Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
These Chili Garlic Udon Noodles are a delightful fusion of savory and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a flavorful main course, these udon noodles deliver on taste and ease, making them ideal for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 10 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Bomb: The combination of garlic, ginger, and chili oil creates an irresistible umami flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes according to your preference.
- Single Serving: Ideal for solo diners or those who want to whip up a quick meal without leftovers.
- Vegetarian Delight: A hearty option for vegetarians that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Chili Garlic Udon Noodles, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large frying pan
- Small saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large frying pan: A wok allows for even cooking at high temperatures, which is essential when preparing noodles quickly.
- Small saucepan: Useful for heating oil safely without splattering.
- Heatproof bowl: Ensures you can mix hot oil with other ingredients without risk of melting.
Ingredients
These super savory and umami Asian garlic chili udon noodles are super easy and quick to make and perfect as a busy weeknight dinner.
Noodles & Base Ingredients
- 300 g udon noodles
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb fresh ginger
- pinch salt
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tbsp chili oil (watch my homemade Chinese chili oil)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (if you like the extra heat)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark rice vinegar
Garnishes
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp sliced spring onion greens
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds
Cooking Essentials
- 4 tbsp granola/peanut oil
- 1 tsp pure sesame oil
- 1 egg
How to Make Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Finely mince the garlic and fresh ginger. Place them into a heatproof bowl. Add the chili oil, chili flakes, salt, and white sesame seeds.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a small saucepan, heat the granola or peanut oil until it begins to smoke. Carefully pour it over the mixture in the bowl.
Step 3: Combine Flavors
Add soy sauce, dark rice vinegar, and pure sesame oil to the bowl. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Cook the Udon Noodles
Boil water in a pot and cook udon noodles until they are soft. Drain the noodles and add them into the garlic chili oil mix from earlier.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Toss the noodles well with the sauce. Garnish with a fried egg, sliced spring onion greens, and black sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious Chili Garlic Udon Noodles!
How to Serve Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
Chili Garlic Udon Noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them as a main dish or a side, these noodles are sure to impress.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro – Add chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Basil – Thai basil enhances the dish with a unique aroma.
Pair with Protein
- Fried Egg – A fried egg on top adds richness and texture.
- Grilled Chicken – Slice grilled chicken breast for additional protein.
Create a Noodle Bowl
- Vegetable Toppings – Include sliced bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for crunch.
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado complements the spicy noodles beautifully.
Serve with Broth
- Light Broth – A simple vegetable or chicken broth can elevate the dish into a soup-style bowl.
How to Perfect Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
To achieve the best Chili Garlic Udon Noodles, consider the following tips.
- Choose Quality Udon Noodles – Fresh udon noodles provide a better texture compared to dried ones.
- Mince Garlic and Ginger Finely – This maximizes flavor infusion into the oil.
- Watch Oil Temperature Carefully – Heating oil until it smokes releases flavors effectively but avoid burning.
- Mix Quickly After Cooking – Combine the noodles with the sauce immediately after draining for optimal absorption of flavors.
- Customize Heat Level – Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference for a more personalized dish.
Best Side Dishes for Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
Pairing side dishes with Chili Garlic Udon Noodles can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Spring Rolls – Crispy rolls filled with fresh vegetables and shrimp add a delightful crunch.
- Edamame Beans – Lightly salted edamame provides protein and is easy to prepare.
- Asian Slaw – A tangy slaw made from cabbage and carrots complements the noodles’ flavors well.
- Tempura Vegetables – Lightly battered vegetables add texture and contrast to the dish.
- Miso Soup – A warm miso soup serves as a comforting companion to your noodle bowl.
- Kimchi – Spicy fermented cabbage brings an authentic Asian flavor that pairs perfectly with udon noodles.
- Pickled Vegetables – Quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes offer acidity that balances out the richness of the noodles.
- Grilled Tofu Skewers – Flavorful tofu skewers provide a hearty option for vegetarians.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chili Garlic Udon Noodles, even small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect Cooking Time – Overcooking udon noodles can make them mushy. Aim for just 5 minutes in boiling water for perfect texture.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients – Using dried garlic or ginger instead of fresh will dull the flavors. Always use fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste.
- Neglecting Seasoning – Not adding enough salt or chili oil can lead to bland noodles. Taste and adjust your seasonings as you go along.
- Wrong Oil Temperature – If the oil isn’t hot enough when poured over the garlic mix, it won’t infuse properly. Wait until it starts to smoke before pouring.
- Inadequate Mixing – Failing to mix the noodles well with the sauce can result in uneven flavor distribution. Toss thoroughly to coat each noodle.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chili Garlic Udon Noodles in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
- You can freeze these noodles for up to 1 month.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chili Garlic Udon Noodles.
What are Chili Garlic Udon Noodles?
Chili Garlic Udon Noodles are savory noodles made with udon, garlic, chili oil, and various seasonings that create a delicious umami flavor.
Can I customize my Chili Garlic Udon Noodles?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy for extra nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! Just skip the egg or replace it with tofu for added protein.
What can I serve with Chili Garlic Udon Noodles?
These noodles pair well with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance out the meal.
Final Thoughts
Chili Garlic Udon Noodles offer a delightful blend of flavors that is both quick and satisfying. This recipe is versatile—you can easily modify it by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. Give it a try today!
Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Chili Garlic Udon Noodles are a tantalizing and quick dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your table in just 10 minutes. Perfectly cooked udon noodles are tossed in a savory mix of garlic, ginger, and chili oil, creating an irresistible umami experience. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your taste and adding protein or vegetables for extra nutrition. Ideal for busy weeknights or as a satisfying lunch option, these noodles promise to deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. Enjoy this vegetarian delight that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 300 g udon noodles
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark rice vinegar
- Garnishes: white sesame seeds, sliced spring onion greens, black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Finely mince garlic and ginger; combine in a heatproof bowl with chili oil, chili flakes, salt, and white sesame seeds.
- Heat granola or peanut oil in a small saucepan until smoking; pour over the garlic mixture.
- Add soy sauce, dark rice vinegar, and pure sesame oil; mix thoroughly.
- Cook udon noodles according to package instructions; drain and add to the bowl with the flavor mixture.
- Toss well and serve garnished with fried egg, spring onion greens, and black sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of Chili Garlic Udon Noodles (350g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
