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Hot and Spicy Noodles Recipe


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4.2 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Hot and Spicy Noodles recipe featuring stir fry rice noodles tossed in a rich, spicy sauce made from garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and a blend of soy and oyster sauces. Perfectly caramelized in a skillet with aromatic shallots and green onions, this dish delivers a balanced heat with fresh cilantro and lime juice garnishes to brighten the bold flavors.


Ingredients

Noodles

  • 14 oz. stir fry rice noodles
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed oil (for noodles)

Oils & Aromatics

  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola), divided
  • 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
  • 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup white parts of green onions, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (green tops saved for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon five spice powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (measured before chopping)
  • Green tops of green onions
  • Chili sauce or additional red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Fresh lime juice, to taste


Instructions

  1. Adjust Spice Level: Note that the spice level is about 4-5 out of 10, which is fairly spicy. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes in the sauce and add chili flakes or chili sauce individually at serving.
  2. Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice wine or dry sherry, toasted sesame seed oil, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, paprika, five spice powder, and white pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
  3. Cook Noodles: Prepare the stir fry rice noodles according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining. Toss the drained noodles with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1/4 cup neutral oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and finely chopped garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Sauté Chili Oil: Add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil to the pan to keep the mixture moist. Stir in the white parts of the green onions, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Continue sautéing for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn and the flavors meld.
  6. Simmer Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce and 1/3 cup of the reserved noodle cooking water into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for one minute to thicken slightly and infuse aroma.
  7. Caramelize Noodles: Add the noodles to the skillet, tossing well to coat them evenly with the sauce. Spread the noodles in an even layer across the pan and let them sit untouched for about 30 seconds to begin caramelizing. Flip the noodles and repeat spreading and resting a couple more times, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce thoroughly. Add additional reserved cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce and prevent drying.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro and the green tops of the green onions into the noodles. Serve immediately with extra red pepper flakes or chili sauce on the side for added heat. Finish with a splash of fresh lime juice for brightness if desired.

Notes

  • Rice wine or dry sherry can be substituted depending on availability, both add depth and slight sweetness to the sauce.
  • Do not use a garlic press as finely chopped garlic retains better texture and flavor without burning.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for desired spice tolerance.
  • Using a heavy-bottom skillet like cast iron or stainless steel is recommended for better caramelization of the noodles.
  • Reserved noodle cooking water is key for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian