Chili Garlic Noodles (Spicy, Quick, Vegan)

★★★★★
“This is such an underrated recipe! It has simple ingredients, easy to make, and tastes SO good. Thank you for letting me find a great way to use my TJ’s chili garlic crunch oil!! I used dried wheat ‘lo-mein’ style noodles that you can find at the Asian mart (boiled for 4-5 minutes and then used tongs to put directly into the pan with the sauce.) I followed the recipe as written. It tastes just like the dan dan noodles and/or the chili garlic noodles that you can find at authentic Chinese restaurants. THANK YOU!”
– Becky

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles are the ultimate comfort food on a cold day. These noodles aren’t just chili garlic noodles, but rather loaded with burnt garlic that elevates the flavor of these noodles.

Burnt Garlic Chili Noodles are super easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is made with simple ingredients and so easy to make. The entire cooking process including prep is 25 minutes. Pair them with your favorite protein of choice and you’ll have a filling meal.

Which Noodles should I use?

Gluten-Free – For this recipe, I used Lotus Foods Brown Rice & Millet Noodles. These gluten-free noodles are made with just 2 ingredients and they taste amazing.

Not Gluten-Free – Another recommendation is Ocean’s Halo Organic Ramen Noodles which are only 3 ingredients, but they do contain gluten.

Both brands are so delicious! Feel free to use your favorite ramen noodles for this recipe.

Which Chili Oil Should I Use?

You will need chili oil to make Spicy Garlic Noodles. My recommendation is Momofuku’s Chili Crunch which is amazing and tastes authentic. This chili oil is quite spicy, but it’s super flavorful. You can easily find Momofuku products at Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Amazon.

The next best is Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch which costs roughly $4 and is an affordable option. Although Trader Joe’s chili oil tastes excellent, it doesn’t exactly taste like Momofuku’s version, it’s not as spicy and lacks authenticity.

Ingredients

Here are all the cooking essentials you’ll need for this recipe – you can Shop My LTK Page for this recipe.

• Ramen Noodles – As mentioned above, use Lotus Foods Millet Brown Rice Ramen Noodles which are gluten-free. I love them.
• Chili Oil – I love Momofuku’s Chili Oil Crunch, however Trader Joe’s version works well too.
• Veggies – You’ll need a lot of sliced garlic, chopped scallions (green onions), and cilantro.
• Sauces – Tamari (gluten-free), Hoisin Sauce (gluten-free), and Chili Vinegar (or rice vinegar). Instead of Tamari, you may use gluten-free soy sauce as well.
• Oil – I used avocado oil, but any high-heat oil will work.

*See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.*

How to make Chili Garlic Noodles?

1. Boil Noodles – Heat a large pot of water to boil the noodles. (Image 1)

2. Follow the package instructions and boil the noodles. I used Lotus Foodsl Brown Rice Ramen Noodles which I boiled for about 5 minutes. (Image 2)

3. Taste to make sure it’s done cooking. (Image 3)

4. Drain noodles and run them under cold water to rinse the starch. (Image 4)

5. Cook Noodles – Heat a wok on medium heat. Once hot, add oil. (Image 5)

6. Next add sliced garlic and saute for a minute. You should be able to smell the garlic. Let the garlic slightly brown. (Image 6)

7. Add 1/2 cup of scallions (including green & white parts). Cook for 30 seconds or so. (Image 7)

8. Add Sauces – Lower the heat. Now add the tamari, hoisin sauce, and chili vinegar. (Image 8)

9. Next add chili crunch – start with 2 tablespoons. Make sure you add a good amount of crunch (not just chili oil). Stir for 45 seconds. (Image 9)

10. Add Noodles – Next, add drained & cooked noodles and toss well. (Image 10)

11. Add chopped cilantro and toss again. (Image 11)

12. Add the remaining green part of the scallions. (Image 12)

13. Taste to adjust the spice level. Add another tablespoon of chili oil if needed. Also, add a pinch of salt – you don’t need too much since the sauces have enough sodium. Toss. (Image 13)

14. Enjoy hot. Feel free to add a side of your favorite protein. (Image 14)