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

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 30 reviews

If you love bold, zesty flavors with a kick, then this Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort meal. It’s quick, full of layers of flavor, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for when you want something spicy but without a ton of fuss. I’m excited to walk you through the whole process and share some little tips that make this dish just right every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Heat: The chili garlic sauce and sriracha pack a flavorful punch without overpowering the dish.
Umami Depth: Soy sauce and toasted sesame oil create a savory backbone that keeps every bite interesting.
Simple Ingredients: Using easy-to-find pantry staples makes this recipe accessible—no complicated shopping lists!
Flexible & Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels and toss in your favorite veggies or proteins without losing the essence.

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles, spicy noodle stir-fry, easy Asian noodle recipe, quick spicy garlic noodles, flavorful chili garlic pasta - 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

This Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe is a great fusion of heat, savoriness, and a hint of sweetness. Each ingredient plays a specific role to create harmony — from the garlic’s pungency to the ginger’s fresh zing and the slight tang from rice vinegar. Here’s the rundown on the essentials, plus some tips on picking the best versions!

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles, spicy noodle stir-fry, easy Asian noodle recipe, quick spicy garlic noodles, flavorful chili garlic pasta - 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 prefer wide rice noodles for their lovely chewy texture that holds the sauce well, but thin noodles work fine too.
Shallots: These have a softer, sweeter flavor than onions — perfect for that gentle background aroma.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that spicy pungency that defines this recipe.
Chopped scallions (white part): Adds a subtle onion flavor and freshness to the sauce; save the green parts for garnish.
Fresh grated ginger: Ginger adds brightness and a slight peppery heat contrasting the chili.
Oil: Olive oil works just fine here, but vegetable oil or any neutral oil works too.
Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Keeps the saltiness balanced so the flavors don’t get too overwhelming, especially if you’re adding other salty ingredients.
Chili garlic sauce: The heart of the heat—adjust amount to your spice comfort zone.
Brown sugar: Balances the heat and adds a mellow sweetness; coconut sugar works great as a substitute.
Sriracha: Adds an extra spicy kick and a slight tang; crucial to increment slowly as the heat builds in layers.
Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a mild acidity that brightens all the rich flavors.
Toasted sesame oil: The finishing touch that brings nutty depth and that classic Asian noodle aroma.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a quick sprinkle ups the heat if you crave it.

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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 best parts about this Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe is how easily it adapts to your own preferences. I usually start with the milder side of spice and add more as I go, but if you like your mouth on fire, go ahead and crank it up! Feel free to toss in whatever veggies or protein you’ve got on hand — it’s super forgiving.

Vegetarian or Vegan: I swap soy sauce for tamari and add crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms to make it fully plant-based, and it works beautifully.
Milder Version: Reduce or omit the sriracha and chili garlic sauce altogether; it’s still flavorful thanks to ginger and garlic.
Extra Veggies: I love adding bok choy, shredded carrot, or cabbage for crunch and color—just toss them in when sautéing shallots for a quick stir-fry vibe!
Boosting Protein: Chicken, shrimp, or even a fried egg on top can make this a hearty meal.

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

Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles Properly

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Watch the timing carefully — rice noodles can turn mushy fast, and that’s not what we want! Once tender but still slightly firm, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

In a medium pot or large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and minced garlic, stirring frequently until they become golden brown and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; properly browning these aromatics brings a natural sweetness that balances the chili heat.

Step 3: Add Ginger and Scallions for Zing

Next, toss in the white sections of chopped scallions and the fresh grated ginger. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until you smell the ginger’s fresh spice. This layer really brightens the whole dish and complements the chili’s depth.

Step 4: Whisk in the Sauce Ingredients

Add your soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil directly into the pot. Whisk everything together until well combined. I recommend starting with the smallest amounts of chili garlic sauce and sriracha suggested because you can always add more later if you want more heat. Remember, you can easily dial up spice but can’t take it out once it’s too hot.

Step 5: Combine Noodles with Sauce and Simmer

Toss the cooked noodles right into the pot with the sauce. Stir gently to coat every strand generously, then let it simmer for a few minutes so the noodles soak up the spicy, garlicky goodness. This is the magic moment where they really come alive. If you want to add veggies like chopped roasted red peppers (I love the convenience of store-bought ones!) or sautéed bok choy, toss them in here too.

Step 6: Final Taste Check and Serve

Before plating, take a few bites and decide if it needs a touch more sriracha or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for that extra heat. Keep in mind, the spice builds up as you eat, so it’s best to start mild and adjust slowly. Serve hot, topped with the green parts of the scallions you saved for that fresh pop of color and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Control the Spice: Always start with less chili sauce and sriracha than you think you need—it’s super easy to add more later.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Rice noodles get soggy quickly, so rinse them with cold water immediately after boiling to stop that process.
Use Toasted Sesame Oil Last: Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its rich, nutty aroma—it loses flavor if overheated.
Add Veggies Early: Toss in any raw or quick-cooking vegetables while sautéing the aromatics for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Serve Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles, spicy noodle stir-fry, easy Asian noodle recipe, quick spicy garlic noodles, flavorful chili garlic pasta - 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 always top mine with the green parts of scallions for a fresh crunch and pop of color, plus a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds when I’m feeling fancy. If I want more heat, a few red chili flakes sprinkle right at the end never disappoints. Sometimes, fresh cilantro adds a nice bright twist, but that’s totally optional based on your jam.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed bok choy, a crunchy Asian cucumber salad, or even potstickers for a more indulgent meal. On days when I’m craving extra protein, I might grill some chicken or quick-sear tofu on the side to scoop in bite after bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the noodles in pretty bowls lined with fresh baby spinach leaves, topped with pickled veggies and a soft-boiled egg on the side. It makes the dish look vibrant and festive, plus guests love adding their own garnishes to customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. I like to spread the noodles out a bit when storing to prevent clumping. Give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

I have frozen this dish successfully, but because rice noodles can get a bit mushy after freezing, I prefer to freeze the sauce separately if I’m making it ahead. Then, just cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat and toss them with the reheated sauce for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm the noodles gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth so they don’t dry out. Stir frequently and add a little more toasted sesame oil or soy sauce if it tastes a bit flat. Microwave works too, but be sure to cover it to trap steam.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of rice noodles?

Absolutely! While rice noodles give this dish an authentic texture and soak up sauce beautifully, you can substitute with spaghetti or linguine if that’s what you have. Just cook according to their package instructions and adjust saucing accordingly.
How do I make this recipe less spicy?

Start by reducing or omitting the chili garlic sauce and sriracha. You can also cut back on red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely. Since garlic and ginger add heat too, balancing with a bit more brown sugar or soy sauce helps mellow the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce. Double-check your chili garlic sauce and sriracha labels to ensure there’s no added gluten. Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this a great choice if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, preparing the sauce ahead is a great time-saver. Just mix all the sauce ingredients and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready, heat it briefly and toss with freshly cooked noodles for the freshest flavor.
What proteins work best with this noodle dish?

I personally love it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu. They all soak up the sauce nicely and add a satisfying bite. If you want something lighter, a soft-boiled or fried egg on top is also fantastic.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, flavorful, and adapts so well to whatever I have on hand. The balance of spice, garlic, and umami hits that crave-worthy spot every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—you’ll love how this humble bowl of noodles fuels your day with warm, satisfying goodness. Let me know if you add any fun twists—I’m all ears!