Spicy Garlic Chilli Noodles are a flavor-packed dish that hits the spot when you’re craving something with a little kick. The noodles are tossed in a bold mix of garlic and chili, giving each bite a spicy, fragrant punch that wakes up your taste buds. It’s simple but full of personality with its perfect balance of heat and garlicky goodness.
I love making this recipe when I want a quick meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. The aroma of garlic sizzling in chili oil fills the kitchen, making it impossible to wait patiently for dinner. One of my favorite tweaks is adding a sprinkle of fresh scallions or a dash of soy sauce to give it a bit more depth—it’s all about making it your own.
This dish works great as a solo dinner or as a side to grilled veggies or protein. I often serve it with a cool cucumber salad to help balance the heat. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes but still impress everyone with its bold, warming flavors.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flat Rice Noodles: These soft, wide noodles soak up the sauce well. If you don’t have flat rice noodles, you can try fettuccine or linguine, but cook them just before adding to keep the right texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the strongest flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic if you want that punchy taste. Roasted garlic is a milder, sweeter alternative if you prefer less heat.
Dried Red Chilies & Chili Garlic Sauce: The dried chilies give a toasty heat, while chili garlic sauce adds spice and flavor depth. Substitute with fresh chilies or chili paste, adjusting amounts to control spice.
Soy Sauces: Regular soy sauce adds saltiness and dark soy sauce adds color and slight sweetness. You can swap dark soy sauce for hoisin or tamari for gluten free options.
Leafy Greens: Bok choy is a great choice, but spinach, kale, or Chinese broccoli work nicely. They take just a short stir-fry to stay tender and vibrant.
How Do You Get Garlic and Chilies to Release Their Best Flavor Without Burning?
The key to perfect flavor is controlling the heat and timing:
- Heat oil on medium, not high, especially when toasting dried chilies. Watch carefully so they darken but don’t turn black bitter.
- Add garlic once chilies have toasted. Garlic cooks quickly and burns easily, so stir constantly and remove from heat if it starts to brown too fast.
- Use the white parts of green onions here too—they add flavor and can handle some heat.
- If your garlic burns, start over because burnt garlic tastes bitter and affects the dish.
Taking it slow at this stage builds a deep, fragrant base that makes these noodles truly shine.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wok or large skillet – I recommend it because it heats evenly and gives you enough space to toss all ingredients easily.
- Strainer or colander – for rinsing and draining the noodles quickly.
- Small bowl – to mix sauces or toast chili flakes.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – helpful for stirring and tossing everything together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for protein; it makes the dish more filling.
- Try different greens like kale or Chinese broccoli for extra texture and flavor.
- Use a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to add a tangy twist.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro or basil on top for a fresh herbal note.
Spicy Garlic Chilli Noodles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 200 grams flat rice noodles
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3-4 dried red chilies
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions (scallions), chopped, whites and greens separated
- ½ cup leafy greens (such as bok choy, spinach, or kai lan)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
- Optional: crushed red chili flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish, including cooking the noodles, preparing the sauce, and stir-frying everything together. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil the noodles following package instructions until they’re just cooked (al dente). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Toast Chilies and Cook Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a large wok or skillet. Add the dried red chilies and toast for about 30 seconds until they darken a bit — be careful not to burn them! Then add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic turns light golden.
3. Mix the Sauce and Toss Noodles:
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well to combine into a flavorful sauce. Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
4. Add Greens and Finish:
Throw in the leafy greens and the green parts of the green onions. Stir-fry briefly until the greens are just wilted. Drizzle sesame oil over everything and give it a final toss. Taste and add salt or crushed chili flakes if you want it spicier.
5. Serve:
Transfer the noodles to a serving bowl. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and enjoy immediately while they’re warm and aromatic!
Can I Use Frozen Noodles for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rice noodles, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Rinse under warm water to separate the strands before stir-frying to prevent clumping.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
Reduce or omit the dried red chilies and chili garlic sauce. You can also remove the seeds from fresh chilies if using them instead. Adding a splash of coconut milk or a pinch of sugar can help mellow the heat.
Can I Prepare Spicy Garlic Chilli Noodles in Advance?
You can cook the noodles and sauce separately ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat quickly in a hot pan, adding a little oil or water to loosen the sauce.
What Are Good Protein Options to Add?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even scrambled eggs make excellent additions. Simply cook your chosen protein separately and toss it in near the end of stir-frying for a complete meal.
