Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

These Shallot Chili Oil Noodles are a delightful dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these noodles offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The spicy kick from the chili oil combined with the rich shallots creates an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of shallots, garlic, and spices creates an irresistible taste.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by modifying the chili flakes and gochugaru to suit your preference.
• Vegan-Friendly: This dish is entirely plant-based, catering to various dietary needs.
• Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm bowl of noodles that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment can simplify the process and improve your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Saucepan: Ideal for heating oil and cooking the flavorful sauce without burning ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife allows for precise dicing of shallots and mincing garlic, which enhances texture and flavor.

Ingredients

These spicy shallot chili oil noodles can be made in 15 minutes for a comforting, quick, & easy vegan noodle dish!

• 5-6 ounces noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 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
• diced scallions (optional, for serving)
• chili crisp (optional, for serving)

How to Make Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil water and cook noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside. This should take anywhere from 5-12 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Shallots and Garlic

While the noodles are cooking, dice the shallot and mince the garlic. Start cooking the shallot chili oil sauce about 2 minutes before the noodles are done cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

Heat the oil in a saucepan on medium heat. Once hot, add in the shallots and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Spices

Add in the red pepper chili flakes and gochugaru. Sauté with the shallots and garlic for another 30 seconds. Then, turn off the heat to prevent burning.

Step 5: Mix in Sauces

Immediately add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, and brown sugar to the saucepan. Stir to mix for about 1 minute until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Noodles with Sauce

Once the sauce is mixed and sugar has dissolved completely, add in the cooked noodles. Toss them with the sauce until fully coated.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve your shallot chili oil noodles hot! Top with freshly chopped scallions and chili crisp for an extra burst of flavor if desired.

How to Serve Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

These shallot chili oil noodles are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enhance their flavor and presentation with a few serving suggestions.

Garnish with Fresh Scallions

• Top your noodles with freshly chopped scallions for a burst of color and a mild onion flavor.

Add Chili Crisp

• Drizzle some chili crisp on top for an extra kick of spice and texture that complements the noodles beautifully.

Pair with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the noodles to add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• Offer lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze that brightens the dish’s flavors.

Include Steamed Vegetables

• Serve alongside steamed broccoli or bok choy for a nutritious addition that balances the meal.

How to Perfect Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

Perfecting shallot chili oil noodles is simple with a few helpful tips to elevate your cooking.

• Use Quality Noodles: Choose fresh or high-quality dried noodles for the best texture and flavor in your dish.

• Control Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes and gochugaru according to your spice preference for a customized heat level.

• Don’t Overcook Garlic: Sauté garlic until fragrant but avoid browning it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.

• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure you mix the noodles well with the sauce so every bite is infused with flavor.

• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like crushed peanuts or fresh herbs to add unique flavors each time you make this dish.

Best Side Dishes for Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

Complement your shallot chili oil noodles with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

1. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

2. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick stir-fried bok choy seasoned with garlic adds a crunchy green element to your plate.

3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies make a perfect finger food addition.

4. Chili Garlic Edamame: Steamed edamame tossed in chili garlic sauce offers protein-packed goodness alongside your noodles.

5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds comfort and complements the flavors of your noodle dish nicely.

6. Steamed Dumplings: Pair your noodles with steamed vegetable dumplings, which create a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

7. Pickled Radishes: Crunchy pickled radishes provide a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the noodles.

8. Sesame Broccoli: Lightly sautéed broccoli dressed in sesame oil enhances both nutrition and flavor on your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Shallot Chili Oil Noodles, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong noodle type: Different noodles have varying cooking times. Make sure to use the type specified in your recipe to avoid undercooking or overcooking.

• Not timing the sauce preparation: If you start the sauce too early, it may lose its freshness. Begin cooking the sauce just before your noodles finish boiling for the best flavor.

• Overcooking shallots and garlic: These ingredients can burn easily. Sauté them just until they are fragrant and golden to retain their flavor without bitterness.

• Skipping optional toppings: Toppings like diced scallions and chili crisp enhance both flavor and presentation. Don’t skip these for a more vibrant dish.

• Forgetting to mix well: After adding noodles to the sauce, ensure everything is well combined. This step is crucial for achieving uniform flavor throughout your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the noodles to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Separate portions with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Reheating Shallot Chili Oil Noodles

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer noodles to a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and add the noodles. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Shallot Chili Oil Noodles:

What are Shallot Chili Oil Noodles?

Shallot Chili Oil Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish made with sautéed shallots, garlic, spicy chili flakes, and savory sauces all tossed with cooked noodles.

Can I make Shallot Chili Oil Noodles vegan?

Yes! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients without any animal products.

How can I customize my Shallot Chili Oil Noodles?

You can customize your noodles by adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or by using different types of noodles based on your preference.

Are there gluten-free options for Shallot Chili Oil Noodles?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.

Final Thoughts

Shallot Chili Oil Noodles are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various vegetables or proteins, making them suitable for any meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors that will please your taste buds!