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Sharing an easy, weeknight, takeout-at-home-style dinner, Crispy Sesame Garlic Chili Oil Noodles. Homemade spicy chili oil with crispy garlic, shallots, and sesame seeds all tossed with quick-cooking rice noodles and fresh herbs. These noodles are saucy, just a little spicy, and the recipe comes together in no time at all (about 25-minutes). Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re looking for something with a little more flavor, but still quick, and delicious.
Would you believe me if I told you I’ve been working on these noodles for over a month? It’s the simplest recipe, that in theory I would have thought to be really easy to create. However, these took me some time! Fortunately, in the end, they were worth it. These noodles are easy and soo delicious, and oddly, they’re also gluten-free…oh, and vegan too! So this is a dish fit for just about everyone.
I’ve really wanted to make a saucy chili noodle dish for the longest time. I just never had the right size rice noodle and I let that hold me back. I was hoping to use a wider noodle. But living where we live in the mountains, I just couldn’t find what I wanted. Finally, I gave in and decided to just move forward with the noodles I have access too.
So these noodles are smaller than what’s traditionally used, but honestly? They ended up working perfectly! The thing that took me the longest to perfect was the chili oil. Well that and the photos.
I really wanted the oil to be flavorful and not just spicy. At first, I made the noodles way too hot (just ask my family!). Then, I wasn’t sure what was missing flavor-wise, but once I added a few spices and herbs, I finally found the right mix.
The photos took some time too, but finally, finally, I am excited to share!
We love these noodles and they’re really great for busy nights. Creighton kind of inspired them, but I left the meat out, because we think they’re better meatless…more fresh and flavorful.
The process is simple
I always start first with the chili oil, which if needed, you could easily make in advance, then just add the noodles before dinner.
Simmer everything together in sesame oil until the oil is super fragrant and the garlic and shallots start to get golden and crispy. The crispiness is key, but watch closely you don’t want the garlic to go from golden and crispy to just burnt.
Add the sesame seeds and ginger at the end. Then plenty of chili flakes and some spices. Well, at least that’s what I do. Add them to your liking, being sure to make the heat level one that’s good for you and your family!
For the noodles, you can really use any noodle you have, but I do like the thinner rice noodles. They hold up really well to the chili oil.
I boil the noodles with a couple of bell peppers, because I love sneaking in some veggies. Broccoli would be really great here too!
Toss the noodles with the oil, you can use it all (I usually do) or to your taste. Again, adjust to your family’s needs! Finish with herbs and we’re done! Loving these quick weeknight dinners during this busy time before the new cookbook launches!
The final verdict? The family loved these. Creighton added ground beef…but that’s to be expected. And I finally got the spiciness right.
Woohooo!
Looking for other quick recipes? Here are my favorites:
20 Minute Stir Fried Ginger Sesame Noodles
Honey Garlic Salmon Soba Noodle Bowls
Black Pepper Turmeric Cauliflower and Garlic Noodles
Szechuan Noodles with Sesame Chili Oil
Lastly, if you make these, 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 tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Crispy Sesame Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 428 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sesame or peanut oil
- 1 small head garlic, finely chopped
- 2 smaller shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 1-3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru) (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai or regular basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions
Instructions
- 1. In a medium skillet, combine the sesame oil, garlic, shallots, and bay leaf. Cook over medium heat until the garlic turns golden and is crisping, about 5-8 minutes. Stir in the sesame seeds and ginger, cook 1 minute. 2. Pour the oil into a large bowl. Add the chili flakes, paprika, cayenne, and season with salt. I use all of the oil for the noodles, but if desired, reserve half of the oil for serving. 3. Cook the noodles according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes, add the bell peppers to the water. Save 1/4 cup water, then drain. Toss the hot noodles, tamari/soy sauce, and all of the herbs with the chili oil, add water to thin to reach desired consistency. 4. Serve the noodles with additional chili oil and green onions.
Another yummy dish!! This was such a hit with the family. I grilled up teriyaki chicken and threw it on top of the noodles since I wanted some protein. Definitely will be making it again. Thanks so much!!
Hey Lorelei,
Happy Wednesday!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed!! xT
So good! So much flavor! I sautéed the peppers instead of boiling. I strongly recommend decreasing the crushed red pepper. My husband and I both love heat, but this was almost too much for me. My husband compared it to “thai level hot” in restaurants..and that was with only using 1.5Tbs crushed red pepper. Next time, I’ll use only 1 tsp crushed red pepper and keep the 1 Tbps of Korean flakes. Will be making again! Thank you!!
Hey Sarah,
Wonderful!! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for giving it a go:) Sorry to hear about the spice! xTieghan
Confused..the shallots hardly cooked down at all and my ‘oil’ does not look like oil.
Hi Shelby,
Thanks for giving the recipe a try. Sorry, I am not sure what you mean by the oil does not look like oil? The shallots are supposed to be thinly sliced so cooking for 5-8 minutes should do the trick:) Let me know how I can help! xTieghan
YUM! Another hit!
Hey Cyn,
Wonderful!! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for giving it a go:) xTieghan
Really enjoyed making this! I love how quick and easy this was. Overall a great alternative to takeout. Such a beautiful dish full of fresh ingredients!
I thought I was cutting down on spice by only using 1/3 of the recommended chili flake amount, but unfortunately was still too spicy for us. Would definitely make this again but will likely cut back even more of the flakes until we build up our spice tolerance haha.
Excited to try more of your recipes!
Hi Jackie,
Awesome!! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Sorry about the spice. Have a great week:) xx
This looks really good! My husband definitely loves to have a meat with his dish. I usually throw chicken into some of your veggie dishes. What meat would you recommend for this one? I am excited to try this!
Hey Brittany,
I would do ground chicken, I think that would work well for you! I hope you enjoy the recipe, let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
I don’t know what I did wrong but this did not taste good. No one in my family was able to finish it.
Hi Anna,
So sorry to hear this. Was there anything you adjusted in the recipe? A little more info would be helpful. Please let me know how I can help for next time! xTieghan
Is it bad that I just used this recipe for the homemade chili oil? Lol
I do plan on making the recipe as directed, but I really wanted the chili oil!! 🙂
Lol glad you enjoyed the chili oil Tamera!!
Wow, The Crispy Seaame Garlic Chili Oil Rice Noodle dish is My New Favorite Thing for Dinner, We added Brocolli and cooked Shrimp and it was a thrill in every bite. I look forward to experimenting with different add ons.
THANKS SO MUCH – Wayfarer doug in New Mexico
Hey Douglas,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have the best weekend:) xT
Amazing! I didn’t have the full amount of oil I only had 1/4 cup but the flavor is still there and not as much fat. Added broccoli and steak!
Hi Nicole,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have the best weekend:) xT
I made this last night with my husband, and it was amazing! We had to cut back on the chili flakes (for me, haha), and only needed about half of the oil, but now we have extra oil for the next time we make it! This will definitely be made on the regular. We added leftover ground Turkey meat, and I can’t wait to try other proteins on top for next time!
Hey Jenna,
Happy Friday!! Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
The flavor was great but next time, a little less oil. My noodles were gummy and following the package directions didn’t work out so great. It said to boil for 5 min, but they were stuck together and still undercooked. I left them in, but the texture wasn’t right. Shrimp on top would be fabulous.
Hi Sara,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it!! Sorry to hear about your noodles. Have the best day:) xx
Such a great recipe. I cut WAY back on the pepper flakes to control the heat; the flavor of it was fantastic. Will plan to add sautéed shrimp on top next time!
Hey Whitney,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it!! Have the best day:) xx
I just made these for lunch and WOW! I omitted the cilantro and added broccoli (steamed from a bag) and some chicken. I’m never ordering noodles for delivery again! Quick, easy and sooo much better!
Hey Lou,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it!! Have the best day:) xx
I made these last night and they were delicious! Can’t wait for leftovers tonight. I made Asian pork meatballs on the side because my husband likes meat and they went well with it. I love the freshness and all the flavors to this recipe. I’m glad my sister told me about you because your recipes look amazing. I’m also looking forward to making your white bean lemon orzo soup and iced lemon loaf this week. Thank you Tieghan!
Hey Liz,
Wonderful!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! xT