Description
Savory garlic chili oil noodles bring explosive flavor from China’s street-side kitchens. Silky strands swirl with spicy, garlicky sauce, inviting home cooks to experience authentic street-style comfort in their own kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 small head garlic, finely chopped
- 2 smaller shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 8 oz (226 g) rice noodles
- 3 tbsps sesame seeds
- 3 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Thai or regular basil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh green onions
- ¾ cup (180 ml) sesame or peanut oil
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) tamari or soy sauce
- 1–3 tbsps crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 tbsp Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru) (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Aromatic Base: Sizzle minced garlic, chopped shallots, and bay leaf in sesame oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until ingredients develop a golden hue and release their fragrant essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Flavor Intensification: Introduce toasted sesame seeds and freshly grated ginger to the oil mixture, allowing them to bloom and deepen the overall taste profile for an additional minute.
- Chili Oil Preparation: Transfer infused oil to a large mixing bowl, blending in dried chili flakes, smoky paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to create a bold, fiery foundation.
- Noodle and Vegetable Cooking: Bring water to a vigorous boil, cook noodles according to package guidelines, and integrate sliced bell peppers during the final cooking moments to achieve a slight blanch.
- Sauce Integration: Retain a portion of starchy cooking water, drain noodles and vegetables, then immediately toss with prepared chili oil, tamari sauce, and an array of fresh herbs, creating a vibrant, cohesive dish.
- Texture Refinement: Adjust sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved cooking water, ensuring a luxurious, glossy coating that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Presentation: Plate the noodles, embellishing with an extra drizzle of chili oil and delicate green onion slivers to elevate visual appeal and provide a final flavor burst.
Notes
- Boost Flavor Depth: Infuse sesame oil slowly with garlic, shallots, and bay leaf to develop rich, golden undertones that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Manage Spice Intensity: Customize cayenne, chili flakes, and paprika levels to suit personal heat preferences without overwhelming the delicate noodle base.
- Preserve Pasta Texture: Reserve starchy cooking water to create a silky sauce consistency and prevent dry, clumpy noodles during final mixing.
- Maximize Herb Freshness: Add fresh herbs at the last moment to maintain vibrant color, crisp texture, and bright flavor notes just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 39 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg