Quick & Easy Spicy Garlic Noodles with Chili Oil Recipe
A quick and easy spicy garlic noodles recipe featuring shiitake mushroom oil, garlic, and a flavorful soy-based sauce with chili flakes. Perfect for a satisfying 15-minute meal that delivers bold, savory flavors with a hint of heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen, preferably kaidong)
- 3 tbsp shiitake mushroom oil (or sesame oil)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup water (reserved from boiling noodles)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chili oil (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Boil the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and reserve 1/2 cup of the boiling water. Set aside the noodles.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 3 tablespoons of shiitake mushroom oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Make sauce: To the pan, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes. Stir the mixture until the sugar has fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
- Toss noodles: Add the cooked noodles along with the reserved noodle water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt & pepper to taste. Toss everything together thoroughly in the pan so the noodles are evenly coated with the spicy garlic sauce.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish the noodles with sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. For an extra smoky heat, drizzle chili oil over the top if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick spicy garlic noodles.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the chili flakes and chili oil.
- Shoot for noodles like lo mein or ramen for better texture, but spaghetti works fine in a pinch.
- Reserved noodle water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Shiitake mushroom oil adds a rich umami note, but sesame oil is a great substitute.
- Adjust sugar and soy sauce levels to balance sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
