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To make Spicy Garlic Noodles, gather these main ingredients: - 8 oz of spaghetti or any preferred noodles - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1-2 tablespoons red chili flakes (adjust based on spice preference) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 cup scallions, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt to taste These ingredients create a rich, flavorful base. The garlic adds warmth, while the chili flakes give a nice kick. You can enhance the dish with these optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon lime juice for added zing Adding lime juice brings a bright, fresh taste to the noodles. It balances the spice and makes the dish pop. While spaghetti works well, feel free to try other noodle types: - Rice noodles - Udon noodles - Soba noodles Each type adds a unique texture and taste. Choose what you enjoy most. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it boils, add 8 oz of spaghetti or your favorite noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, which means they should still have a little bite. When they are done, drain them well, but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes. You want it to smell amazing and turn a light gold color. Stir it often to avoid burning. Next, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of red chili flakes. If you enjoy extra heat, add more flakes! Sauté this mix for another minute to release all those bold flavors. Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat them in the garlic oil. Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix everything well! Add a little of the reserved pasta water, a bit at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Be careful with salt because the soy sauce adds a salty flavor. Lastly, turn off the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped scallions and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. If you want a zesty kick, add 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Serve the noodles hot, and enjoy your flavorful dish! For the complete recipe, check the full recipe details. To make your noodles just right, start with 1 tablespoon of red chili flakes. If you want more heat, add an extra half tablespoon. Taste as you go. This way, you find the perfect spice for your palate. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take spice away! When cooking noodles, always bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Stir the noodles often to prevent them from sticking. Cook until they are al dente, which means they should have a slight bite. Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps to create a nice sauce later. Serve these noodles hot for the best flavor. Garnish with extra scallions and cilantro for a fresh touch. You can squeeze lime juice on top for added zing. Pair them with veggies, chicken, or shrimp for a full meal. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe to explore different serving options! {{image_2}} You can easily make Spicy Garlic Noodles vegetarian or vegan. Just skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking noodles. For added flavor, toss in some fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. They will add crunch and color to your dish. You can also use plant-based sauces, such as tamari or coconut aminos, for a great taste without any animal products. Want to make your Spicy Garlic Noodles heartier? Add protein! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. For chicken, cook diced pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. For shrimp, toss them in when the garlic is fragrant. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and cook until golden. This adds a nice texture and protein boost to your meal. Feel free to play with the sauces and seasonings. If you want a different taste, try hoisin sauce, sriracha, or oyster sauce. You can even mix in some peanut butter for a creamy twist. Don't forget to taste as you go! This helps you find the flavor that best suits your palate. To store your Spicy Garlic Noodles, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. Store the container in the fridge. Your noodles will stay fresh for about three days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat for best results. Add a splash of water or oil to help them heat evenly. Stir the noodles often to avoid sticking. You can also microwave them in short bursts. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If you want to save your noodles for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then reheat as described above for a quick meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your flavorful noodles! If you need a soy sauce substitute, use tamari. Tamari is a great option for those who want gluten-free. Coconut aminos also work well and add a slight sweetness. If you’re looking for a low-sodium choice, opt for a low-sodium soy sauce. Both options give you a similar salty flavor. Yes, you can easily make Spicy Garlic Noodles gluten-free. Use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or quinoa pasta. Make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce. This way, you keep all the flavor without the gluten. Spicy Garlic Noodles last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When ready to eat, just reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. For full recipe details, refer to the earlier sections. I covered how to make spicy garlic noodles with key ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned about choosing the right noodles and how to adjust spice levels. I also shared storage tips and techniques for making this dish your own. Remember, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste. Try different proteins and sauces to add your twist. With some practice, you'll create flavorful meals everyone will love. For full recipe details, refer back to the sections above. Enjoy your cooking!

Spicy Garlic Noodles

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Spicy Garlic Noodles! This easy recipe combines spaghetti with savory garlic, a kick of heat from chili flakes, and rich flavors of soy and sesame oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, you can customize the spice level and add fresh scallions and cilantro for a burst of flavor. Click through to discover how to whip up this delectable dish in just 20 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz of spaghetti or any preferred noodles

4 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 tablespoons red chili flakes (adjust based on spice preference)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/4 cup scallions, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice for added zing

Instructions
 

Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

      Stir in the red chili flakes and sauté for an additional minute. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more flakes at this stage.

        Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic oil.

          Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well, and add a little reserved pasta water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

            Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that the soy sauce is already salty.

              Turn off the heat and mix in the chopped scallions and cilantro. If you desire a tangy touch, add the lime juice at this stage.

                Serve the noodles hot, garnished with extra scallions and cilantro if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2-3