Spicy Garlic Noodles

$- 8 oz spaghetti or preferred noodles - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1-2 tablespoons red chili flakes - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon toasty sesame oil - 1/4 cup scallions, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice - Salt to taste - Adjust red chili flakes for desired heat level The main ingredients in this dish create a bold and tasty meal. The noodles are the base. You can use spaghetti or any noodles you like. Olive oil gives richness and flavor. Garlic brings a strong aroma and taste. Red chili flakes add spice, so adjust them for your heat preference. Soy sauce gives a savory depth to the dish. You can add optional ingredients for extra flavors. Toasty sesame oil adds a nutty touch. Chopped scallions make it fresh and bright. Cilantro gives a nice herbal note. Lime juice is great for a zesty kick when you want it. Season the dish well with salt. Remember, soy sauce is salty, so taste as you go. This way, you create a balanced flavor in your spicy garlic noodles. You’ll find that these simple ingredients lead to a meal that is both delicious and easy to make. For the full recipe, check out the details above. 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the noodles. 2. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of spaghetti or your favorite noodles. 3. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. 4. After cooking, drain the noodles in a colander. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will help later. 1. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. 2. Wait until the oil shimmers, which means it’s hot enough. 3. Add 6 cloves of finely minced garlic to the skillet. 4. Sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes. Stir it constantly to prevent burning. You want it to be fragrant and golden. 1. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of red chili flakes. Adjust this based on how spicy you want your dish. 2. Sauté for one more minute. The heat from the oil will wake up the spices. 3. Now, add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet. Use tongs or a fork to toss them well. 4. Pour in 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of toasty sesame oil. Mix to combine all flavors. 5. Gradually add the reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce thickness. 6. Taste the noodles and add salt if needed. Remember, the soy sauce adds some saltiness too. 7. Turn off the heat and fold in 1/4 cup of chopped scallions and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro for freshness. 8. If you want a zesty flavor, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your spicy garlic noodles! For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section. To balance heat and saltiness, taste as you go. Start with less chili. You can always add more later. A splash of lime juice adds brightness and cuts through the heat. If your noodles taste a bit salty, use less soy sauce or dilute with pasta water. Prevent burnt garlic by cooking it on medium heat. Stir it constantly for even cooking. If it browns too fast, lower the heat. To achieve a silky sauce, reserve some pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Add it slowly while mixing. Garnish your spicy garlic noodles with extra scallions and cilantro. This adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch. Serve in a deep bowl for a cozy feel. A lime wedge on the side offers a zesty touch for those who want it. For the full recipe, check out the link above. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your spicy garlic noodles. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast. Slice it thin and toss it in with the noodles. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp in the skillet before adding garlic. This gives it a nice flavor. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and pan-fry until golden. Mix it in for a lovely crunch. Each option adds a new layer to the dish and makes it more filling. Adding veggies to your spicy garlic noodles is simple. Here are some tasty options: - Bell Peppers: Slice them thin. Add them to the skillet when cooking garlic for extra crunch and color. - Broccoli: Steam or stir-fry the broccoli first. Toss it in with the noodles for a healthy touch. - Snow Peas: These add a nice snap. Just toss them in for the last minute while the noodles cook. Veggies not only add flavor but also boost nutrition. Changing the sauce can give your noodles a new twist. Here are some tasty ideas: - Teriyaki Sauce: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce. This adds sweetness to the dish. - Chili Garlic Sauce: Use this if you want more heat. It deepens the spicy flavor. - Peanut Sauce: Mix in some peanut sauce for a rich, creamy texture that’s oh-so-delicious. Play around with these sauces to find your perfect flavor. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. To keep your spicy garlic noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down completely before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up that can make the noodles soggy. In the fridge, they last for about three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just follow the reheating method below. Freezing is a great option if you want to save leftovers for later. First, let the noodles cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date for easy tracking. To reheat your noodles, the best method is the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over low heat. Stir the noodles gently to heat them evenly. This keeps the texture nice and prevents them from becoming dry. You can also use a microwave, but cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. This helps retain moisture while heating. Enjoy your spicy garlic noodles like they were just made! To make Spicy Garlic Noodles vegan, you can swap a few ingredients. Use vegetable broth instead of the reserved pasta water for added flavor. Replace the soy sauce with a vegan option, like tamari. You can also skip the sesame oil or use a plant-based version. For a protein boost, add tofu or tempeh. This way, you still enjoy the great taste without animal products. Yes, you can use various noodles for this dish. Rice noodles, udon, or soba noodles work well. Each type brings a unique texture and taste. Just adjust cooking times as needed. If you want a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Your Spicy Garlic Noodles will still be flavorful and satisfying. Spicy Garlic Noodles go well with many dishes. Consider serving them with stir-fried veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. You might enjoy a light salad on the side. If you like protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the noodles nicely. For a full meal, add spring rolls or dumplings. These pairings enhance the flavors and give you a delightful dining experience. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Spicy Garlic Noodles. We explored key ingredients, from spaghetti to garlic and chili flakes. You learned easy steps to cook the noodles and sauté garlic. I shared tips for flavor and cooking techniques. We also looked at fun ways to vary the dish with proteins and vegetables. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can create a tasty meal that fits your taste. Enjoy cooking and experimenting!$

Spice up your dinner with these delicious Spicy Garlic Noodles! This quick and easy recipe combines perfectly cooked noodles with aromatic garlic, a kick of chili flakes, and fresh herbs for an unforgettable meal. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and customizable. Ready to experience this tasty twist? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your kitchen the new hotspot for flavor!

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Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or your preferred noodles

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

6 cloves garlic, finely minced

1-2 tablespoons red chili flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon toasty sesame oil

1/4 cup scallions, chopped (green parts only)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Salt to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice for a zesty kick

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside, but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.

Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden—be careful to prevent it from burning!

Add Spice: Stir in the red chili flakes and continue to sauté for an additional minute. If you crave more heat, this is the moment to sprinkle in extra chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.

Incorporate the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet. Use tongs or a large fork to gently toss the noodles, ensuring they are evenly coated with the aromatic garlic oil mixture.

Add Sauces: Carefully pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency—this will help create a silky sauce around the noodles.

Season: Taste and add salt as needed, but be mindful that the soy sauce contributes a salty flavor.

Finishing Touches: Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped scallions and cilantro. For an additional burst of flavor, squeeze in the lime juice if you’re opting for a tangy note.

Serve: Dish out the spicy garlic noodles while they're still hot. For an enhanced presentation, top with extra scallions and cilantro as a colorful garnish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2-3