Easy Garlic Chili Noodles is a vegan-friendly, flavor-packed dish featuring chewy Taiwanese knife pare noodles, crumbled extra firm tofu, smoky gochugaru chili pepper flakes, plant-based oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce for vibrant color. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and green onions, this satisfying and visually appealing meal is a true definition of comfort food.

You're in for a flavor explosion with these Easy Garlic Chili Noodles! A vegan-friendly noodle recipe, protein-packed with tofu, featuring bold and spicy notes, thanks to an irresistible blend of oyster and soy sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food for those who desire Asian cuisine's diverse flavors. 

Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a busy parent looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this recipe will soon become a staple in your weekly repertoire.

You'll adore the fiery color and rustic visual appeal of these Garlic Chili Noodles, with an orangey-red oil infused with an incredible taste of gochugaru chili pepper flakes. The pop of green from fresh green onions adds a vibrant touch to the dish. The caramelized crumbled tofu sticks with noodles slathered in sauces create a stick-to-the-ribs comforting meal.

The garlic contributes depth of flavor, and the ginger brings a hint of sweetness, complemented by a subtle warmth. This visually stunning and flavor-packed dish will delight your taste buds and create a memorable dining experience.

So, let's roll up our sleeves, fire up the stove, and dive into the world of deliciousness that awaits with these irresistible spicy garlic chili noodles!

What you’ll need to make Garlic Chili Noodles

One of the fascinating aspects of the Easy Garlic Chili Noodles recipe is the symphony of flavors that harmoniously come together, creating a dish that is both memorable and crave-worthy. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of taste that make this savory noodle recipe stand out. Let’s look closer at the key ingredients and how they contribute to flavor.

Garlic: The Flavor Foundation

Garlic is undeniably the star of this recipe, providing an aromatic base that sets the tone for the entire dish. The savory and slightly spicy taste of minced garlic adds depth to the noodles and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, tying everything together seamlessly.

Ginger: A Warm and Spicy Undertone

Ginger lends a warm and slightly spicy undertone to the dish. Its unique flavor profile perfectly complements the garlic while providing a hint of freshness that balances out the heat from the chili pepper flakes.

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‍Easy Garlic Chili Noodles

Easy Garlic Chili Noodles is a vegan-friendly, flavor-packed dish featuring chewy Taiwanese knife pare noodles, crumbled extra firm tofu, smoky gochugaru chili pepper flakes, plant-based oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce for vibrant color. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and green onions, this satisfying and visually appealing meal is a true definition of comfort food.

You're in for a flavor explosion with these Easy Garlic Chili Noodles! A vegan-friendly noodle recipe, protein-packed with tofu, featuring bold and spicy notes, thanks to an irresistible blend of oyster and soy sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food for those who desire Asian cuisine's diverse flavors. 

Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a busy parent looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this recipe will soon become a staple in your weekly repertoire.

You'll adore the fiery color and rustic visual appeal of these Garlic Chili Noodles, with an orangey-red oil infused with an incredible taste of gochugaru chili pepper flakes. The pop of green from fresh green onions adds a vibrant touch to the dish. The caramelized crumbled tofu sticks with noodles slathered in sauces create a stick-to-the-ribs comforting meal.

The garlic contributes depth of flavor, and the ginger brings a hint of sweetness, complemented by a subtle warmth. This visually stunning and flavor-packed dish will delight your taste buds and create a memorable dining experience.

So, let's roll up our sleeves, fire up the stove, and dive into the world of deliciousness that awaits with these irresistible spicy garlic chili noodles!

What you’ll need to make Garlic Chili Noodles

One of the fascinating aspects of the Easy Garlic Chili Noodles recipe is the symphony of flavors that harmoniously come together, creating a dish that is both memorable and crave-worthy. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of taste that make this savory noodle recipe stand out. Let’s look closer at the key ingredients and how they contribute to flavor.

Garlic: The Flavor Foundation

Garlic is undeniably the star of this recipe, providing an aromatic base that sets the tone for the entire dish. The savory and slightly spicy taste of minced garlic adds depth to the noodles and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, tying everything together seamlessly.

Ginger: A Warm and Spicy Undertone

Ginger lends a warm and slightly spicy undertone to the dish. Its unique flavor profile perfectly complements the garlic while providing a hint of freshness that balances out the heat from the chili pepper flakes.

Gochugaru Chili Pepper Flakes: The Heat Factor

Gochugaru, a Korean chili pepper, brings an indispensable heat element to the dish alongside a beautiful golden red hue. The smoky and slightly fruity flavor of gochugaru chili pepper flakes adds a depth of spice that elevates the dish, making it more than just a simple noodle recipe. For those who like to customize the heat level, feel free to adjust the amount of chili pepper flakes to your liking.

Dark Soy Sauce and Plant-Based Oyster Sauce: Umami Goodness

The combination of dark soy sauce and plant-based oyster sauce infuses this vegan noodle dish with a rich and savory umami flavor. The dark soy sauce is used based on color factor rather than flavor, while the plant-based oyster sauce contributes a slightly sweet and earthy note. Together, these two sauces enhance the dish's overall taste, making every bite an umami delight.

Extra Firm Tofu: A Protein Boost with a Delightful Texture

Extra firm tofu adds a protein boost and imparts a delightful texture to the dish. Crumbled tofu soaks up the flavors of the garlic, ginger, and sauces, making it an integral part of the flavor journey.

Knife Pare Noodles: A Unique and Delightful Ingredient

Knife pare noodles, also known as "dao xiao mian" in Chinese, are handmade noodles from the Shanxi province of China. In this recipe, the knife pare noodles bring a delightful and satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the dish's bold flavors. Their slightly chewy consistency makes them an ideal choice for soaking up the rich and spicy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Green Onions: A Touch of Freshness

Finally, adding green onions brings a touch of freshness and a slight crunch to the dish. Their mildly sweet and oniony taste contrasts beautifully with the other bold flavors, rounding out the dish perfectly.

How to make Easy Garlic Chili Noodles

One of the best things about making Garlic Chili Noodles is that it doesn't involve a long list of fancy ingredients or complicated instructions. Follow the ingredients list and simple step-by-step instructions to create this visually stunning and flavor-packed meal that's perfect for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ounces extra firm tofu (hard tofu)
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• small piece ginger, minced
• 3 sticks green onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 3 tsp dark soy sauce
• 4 ounces knife pare noodles
• 1 tbsp gochugaru chili pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp plant-based oyster sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove the tofu from package, and cut in 1/2 (4 ounces is needed for this recipe).
2. Wrap the extra firm tofu in a paper towel and place on a small plate. Place a heavy bottom pan (cast iron skillet) on top of the piece of the wrapped tofu to assist with removing most of the moisture. Let sit for 5 minutes, then unwrap the tofu and place in a medium size bowl.  Using a fork, mash the tofu into a crumble (you can use your hands as well). 
3. Mince the garlic and ginger, and finely chop up the green onions. Set aside
4. Place the stove on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado or grape-seed oil to a medium size non-stick pan followed by the crumbled tofu. Sauté the crumble for about 4 minutes. 
5. Add in 2 teaspoons of dark soy sauce and continue to sauté the mixture and coat the tofu with the dark soy sauce for 2 additional minutes. Set tofu mixture aside in a bowl.
6. Turn your stove to low heat and place your non-stick pan on the stove followed by adding in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant (around 1 minute).
7. Add in the Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the garlic and ginger. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the oyster sauce. Take the mixture off the heat and prepare your noodles. 
8. Bring water to a boil in a medium pot to prepare to cook your noodles.
9. When the water comes to a slow boil, add in your noodles and cook for 2 minutes. Move the noodles around to ensure they do not stick together as it cooks.
10. Strain the noodles and then add them to the garlic and ginger mixture. Place pan on medium heat and add in your tofu with 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce. Continue to sauté the mixture for an additional 3 minutes, then add in your green onions and serve immediately.

FAQ’s

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute the Taiwanese knife pare noodles with other thick, flat wheat noodles such as Udon, pappardelle, or even fettuccine if you cannot find the original noodles. However, the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this vegan noodle recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and substituting the dark soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Also, ensure that the plant-based oyster sauce you use is gluten-free.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

To adjust the dish's spiciness, reduce or increase the amount of gochugaru chili pepper flakes according to your preference. You could add thinly sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store any leftover Garlic Chili Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or gently reheat the noodles in a pan on the stovetop over low heat, adding water or oil if needed to prevent sticking.