Name: Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 ounces rice noodles (wide rice noodles recommended); 2 shallots, sliced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup chopped scallions/green onions (white parts only; green parts reserved for garnish); 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable oil works); 4-5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1-3 tablespoons chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (can substitute coconut sugar); 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 60 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s full of punchy flavors, quick to whip up, and downright addictive, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe is honestly one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting but with a fiery kick. It balances heat, tang, and that irresistible garlicky punch perfectly—plus, it’s super simple to make right in your own kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to nail this dish every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of chili, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness gives it depth and complexity.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together to create something restaurant-worthy.
Flexible Heat Level: You decide how spicy to go – it’s adjustable to your exact craving and spice tolerance.
Quick and Satisfying: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect when time’s tight but you still want a hearty meal.

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles, chili garlic noodle dish, spicy noodle recipe, quick Asian noodles, flavorful chili garlic stir-fry - A white bowl filled with wide flat noodles coated in a shiny reddish-brown sauce is shown from above. The noodles are mixed and curled inside the bowl with visible pieces of fresh green onions and chopped cilantro scattered on top. There are small white sesame seeds and dark chili flakes sprinkled over the noodles. A pair of dark wooden chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl leaning inward. In the blurred background, two small white bowls hold red chili flakes and more chopped green onions. The surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe plays an important role, bringing its own layer of flavor or texture. Whether you use wide rice noodles or swap with something else, I’ve included tips so you can easily shop and prep for the best results.

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles, chili garlic noodle dish, spicy noodle recipe, quick Asian noodles, flavorful chili garlic stir-fry - Flat lay of wide rice noodles loosely coiled, a few whole shallots with purplish skins, several uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small bunch of white parts of scallions neatly chopped, a piece of fresh ginger root with skin and a small pile of freshly grated ginger, small white ceramic bowls containing olive oil, low sodium soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, a small heap of brown sugar, a tiny pile of red pepper flakes, and a fresh whole red bell pepper halved to show interior seeds, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Rice Noodles: I love using wide rice noodles because they soak up the sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
Shallots: They add a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the chili.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is unmissable here—this is part of the essential signature flavor!
Scallions (white part): Adds a fresh bite and mild onion flavor; save the green tops for garnish.
Fresh ginger: Gives a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness.
Oil: Olive or vegetable oil works for sautéing to bring the aromatics together.
Soy Sauce or Tamari (low sodium): Key for that umami depth without overwhelming saltiness.
Chili Garlic Sauce: This packs the heat and flavor punch—choose your brand and spice level, then adjust to taste.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch to round out the bold flavors and balance heat.
Sriracha: Adds mellow heat and a hint of sweetness—start small and grow from there.
Rice Vinegar: A splash adds tang, brightening up the noodles.
Toasted Sesame Oil: For that unmistakable nutty aroma and richness right at the end.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you love it extra spicy, toss ’em in!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often adjust the spice depending on my mood, and sometimes toss in my favorite veggies or proteins to keep it fun and fresh.

Less Heat: If you prefer mild, just skip the sriracha and dial back the chili garlic sauce—you’ll still get so much flavor without the burn.
Veggie Boost: I’ve added shredded carrot, bok choy, or cabbage to bulk it up and add crunch; sauté them lightly to keep the texture perfect.
Protein Power: Chicken and tofu both pair beautifully with this dish—pan-fry them separately and toss in at the end.
Make It Gluten-Free: Make sure to grab tamari instead of soy sauce and keep your noodles rice-based for a totally gluten-free bowl.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Rice Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then cook your rice noodles according to the package directions. I usually keep a close eye and test a noodle about a minute before the minimum time—the goal is tender but still with a slight bite (al dente). Overcooked noodles get mushy and don’t soak the sauce as well, so this step really matters.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Until Golden

While the noodles cook, heat your oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat. Toss in the sliced shallots and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to brown and smell incredible. Watch closely because garlic can go from golden to burnt quickly—burnt garlic tastes bitter and will throw the whole dish off.

Step 3: Add White Scallions and Fresh Ginger

Next, add in the white parts of your scallions and the freshly grated ginger. Cook them with the shallots and garlic for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This builds a fragrant base that feels like a warm, spicy hug.

Step 4: Whisk Together and Add Your Sauce Ingredients

Now it’s time for the sauce magic. Add the soy sauce (or tamari), chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil right into the pot. Whisk thoroughly to combine. I always start with the lower end of sriracha and chili sauce amounts—remember, you can always add more spice later, but you can’t easily take it away once it’s too hot.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce, Then Simmer

Drain your noodles and add them directly into the sauce pot. Toss everything well so each noodle is perfectly coated with that spicy, garlicky goodness. I like to let it simmer gently for a few minutes here so the noodles soak up all those flavors. If you want, this is a great time to add in extras like diced roasted red peppers or sautéed veggies for added texture and color.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Give your noodles a taste before serving—remember, the dish often tastes milder at first bite but can build in heat with each spoonful. If you’d like more spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a bit more sriracha. Or if it’s too spicy, a little more brown sugar or a splash of rice vinegar can help mellow the heat.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Finish off your Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles with the green parts of your scallions for a fresh pop of color and bite. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime to brighten things up even more.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Don’t Overcook Noodles: Rice noodles can get mushy fast, so test early and drain promptly for the best texture.
Build Your Heat Gradually: I always start small with chili sauce and sriracha—not everyone’s heat tolerance is the same, so taste as you go!
Use Toasted Sesame Oil Last: Add this after cooking to keep its nutty aroma fresh and impactful.
Fresh Aromatics Are Key: Using fresh garlic, shallots, and ginger makes a huge difference, so resist shortcuts with powders here.

How to Serve Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles, chili garlic noodle dish, spicy noodle recipe, quick Asian noodles, flavorful chili garlic stir-fry - The image shows a white pot filled with four layers of wide, flat noodles cooked in a dark brown sauce, giving the noodles a shiny and rich look. Scattered over the noodles are small pieces of green herbs and tiny bits of red chili pepper, adding a touch of color and texture. The noodles are swirled and mixed together with some areas appearing thicker and some thinner, showing a soft and smooth texture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a pair of dark brown chopsticks resting beside it. Nearby, there is a small white bowl filled with red chili flakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that bring brightness and contrast to the spicy noodles. I frequently use chopped green scallions for a fresh bite and color, sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, and occasionally fresh cilantro if I have it on hand. A wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over just takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This recipe works wonderfully as a standalone meal, but to round it out, I like pairing it with simple steamed bok choy or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. Sometimes I serve it alongside crispy tofu or grilled chicken for a protein boost. For a bit of crunch, a cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sugar is a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated these noodles in cute individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Sometimes I serve them chilled in the summer for a spicy cold noodle salad—just toss and chill the noodles after cooking, then add fresh herbs like mint and basil to keep it bright. It’s always a delightful twist that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, but the noodles can soak up too much sauce and become softer. To refresh, I recommend reheating gently rather than microwaving straight away to avoid drying out.

Freezing

I personally haven’t frozen this noodle dish because the texture of rice noodles tends to change after freezing and thawing—getting mushy or brittle. But if you want to try, freeze just the sauce separately and toss freshly cooked noodles in after reheating for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir continuously over medium-low heat until warmed through. This keeps the noodles from sticking and ensures flavors stay vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles?

Absolutely! While rice noodles absorb the sauce nicely and have a unique texture, you can substitute with egg noodles, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times and keep an eye on texture. Remember the dish might taste a little different but will still be delicious.
How spicy is this Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe?

The heat level is very flexible—if you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a teaspoon each of chili garlic sauce and sriracha, then build from there. The dish can go from mildly warm to fiery hot depending on your preferences.
What’s a good substitute for chili garlic sauce?

If you don’t have chili garlic sauce, you can use sambal oelek or even a mix of chili paste and minced garlic. Adjust quantities to suit your taste, keeping in mind these alternatives might change the final flavor slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Just make sure your soy sauce or tamari is vegan and skip adding any animal-based proteins. Toss in your favorite plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe really holds a special place in my rotation because it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. I love that it feels like a treat but doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. Once you master this, you’ll find it’s the perfect canvas for your favorite add-ins and tweaks. I highly encourage you to make it your own and enjoy every spicy, garlicky bite as much as I do!