Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 150g (5 ounces) dried wheat noodles or 300g fresh noodles (see Note 1 for substitutions)
- ½ cup coriander, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon homemade crispy chilli oil (optional)
Chilli Garlic Sauce
- 1 tablespoon chilli powder or flakes (adjust to taste; see Note 2)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon white sugar
- 3 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil (sunflower, grapeseed, or canola oil)
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon black vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chilli Garlic Sauce
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine the chilli powder (or flakes), minced garlic, and sugar.
- In a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat until very hot. You’ll know it’s ready when you see ripples forming on the surface or light smoking.
- Carefully pour the hot oil over the chilli-garlic mixture. It will sizzle—this step enhances the flavors by infusing the oil with the garlic and chilli.
- Stir in the soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil, mixing well.
- Divide this chilli garlic sauce into two large serving bowls.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Most noodles take around 3 minutes to cook, but this can vary.
- Drain the noodles and immediately toss them into the prepared chilli garlic sauce while they’re still hot. This allows them to absorb all the bold flavors.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve
- Garnish the noodles with chopped coriander and spring onions for freshness.
- If using, drizzle with crispy chilli oil for an extra layer of crunch and spice.
- If adding protein, mix in the cooked chicken or beef strips at this stage.
- Give everything a good toss before serving to ensure the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- How to Prevent Sticky Noodles: After draining, rinse the noodles briefly under warm water to remove excess starch and prevent them from clumping together.
- Checking the Oil Temperature: If unsure whether the oil is hot enough, drop a tiny bit of garlic into it. If it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
- Adjusting the Spice Level: If the noodles turn out too spicy, balance the heat by adding a little honey or extra sugar.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Noodles Turn Out Mushy: This happens if they’re overcooked. To fix, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately.
- Sauce Feels Too Thick or Dry: Add a splash of hot water or a bit more sesame oil to loosen it up.
- Garlic Burns Too Quickly: Use medium heat and stir frequently to prevent burning when preparing the sauce.
Kitchen Efficiency Tips
- Prep All Ingredients First: Since this dish comes together in just 10 minutes, having everything ready beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Use a Heatproof Bowl for the Sauce: The hot oil will be poured directly into the chilli-garlic mixture, so ensure your bowl can handle high temperatures.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes