If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, a bit of heat, and an incredibly satisfying texture, these Garlic Chili Noodles are just what you need. This easy-to-make recipe brings together the perfect combination of aromatic garlic, savory dark soy sauce, spicy gochugaru, and chewy knife pare noodles.
Page Contents
Not only is this dish simple to prepare, but it also provides a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this irresistible dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these key ingredients:
- 100g extra firm tofu
- 4-5 pieces garlic, finely chopped
- Small piece ginger, finely chopped
- 3 sticks green onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 tsp dark soy sauce
- 150g knife pare noodles
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 tbsp plant-based oyster sauce
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Tofu and Aromatics
Start by patting the extra firm tofu dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the tofu to crisp up better. Once dry, use a fork to mash it into a crumble and set it aside.
Finely chop the garlic, ginger, and green onions—these will add an explosion of flavor to the dish.
2. Cook the Tofu
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the crumbled tofu and sauté for about 3-4 minutes.
Next, pour in 2 tsp of dark soy sauce, stir, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the tofu is caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Noodles
While the tofu is cooking, bring a pot of water to boil for the noodles. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the knife pare noodles and cook them for 1 minute less than the package instructions (around 3 minutes in this case). Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Infuse the Oil with Flavor
Using the same nonstick pan, return it to medium-low heat and add 2 tbsp of avocado oil. Once the oil is heated, toss in the chopped garlic and ginger. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow their aromatic flavors to infuse into the oil.
5. Add Heat and Umami
Stir in 1 tbsp gochugaru and let it cook for about 1 minute to release its smoky and slightly spicy flavor. Follow this by adding 1 tbsp of plant-based oyster sauce, which will provide deep umami richness to the dish.
6. Combine the Ingredients
Strain the noodles and add them directly into the pan with the flavorful oil and chili mixture. Pour in 1 tsp of dark soy sauce, return the cooked tofu to the pan, and turn the heat up to medium. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Finally, add the chopped green onions and sauté for another minute before removing from heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the noodles to a plate and serve immediately. The combination of garlic, chili, umami-rich sauce, and chewy noodles makes for an incredibly comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal.
What Makes This Dish Special?
- Aromatic & Flavorful: The garlic, ginger, and green onions create a bold and fragrant base for the dish.
- Chewy & Satisfying Texture: Knife pare noodles provide the perfect bite, making every mouthful enjoyable.
- Balanced Heat: Gochugaru adds a subtle smokiness and gentle spice without being overpowering.
- Plant-Based & Healthy: Made with tofu instead of meat, this dish is protein-packed and suitable for plant-based diets.
- Quick & Easy: The entire cooking process takes about 15 minutes, making it a great go-to meal for busy days.
Final Thoughts—A Noodle Lover’s Dream
If you love savory, slightly spicy, and umami-packed noodles, this Garlic Chili Noodles recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The deep caramelized flavors from the dark soy sauce, the richness of the plant-based oyster sauce, and the perfect chew of the noodles make this dish absolutely irresistible.
Give it a try and experience the delicious combination of textures and flavors for yourself!
What Do You Think?
Have you tried making these Garlic Chili Noodles? What’s your favorite way to add a little spice to your meals? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s talk about all things noodles!