Chilli Garlic Noodles
A quick and fiery stir-fry where noodles are tossed with heaps of garlic, spicy red chillies, and a savory sauce. This Indo-Chinese favorite is perfect for a weeknight dinner and comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 1 tsp of salt and the noodles. Cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 5-7 minutes). Drain immediately, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and toss with 1 tsp of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper powder. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped garlic, dry red chillies, and green chillies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the spring onion whites and sliced onion to the wok. Stir-fry for 1 minute until the onions become translucent. Add the julienned carrots and capsicum, and continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender yet crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and toss: Add the cooked noodles to the wok, followed by the prepared sauce mixture and salt. Using a pair of tongs, toss everything together vigorously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- 6
Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat
- a.Add the chopped spring onion greens and give it a final toss. Serve the Chilli Garlic Noodles hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, do not overcook the noodles. They should be 'al dente' as they will cook slightly more during the stir-fry.
- 2High heat is key for a successful stir-fry. It gives the dish a smoky flavor ('wok hei') and keeps the vegetables crunchy.
- 3Prepare all your ingredients (chopping vegetables, mixing the sauce) before you start cooking. The stir-frying process is very fast.
- 4Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red and green chillies. For a milder version, deseed the chillies before adding.
- 5For an extra umami kick, add a teaspoon of mushroom powder or a crumbled vegetable bouillon cube along with the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Toss in 200g of pan-fried tofu, paneer, shredded chicken, or shrimp along with the vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free rice noodles and substitute tamari for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, shredded cabbage, or broccoli florets. Add them along with the carrots and capsicum.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Garnish with 1-2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Boosts Immunity
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its immune-boosting properties. Additionally, capsicum is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is crucial for a healthy immune system.
Rich in Antioxidants
The vegetables in this dish, such as carrots, capsicum, and onions, are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Metabolism Support
The capsaicin found in red and green chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, which may aid in weight management.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Chilli Garlic Noodles recipe contains approximately 300-350 calories. The exact number can vary based on the type of noodles and oil used.