Homemade Chili Oil Noodles

Chili oil noodles are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish you can whip up in no time. 

Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these chewy noodles are coated in a spicy, aromatic chili oil that’s guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. 

Serve them alone or with your protein of choice, and I guarantee you’ll quickly fall in love. 

Let’s dive into this delightful and easy recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Chili Oil Noodles

Chili oil noodles are a fantastic choice for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal effort. 

They’re quick to prepare, customizable to your spice preference, and perfect for a satisfying meal any time of day.

And, of course, you can use store-bought chili oil to speed things up!

What is Chili Oil?

Chili oil is a condiment made from vegetable oil that’s been infused with chili peppers and other spices. 

It adds heat and depth to many dishes and can be used as a dipping sauce, a cooking ingredient, or a topping.

Homemade Chili Oil Recipe

• 480 ml vegetable oil (2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns 
• 3-4 star anise 
• 2-3 bay leaves 
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 grams ginger, thinly sliced (1 small piece)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 30 grams dried red chili flakes (1/2 cup)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Method:

Prepare the Ingredients:

• Measure out all the ingredients and have them ready. This will ensure the process goes smoothly, as timing is important.
• Place the peppercorns, anise, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick in a spice bag for easy removal later.

Heat the Oil:

• In a medium saucepan, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot (around 250°F or 120°C), reduce the heat to low.

Infuse the Oil:

• Add the spice bag with the Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick to the oil.
• Let them cook slowly, infusing the oil with their flavors. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let the oil get too hot and burn the spices.

Add Aromatics:

• Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green onions to the oil.
• Cook until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the Spice Bag:

• Carefully remove the spice bag.
• Optional: strain the hot oil into a heatproof bowl or large measuring cup to remove the solid spices and aromatics.
• Let the oil cool for a few minutes until it is around 225°F (110°C).

Combine with Chili Flakes:

• Add the dried chili flakes and salt in a heatproof jar or bowl.

• Pour the warm oil over the chili flakes. You should see a sizzling reaction, which indicates the chili flakes are being cooked, releasing their flavors into the oil.

• If using sesame seeds, add them to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Cool and Store:

• Allow the chili oil to cool completely.
• Transfer the cooled oil and chili mixture into a clean, airtight jar or bottle.

Usage:

• The chili oil is ready to use immediately, but the flavors will develop and intensify over a few days.
• Store it in a cool, dark place. It can last for several months.

Ingredients for Chili Oil Noodles

The beauty of chili oil noodles lies in their simplicity. 

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• Noodles: Use your favorite – udon, soba, or even spaghetti will work.
• Chili Oil: Homemade or store-bought, this is the star of the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for an extra punch.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth.
• Vinegar: Balances the spice with a touch of acidity.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Green Onions: Adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a hint of nuttiness.

How to Make Chili Oil Noodles

Making chili oil noodles is quick and straightforward. So have everything ready to go because they come together fast!

1. Cook the Noodles: Prepare your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together chili oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
3. Combine: Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce until well coated.
4. Garnish: Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for the Best Chili Oil Noodles

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and a bit of heat in your meals, then chili oil noodles are about to become your new favorite dish. 

Just check out these tips, then get cooking!

Use High-Quality Noodles:

• The type of noodles you use can significantly impact the final dish. So, go for fresh, chewy noodles such as udon, lo mein, or even freshly made pasta for the best texture.
• If you’re using dried noodles, cook them just until al dente to avoid a mushy consistency.

Perfect Your Chili Oil:

• Homemade chili oil is the heart of this dish. Use high-quality dried chili flakes and fresh spices to make your oil. 
• Let the oil infuse properly to extract maximum flavor from the aromatics like garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Balance the Flavors:

• While chili oil provides the heat, balancing it with other flavors is crucial. Add a bit of soy sauce for umami, a touch of vinegar for acidity, and a hint of sugar to round out the spiciness.

Add Fresh Ingredients:

• Incorporate fresh vegetables like thinly sliced cucumbers, bean sprouts, or julienned carrots to add a refreshing crunch. 
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can also brighten the dish and add a layer of complexity.

Protein Power:

• For a more substantial meal, add a protein element. 
• Thinly sliced beef, grilled chicken, tofu, or a poached egg can complement the spicy noodles beautifully.

Garnish Generously:

• A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or a dash of extra chili flakes can elevate your chili oil noodles. 
• Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add a zesty finish.

Serve Immediately:

• Chili oil noodles are best enjoyed fresh. The noodles can absorb the sauce quickly, so mix everything together right before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Recipe Variations

Chili oil noodles are incredibly versatile and can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. 

Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the protein, or explore different flavor profiles, there are endless possibilities to make this dish uniquely yours. 

Here are some delicious variations to inspire your next bowl of chili oil noodles:

Vegetarian Delight:

• Swap out the meat and add an assortment of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, and bok choy. You can also include tofu or tempeh for added protein.

Seafood Sensation:

• Incorporate shrimp, scallops, or crab meat to give your noodles a fresh, oceanic twist. A splash of fish sauce can also enhance the overall flavor.

Nutty Noodles:

• Add a dollop of peanut butter or tahini to the chili oil sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor. Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture.

Spicy and Tangy:

• Mix in some pickled vegetables like kimchi or pickled radishes for a tangy contrast to the spicy chili oil. This adds a refreshing bite to the noodles.

Meaty Feast:

• Boost the protein content by adding thinly sliced beef, pork, or chicken. Marinate the meat with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar before cooking to infuse it with flavor.

Herb-Infused:

• Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint can brighten up the dish. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can add a zesty freshness.

Egg-Centric:

• Top your noodles with a perfectly poached egg or a soft-boiled egg. The runny yolk adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce.

Noodle Swap:

• Experiment with different types of noodles, such as soba, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles, for a lighter option. Each type of noodle will bring a unique texture and flavor to the dish.

FAQs About Chili Oil Noodles

**Q: Can I make chili oil noodles ahead of time?**
A: Chili oil noodles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

**Q: What type of noodles should I use?**
A: You can use any type of noodles you prefer. Udon, soba, and ramen are my top choices.

**Q: How do I store leftovers?**
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

**Q: Can I adjust the spice level?**
A: Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili oil to suit your spice preference.