for a heartier option.
Adjust the spice level to your liking for a perfect balance.
Enjoy experimenting with this versatile dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can substitute gluten-free noodles. Make certain they’re cooked al dente for ideal texture. Adjust cooking time based on the package instructions. Confirm all other ingredients, particularly soy sauce, are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary integrity.
What Type of Noodles Work Best for Chili Oil Noodles?
You should use wheat-based noodles like lo mein or udon for ideal texture and flavor. Their robust structure absorbs the chili oil sauce well. Alternatively, try rice noodles for a gluten-free option while maintaining a chewy consistency.
How Can I Reduce the Spiciness of the Dish?
To reduce the dish’s spiciness, decrease chili oil to 1 tablespoon. Incorporate 1 tablespoon coconut milk or yogurt for creaminess. Balance flavors by adding ½ teaspoon sugar, enhancing the dish’s complexity and reducing heat intensity.
Are There Any Recommended Garnishes for This Dish?
You can garnish with finely chopped cilantro, providing freshness. Add toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness and thinly sliced scallions for a sharp bite. For a zesty twist, include lime zest. Precision in amounts enhances flavor balance.
Can I Make Chili Oil Noodles in Advance?
You can make them in advance, but for ideal texture, store components separately. Cook noodles al dente, then refrigerate. Mix sauce ingredients, keeping them chilled. Combine just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Chili Oil Noodles
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 Small mixing bowl
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 colander
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 200 grams noodles
- 3 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 scallions sliced
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot and cook the noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain the noodles using a colander and set them aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar.
- Place the cooked noodles in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the chili oil mixture over the noodles and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced scallions over the noodles.
- Season with salt to taste and mix well.
- Serve immediately.