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Quick Weeknight Sesame Garlic Noodles with Crispy Chili Oil Swirl

A close-up of thick, glossy Asian Garlic Noodles tossed in a dark, spicy sauce, topped with fresh green onions.
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Make deeply flavorful Asian garlic noodles quickly using a savory sauce base and finishing with a swirl of chili oil for texture and heat.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz dried noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 cup reserved noodle cooking water
  • 2 tablespoons crispy chili oil (plus more for serving)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  2. While the noodles cook, prepare the sauce base. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well.
  6. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved noodle cooking water to the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. The sauce will thicken slightly.
  7. Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Add a splash more cooking water if the sauce seems too dry.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of crispy chili oil over the noodles and toss once or twice gently to create swirls of oil.
  9. Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately with extra chili oil on the side.

Notes

  • For a protein boost, add cooked shrimp or shredded chicken during step 6 when tossing the noodles.
  • If you do not have dark soy sauce, increase the regular soy sauce slightly, but understand the color will be lighter.
  • Use fresh ramen noodles if available for the best chewy texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/asian-garlic-noodles-recipe-quick-sesame/