This Spicy Stir Fry Garlic Noodles recipe is simple, bold, and absolutely delicious. A perfect balance of heat, tang, and umami, these noodles come together quickly in a single pan. The combination of garlic, chili sauce, and soy sauce creates a rich, savory base, while fresh herbs and crunchy cucumber provide a refreshing contrast. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, this dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to whip up.
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These Spicy Garlic Noodles are a filled with bold, punchy flavors. Browse more ready in under 30 minutes recipe ideas.
Ingredient Notes
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is key here. Minced garlic releases deep, aromatic flavors that form the base of the sauce. Don’t skimp on it!
- Garlic Chili Sauce – This adds the signature heat and depth to the dish. Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
- Soy Sauce (Low Sodium & Sweet Dark) – The combination of both types of soy sauce ensures a rich, umami-packed taste without overpowering the dish with saltiness.
- White & Balsamic Vinegar – The mix of these two vinegars adds a tangy brightness that balances the heat and saltiness perfectly.
- Thick Spaghetti – A great alternative to traditional Asian noodles, thick spaghetti holds the sauce well while keeping a satisfying chew.
- Cucumber – The cool, crisp cucumber adds a refreshing contrast to the bold and spicy flavors of the dish.
Garlic Noodles Cooking Process
Recipe Notes
- Cook the garlic just right – Sauté the garlic until fragrant, but don’t let it burn. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish.
- Use high heat for finishing – Tossing the noodles in the sauce over high heat helps them absorb all the flavors and ensures an even coating.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Aim for al dente to maintain the right texture, as the noodles will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce.
- Balance the flavors – Taste as you go! If you need more acidity, add a splash of vinegar; if it needs more umami, add a touch more soy sauce.
- Serve immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the flavors are at their peak and the cucumber is crisp.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! While thick spaghetti works great, you can use lo mein, udon, or even rice noodles for a different texture.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a noticeable kick, but you can adjust the heat by using less garlic chili sauce or omitting it altogether for a milder version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best eaten fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick meal later.
Garlic Stir Fry Noodles
Ingredients
Recipe Directions
- Cook the thick spaghetti per package instruction until al dente. Set aside while preparing the vegetables.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a small wok or medium heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds.
- Add the soy sauce, white vinegar, and balsamic vinegar and stir until mixed. Turn the heat off and stir in the cilantro, green onion.
- Add the noodles to the pan. Stir in the chili sauce. Turn the heat up to high and continue cooking, toss the noodles until the sauce sticks to the pasta.
- Transfer into a bowl, top with the cucumber and serve immediately.
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Nutrition
Notes
- Instead of the white vinegar and Balsamic mix you can use a tradiitonal Chinese black vinegar, which can be purchased from an Asian grocer or on Amazon.
- Optional, add sesame seeds to the stir-fry in step 3.