If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, look no further than these Chili Garlic Udon Noodles. This recipe brings together the chewy, satisfying bite of udon noodles with a vibrant, spicy sauce crafted from fresh garlic, fragrant ginger, and a lively blend of chili oils and seeds. Every mouthful is a harmonious explosion of heat, umami, and a touch of tang that will have you reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something unique yet simple, Chili Garlic Udon Noodles make the perfect option to brighten your meal routine.

Chili Garlic Udon Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but essential to building that deep, layered flavor that makes Chili Garlic Udon Noodles so irresistible. Each component, from the rich chili oil to the subtle splash of rice vinegar, plays a distinct role in creating a well-rounded taste and a beautiful presentation.

300 g udon noodles: The chewy and thick noodles are the heart of the dish, providing a soft but substantial texture.

2 cloves garlic: Finely minced to infuse the oil with a pungent, aromatic kick that wakes up the palate.
1 thumb fresh ginger: Adds a bright, zesty warmth that complements the garlic perfectly.

Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the heat from the chilies.
1 tbsp chili oil: Use homemade or store-bought for a fragrant, spicy base that coats every noodle.

1 tsp chili flakes: Optional for those who love a deeper level of heat.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Brings that essential umami depth and a slight saltiness.
1 tbsp dark rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile.

1 tbsp white sesame seeds: Toasted for nuttiness and texture inside the sauce.
1 tbsp sliced spring onion greens: Fresh and vibrant garnish to add color and crunch.
1 tsp black sesame seeds: Striking garnish that offers a contrasting flavor and visual pop.

4 tbsp granola or peanut oil: Ideal for frying and infusing the aromatics when hot.
1 tsp pure sesame oil: A small drizzle adds a rich, toasted sesame depth to the sauce.
1 egg: Cooked sunny-side-up or fried to top the noodles with luscious creaminess.

How to Make Chili Garlic Udon Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Chili Mixture

Start by finely mincing the garlic and fresh ginger and placing them into a heatproof bowl. To this, add chili oil, chili flakes, a pinch of salt, and white sesame seeds. This combination will layer the sauce with fiery and nutty notes that build the foundation of flavor for our dish.

Step 2: Heat the Oil to Unlock Flavors

In a small saucepan, heat the granola or peanut oil until it just begins to smoke. This step is crucial—it intensifies the aroma of the oil and takes the flavor to the next level. Carefully pour the hot oil over the bowl of garlic, ginger, and chili mixture. The sizzling transformation releases the essential oils and spices, creating a rich, fragrant sauce.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Sauce Ingredients

Now, stir in the soy sauce, dark rice vinegar, and pure sesame oil to the bowl. These ingredients balance the heat with salty, tangy, and nutty notes, ensuring your Chili Garlic Udon Noodles have a deliciously complex sauce that clings to every strand of noodle.

Step 4: Cook the Udon Noodles

Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the udon noodles until tender but still chewy—you want them to hold their shape and absorb the sauce well. Drain the noodles thoroughly, then toss them into the bowl with your spicy chili garlic sauce. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to coat each noodle evenly.

Step 5: Fry the Egg and Garnish

Finish your dish by frying an egg sunny-side-up with a slightly runny yolk that adds luscious creaminess when mixed with the noodles. Plate your chili garlic udon noodles, add the egg on top, then sprinkle sliced spring onion greens and black sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy contrast that gives your dish visual appeal and texture variations.

How to Serve Chili Garlic Udon Noodles

Garnishes

Garnishes like sliced spring onion greens and toasted black sesame seeds are small touches that make a huge difference. They add fresh bursts of color, subtle crunch, and a fragrant nuttiness that elevates the dish visually and in flavor. Don’t skip the fried egg on top—it’s the crowning glory that brings richness and a silky sauce element when the yolk breaks.

Side Dishes

Chili Garlic Udon Noodles are hearty on their own but pair beautifully with simple sides such as steamed greens like bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad that refreshes the palate. For more indulgence, try serving with some crispy spring rolls or a light miso soup, which balances the spiciness with warmth and umami richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your presentation up a notch, try serving the noodles in rustic bowls with chopsticks resting on top for that authentic feel. For a dinner party, place mini bowls of extra chili oil and soy sauce for guests to customize their heat and salt levels. You can even add some crushed peanuts or fresh herbs like cilantro to give it a twist that intrigues and delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Chili Garlic Udon Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the noodles soak up the sauce, they’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to keep the fried egg separate if you have leftovers, to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is not recommended since udon noodles tend to lose their desirable texture once thawed, becoming mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time, preserving that perfect chewiness and vibrant sauce.

Reheating

When reheating leftover Chili Garlic Udon Noodles, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the noodles and sauce. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or a few drops of sesame oil to loosen it up. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can alter texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon?

Absolutely! While udon noodles bring that unique chewiness, you can try this recipe with soba, ramen, or even thick rice noodles. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, and keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of chili oil and chili flakes. For a milder dish, reduce these components, or omit the chili flakes altogether. For spice lovers, feel free to add more chili flakes or even fresh sliced chilies.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is vegetarian if you use a vegetarian or vegan chili oil and soy sauce. For a vegan option, simply skip the egg or replace it with tofu or a plant-based alternative to keep that protein boost.

Can I make the chili oil at home?

Yes! Homemade chili oil is simple and allows you to customize the flavor just how you like it. Infusing neutral oil with dried chilies, garlic, and spices creates a fragrant, spicy base that will enhance your Chili Garlic Udon Noodles even more.

What can I use if I don’t have dark rice vinegar?

If dark rice vinegar is not available, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or a mild white vinegar combined with a touch of sugar to mimic the subtle sweetness and acidity. Avoid stronger vinegars that might overpower the delicate balance.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted these Chili Garlic Udon Noodles, you’ll see why they’re quickly becoming a favorite. They’re vibrant, satisfying, and endlessly comforting with just the right kick to keep you coming back for more. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy sharing this delectable dish with friends or treating yourself to a cozy, flavorful meal any day of the week.

Chili Garlic Udon Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and spicy Chili Garlic Udon Noodles recipe that combines chewy udon noodles with a fragrant chili-garlic sauce, enhanced by toasty sesame seeds and topped with a perfectly fried egg for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics: Finely mince the garlic and fresh ginger and place them into a heatproof bowl. Add the chili oil, chili flakes, pinch of salt, and white sesame seeds to the bowl.

Heat the Oil: In a small saucepan, heat the granola or peanut oil until it starts to smoke slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic and spices in the bowl, allowing the flavors to infuse and bloom.
Mix Seasonings: Add the soy sauce, dark rice vinegar, and pure sesame oil to the bowl with the aromatics and hot oil. Stir everything together until well combined to create the flavorful chili garlic sauce.
Cook the Noodles: Boil the udon noodles in salted water according to package instructions until soft and tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly and transfer them into the bowl with the chili garlic sauce.

Toss the Noodles: Mix the udon noodles thoroughly with the sauce to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the spicy chili garlic flavor.
Fry the Egg and Garnish: In a separate pan, fry the egg sunny side up or to your preference. Plate the sauced noodles, top with the fried egg, garnish with sliced spring onion greens and sprinkle black sesame seeds over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra spicy kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or use a hotter chili oil.

You can substitute udon noodles with other thick wheat noodles if udon is unavailable.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before pouring over the aromatics to release maximum flavor.
Vegetarian option: Replace the egg with a tofu scramble or omit topping altogether.

Store leftover noodles separately from the sauce to maintain texture, then reheat together before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-fry / Boil
Cuisine: Japanese-Chinese fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 3 g

Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g

Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g

Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 185 mg

Keywords: Chili Garlic Udon Noodles, Spicy Udon, Asian Noodles, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food, Noodle Bowl, Chili Oil Recipe