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30 minute better than takeout Szechuan Noodles with Sesame Chili Oil. For those nights when you’re craving extra saucy Chinese inspired noodles, but don’t want to wait for take out. Szechuan style noodles with soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, plenty of vegetables, and thick egg noodles…with the most addicting toasted sesame chili oil spooned over top. These quick and healthy vegetable-filled Chinese noodles can be made and ready in just about 30 minutes. Not only are they healthier, these Szechuan noodles taste so much better than your average take out!
When my oldest brother, Creighton is in town, my recipes tend to shift slightly. If it was just me eating, I’d probably be sharing roasted vegetable recipes, pizza, and pasta every other day. Because in my day-to-day life, those are my favorite foods. But the reason I love cooking so much is that I love cooking for others. I’ve said it many times, but I find the greatest joy in making others happy through food.
This means when friends and family are in town, I adjust. I make recipes that I know for a fact, they will find absolutely delicious.
Case in point, these noodles. My oldest brother is in town from Cleveland for a couple of weeks and staying with my parents. I’ve been getting multiple text messages throughout the day asking what I’m making…if he should stop by the studio and grab leftovers…what’s happening for dinner…did I make food…etc.
I mean, the messages are almost constant.
Clearly Creighton loves food. Actually, I think it might just be all he thinks about.
Anyway, I’ve been on a huge Chinese food kick lately, and Creigh LOVES any kind of saucy Chinese style noodle. So I had the idea to make some homemade spicy Szechuan noodles with a bit of ground chicken, vegetables, and sesame chili oil.
Turns out that my last-minute idea ended up being delicious. Plus, I love the fact that I actually got Creighton to willingly eat vegetables. Sure there are noodles and chicken involved, but if you know Creighton, then you know this is a step in the right direction!
Current goal in life? Get Creighton to eat and enjoy a completely vegetable filled meal with ZERO meat. Big goal.
I have been seeing multiple photos of thick-cut Chinese noodles all over Instagram recently from various restaurants. They look so good, but I have the hardest time finding anything like them here where I live in Colorado. Takeout options are very, very limited, so I often resort to making my own “fakeout” takeout.
It usually turns out pretty good. But you guys? These noodles? They are beyond good, and so simple too!
To start, you’ll have to make the chili oil. And while I know they sell chili oil in the store, this homemade chili oil is better. It’s full of peanut oil, garlic, ginger, chili flakes (use Sichuan or Korean chili flakes if you can find), and sesame seeds. It’s without a doubt my favorite sauce…at least of the moment.
Once you have the oil, the noodles come together in minutes. Brown up some ground chicken, which you can definitely omit if you prefer a vegetarian dish. Then add a little of the soy sauce mixture, red onion, baby bok choy, and thick-cut egg noodles. Toss it all up with some of that chili oil, and done! Simple, but SO flavorful and delicious.
If you wanted to omit the chicken and up the vegetable count, I would add chopped mushrooms and carrots along with the red onion. That will be so good.
And that’s kind of it.
These noodles will take you 30 minutes tops to make, and they’re truly a dinner everyone will love. The best part is that you can really adjust the recipe to your dietary needs. If you like eating vegetarian, opt out of the chicken. If you’re gluten-free, use rice noodles in place of the egg noodles.
Make the recipe work for you!
Love this Better than Takeout recipe and want to give another one a try? Try these 30 Minute Better Than Takeout Thai Drunken Noodles.
If you make these Better Than Takeout Szechuan Noodles with Sesame Chili Oil, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Better Than Takeout Szechuan Noodles with Sesame Chili oil.
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 353 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup peanut oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or smashed
- 1-2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
- 8 ounces Chinese egg noodles
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (sambal oelek)
- 1/2 pound ground chicken or pork (optional)
- 1 red onion thinly, sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped, plus more for serving
- 4 baby bok choy or green cabbage, chopped
Instructions
- 1. To make the chili oil. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peanut oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally until the garlic is fragrant, 5 minutes. Stir in the sesame seeds, cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Remove from the heat and very carefully transfer the oil to a heat proof bowl or glass jar. 2. Meanwhile, cook the eggs noodles according to package directions. 3. Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, chili paste, and 1/3 cup water in a bowl. 4. Place the skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken. Season with black pepper and brown all over, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Add the red and green onions, and cook another 2-3 minutes. Slowly pour in the soy sauce mixture and add the bok choy. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce coats the chicken, about 3-5 minutes. 5. Stir in the noodles and 2 tablespoons chili oil. Remove from the heat. Serve the noodles warm, topped with additional chili oil and green onions. Enjoy!
This was amazing! Used ground pork instead of chicken and it turned out so good!
Hey Rachel,
Happy Sunday!😃 Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment, I am so glad it turned out well for you! xx
These are delicious. Can you give us a pad see ew recipe? Seems your kind of style and the people are hungry!
Thanks so much Haleigh!! Love this idea, will add to my list:)
One of our absolute favorite meals! Comes together quick and we can sub in mushrooms or shrimp, whatever we have on hand!
Hey Lana,
Happy Sunday! 🎃 So glad to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it and sharing your feedback! xx
Can’t wait to try this! We have young kids- how spicy is the chili oil? Should I omit altogether or just do a very small amount for flavor?
Hey Toni,
I would probably skip the chili oil for the kids, it’s pretty spicy:) I hope you love this recipe! xx
This is WAY BETTER than takeout! So so delicious. That chili oil! Amazing! This will definitely be a staple in my home!
Hey Christine,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have the best week:) xxT
Made a few times now and love it!
Hi Bill,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try and sharing your feedback! I love to hear that it was a hit! xTieghan
This was a huge hit! My partner’s comment: “I could eat this all day long.” Me too. So delicious and easy! One question: Can you save the chili oil that’s leftover? If so, what’s the best way to store it? Thank you!
Hey Carla,
I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for giving it a try and sharing your review:) Yes totally, just keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks. xxTieghan
My whole family LOVES this recipe. Every time I visit my son & daughter-in-law they request this! Thank you.
Hey Dawn,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it. Have the best week:) xx
Can you please tell me the brand or give a link for the noodles? I looked at Whole Foods and thrive but can’t find ones that thick.
Hey Heather,
If you search “Chinese egg noodles” on Amazon, you should get some good options. I hope this helps! xTieghan
May I suggest using dried Italian pappardelle. It’s a great sub and easily available in most grocery stores.
Just finished making! Added a mixture of mushrooms and spinach!!! Amazing!!?
Hey Barb,
Happy Sunday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks bunch for giving it a go! xxTieghan
Top 5 HBH recipes, although we haven’t found one we haven’t loved! So flavorful & filling. Definitely a part of our rotation now.
Hi Johanna,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was a winner! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious and very easy!
Hi Christie,
Happy Sunday! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a winner! xxTieghan
Could I have to try this, although I’m going to use Chinese black vinegar instead of the rice wine vinegar comment and add some Szechuan peppercorns for that numbing effect.
Let me know if you give the recipe a try Tim! xTieghan
So good and flavorful! I couldn’t find wide noodles at my grocery store so I’ve used rice noodles! Next time I wanna use the wide ones!
Hey there! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
This recipe was fantastic! Loads of great flavor. I doubled the recipe for my family and there was not a scrap left!! I will be making this recipe many times!
Hi Dayna! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe! So glad to hear it was enjoyed. xTieghan