Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal, these chili crisp noodles are an excellent choice. Combining a rich, savory sauce with the crunch of chili oil, ginger, and garlic, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious bowl of comfort food ready in no time.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon cooking or kosher salt
2 heaped tablespoons chili crisp (including oil and chili bits)
1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1 green onion stem, finely sliced (or 1/4 red onion, finely sliced)
1/3 cup roughly chopped coriander/cilantro
140g (5 oz) instant noodles or ramen noodles, or 250g (8 oz) fresh noodles like hokkien or lo mein
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
Yield
Serves 2
Enjoy this flavorful dish as a satisfying main course or a tasty side. The combination of fresh herbs, accents of heat from the chili crisp, and the comforting texture of noodles create a delightful meal that is sure to impress!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Base Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the sesame paste, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, white sugar, toasted sesame oil, and salt until smooth.
Add Green Onions
Place the sliced green onions on top of the sauce mixture without stirring them in.
Sizzle the Chili Crisp
In a small pan over medium heat, warm the chili crisp. Add the minced ginger and garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until they turn golden and release their aroma.
Combine with Green Onions
Pour the sizzling chili crisp mixture over the green onions in the bowl. Enjoy the sizzle, then mix everything together.
Cook the Noodles
Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, transfer them directly from the saucepan into the bowl with the sauce. The residual water on the noodles will help loosen the sauce. Toss the noodles to coat them evenly. If needed, add a bit more cooking water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Add Coriander
Stir in the chopped coriander/cilantro.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or chili crisp to suit your preference.
Serve
Enjoy your chili crisp noodles immediately.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have Chinese sesame paste, tahini can be used as a substitute, although it may alter the flavor slightly.
Noodle Options
Feel free to use any type of noodles, such as udon or soba, depending on your preference.
Storage
The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Customization
You can customize your noodles by adding vegetables like spinach, bok choy, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Base Sauce
In a bowl, combine Chinese sesame paste, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, white sugar, toasted sesame oil, and salt. Mix until smooth to create a flavorful base sauce.
Integrating Aromatics
Add sliced green onions on top of the sauce without stirring them in to preserve their fresh flavor.
Sizzling the Chili Crisp
Heat chili crisp in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in finely minced ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds until golden brown and aromatic, infusing the oil with flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Pour the sizzling chili crisp mixture over the green onions and enjoy the sizzle. Mix everything together to unite the flavors.
Cooking the Noodles
Prepare noodles according to package instructions. Transfer cooked noodles directly from the saucepan into the bowl with the sauce, allowing residual water to help loosen the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adjusting the consistency if needed.
Adding Fresh Herbs
Stir in roughly chopped coriander/cilantro for an added layer of freshness and flavor.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the assembled dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or chili crisp to reach the desired flavor profile.
Serving the Dish
Serve the chili crisp noodles immediately for the best taste and texture.
FAQ
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute with any type of noodles you prefer, including gluten-free options.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To make it less spicy, reduce the amount of chili crisp used. To increase the heat, add more chili crisp or additional chili flakes.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the base sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just combine with the noodles and other ingredients when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for coriander/cilantro?
If you don’t like coriander, you can use parsley or omit it altogether.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
The entire process takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on noodle preparation time.
Conclusion
This recipe for chili crisp noodles highlights the dynamic flavors of sesame, garlic, and ginger, offering a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes it a convenient and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it as a main course or a hearty side, and savor each bite of this delicious and aromatic dish.
More recipe suggestions and combinations
Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles
Incorporate colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a nutritious addition. Toss them in with the noodles to enhance texture and flavor.
Protein Boost
Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the noodle dish for added protein. Marinate the protein in some of the sauce before cooking for extra flavor.
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Substitute Chinese sesame paste with peanut butter to create a rich and creamy sauce. Add crushed peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Coconut Curry Noodles
Mix in a splash of coconut milk and curry powder with the sauce to transport your noodles to a flavor-packed tropical experience.
Cold Sesame Noodles
Chill the noodles after cooking, then toss them with the sauce and serve them as a refreshing cold dish perfect for warm days.
Herb Variations
Experiment by adding other fresh herbs such as basil or mint for unique flavor profiles that complement the noodles beautifully.
Seasonal Veggies
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini in summer or root vegetables in winter to keep the dish fresh and in tune with the seasons.
