Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful meal that packs a punch, you’ve come to the right place! These Shallot Chili Oil Noodles are a personal favorite of mine, and for good reason. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of your time, you can whip up this comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings. The combination of shallots, garlic, and spices creates an explosion of flavor that will make your taste buds dance!

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, these noodles are versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly, making them suitable for various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table.
• Flavors That Pop: The blend of shallots, garlic, and chili creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy slurping up these spicy noodles.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance for easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses simple items that you might already have in your pantry. Each one contributes to the rich flavor and satisfying texture of the Shallot Chili Oil Noodles.

For the Noodles

• 5-6 ounces noodles (cooked according to package instructions)

For the Sauce

• 1 large shallot (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 2 Tablespoons oil (I used avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for a less spicy dish)
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for a less spicy dish)
• 1-1 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1/2 Tablespoon black vinegar
• 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar

Optional Toppings

• diced scallions
• chili crisp

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or bok choy for added nutrition.
• Swap the Noodles: Try using rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
• Include Protein: Add tofu, tempeh, or edamame if you’re looking for extra protein.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less chili flakes according to your preference.

How to Make Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling water and cooking your noodles according to package instructions. This usually takes around 5-12 minutes, depending on the type of noodles you’re using. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside. Getting this step right is key so that your noodles are perfectly tender and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Step 2: Prepare the Shallot Chili Oil Sauce

While your noodles are cooking, grab that shallot and garlic. Dice the shallot finely and mince the garlic. You want those little bits to blend well into the oil later on! Heat your oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add in your shallots and garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent – this step brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Spice It Up!

Now it’s time to bring some heat! Add in the red chili flakes and gochugaru into your sautéed mixture. Stir everything together for another 30 seconds while keeping an eye on it so nothing burns. This is where all those bold flavors start coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Create Your Sauce

With all those yummy aromas wafting around your kitchen, it’s time to pour in your soy sauces, black vinegar, and brown sugar. Give everything a good stir for about a minute until well combined and the sugar completely dissolves. This sauce is what makes these Shallot Chili Oil Noodles stand out – it’s savory with just enough sweetness!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your sauce is mixed perfectly, add in those drained noodles right into the saucepan. Toss everything together until each noodle is coated in that flavorful sauce. This is where all those flavors meld together into something truly special.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Finally, serve your Shallot Chili Oil Noodles hot! Top with freshly chopped scallions and drizzle some chili crisp over if you like an extra kick. Enjoy every slurp of these delightful noodles – they’re bound to become a new favorite at your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

These shallot chili oil noodles are a breeze to whip up, and a few simple tips can elevate your dish even more!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots and garlic can significantly enhance the flavors in your dish. Their vibrant taste makes the sauce more aromatic and delicious.

• Adjust spice levels: If you’re unsure about the heat, start with less chili flakes and gochugaru. You can always add more later, ensuring everyone enjoys the dish without feeling overwhelmed by spice.

• Cook noodles perfectly: Make sure to cook your noodles al dente, as they’ll continue to absorb flavor from the sauce when mixed. This gives you a delightful texture that complements the sauce.

• Customize your sauce: Feel free to experiment with different types of soy sauce or add a splash of sesame oil for added richness. Tailoring the sauce to your taste will make this dish uniquely yours!

• Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve these noodles fresh off the stove. The combination of warm noodles and hot chili oil creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

Presenting your shallot chili oil noodles beautifully can make a big difference in enjoying this delectable dish. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Diced scallions: Freshly chopped scallions add a crunchy texture and a burst of freshness that balances out the spiciness of the noodles.
• Chili crisp: A drizzle of chili crisp on top adds an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only adds a nutty flavor but also creates an appealing visual contrast against the noodles.

Side Dishes

• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing pairs perfectly with spicy noodles, providing a cool contrast that enhances your meal.
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is nutritious and acts as a great palette cleanser between bites of rich, spicy noodles.
• Vegetable dumplings: These savory bites filled with veggies can be dipped in soy sauce or chili oil, complementing the flavors of the main dish beautifully.
• Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers depth and warmth that rounds out the meal while remaining light enough not to overshadow the star dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a delightful dining experience featuring shallot chili oil noodles! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Shallot Chili Oil Noodles are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, spicy dish any day of the week with just a bit of forethought!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Cook the noodles as directed, then let them cool down.
• Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat, add a splash of water to the noodles in a skillet over medium heat.
• Stir frequently until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
• You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Shallot Chili Oil Noodles gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute traditional soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and use gluten-free noodles.

How spicy are Shallot Chili Oil Noodles?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Reduce the red chili flakes and gochugaru if you prefer a milder dish!

What can I serve with Shallot Chili Oil Noodles?

These noodles pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables or tofu for added protein. Consider adding some pickled vegetables on the side for extra crunch!

Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe works great with wheat noodles, you can easily substitute rice noodles or any other variety you enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to whip up these Shallot Chili Oil Noodles! They’re not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor that will surely warm your heart. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to get creative with toppings! Your taste buds will thank you!