Easy Chilli Garlic Noodles Recipe | Spicy 15-Minute Noodles

If you need a quick dinner that is full of flavor, this Easy Chilli Garlic Noodles Recipe is a must-try. These noodles are spicy, garlicky, slightly savory, and coated in a glossy sauce that comes together in minutes. It is one of the best go-to meals for busy nights because it uses simple ingredients and cooks fast.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Ready in 15 to 20 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Spicy, garlicky, and super flavorful
• Easy to customize with protein or veggies
• Better than takeout and budget-friendly

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2 to 3

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 200 to 250g noodles (egg noodles, ramen noodles, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
• Water for boiling
• 1 tsp oil (optional, to prevent sticking)

For the Chilli Garlic Sauce

• 2 tbsp oil (sesame oil or neutral oil)
• 6 to 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped (yes, use plenty)
• 1 to 2 tbsp red chili flakes (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 1 tbsp vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
• 1 tsp sugar or honey (balances the heat)
• 2 to 3 tbsp noodle water (reserved from boiling)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

Optional Add-ins (Highly Recommended)

• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup carrots (julienne)
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1 cup cooked chicken / shrimp / tofu

Garnish

• Spring onions
• Sesame seeds
• Chili oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles

Boil the noodles according to package instructions until just cooked.

• Do not overcook
• Reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of noodle water before draining

Drain the noodles and toss with a tiny bit of oil if needed so they do not stick.

Step 2: Prep everything before cooking

This recipe cooks fast, so keep everything ready:

• garlic chopped
• sauces measured
• chili flakes ready
• veggies sliced
• protein cooked (if using)

Step 3: Make the sauce mix

In a small bowl, mix:

• soy sauce
• dark soy sauce (if using)
• vinegar
• sugar or honey
• chili garlic sauce (if using)

Set aside.

Step 4: Sauté garlic and chili

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.

Add chopped garlic and cook for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant (do not burn it).

Add red chili flakes and stir quickly for a few seconds.

Important: Keep the heat medium so the garlic turns aromatic, not bitter.

Step 5: Add vegetables (optional)

If using veggies, add them now and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes.

Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.

Step 6: Add sauce and noodles

Pour in the sauce mixture and stir for a few seconds.

Add the cooked noodles and toss well.

Add reserved noodle water little by little to help coat the noodles and create a glossy finish.

If using cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it now and toss until heated through.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Turn off the heat and add:

• spring onions
• sesame oil (optional)
• sesame seeds (optional)

Serve immediately while hot.

Chef Tips for the Best Chilli Garlic Noodles

1) Do not burn the garlic

Burnt garlic will make the noodles bitter. Cook just until fragrant.

2) Use noodle water

A little reserved noodle water helps the sauce coat the noodles better.

3) Adjust spice level

• Mild: use less chili flakes
• Medium: 1 tbsp chili flakes
• Hot: add chili garlic sauce + extra flakes

4) High heat at the end

Tossing on slightly higher heat for the final 30 seconds gives a better stir-fry flavor.

Easy Variations

1) Veg Chilli Garlic Noodles

Add cabbage, capsicum, carrots, mushrooms, and spring onions.

2) Chicken Chilli Garlic Noodles

Add shredded or sliced cooked chicken for a protein-packed meal.

3) Shrimp Chilli Garlic Noodles

Quick-cook shrimp in the pan first, remove, then add back at the end.

4) Tofu Chilli Garlic Noodles

Use pan-fried tofu cubes for a vegetarian version.

5) Street-Style Indo-Chinese Version

Add a little ketchup and green chili sauce for a more Indo-Chinese flavor.

What to Serve With Chilli Garlic Noodles

These noodles are great on their own, but you can also serve them with:

• Chili chicken
• Manchurian (veg or chicken)
• Hot and sour soup
• Fried egg on top
• Stir-fried vegetables

Storage and Reheating

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Toss for 2 to 3 minutes until hot.

Microwave works too, but pan reheating gives better texture.

FAQs

Can I use ramen noodles?

Yes, absolutely. Use the noodles only and discard the seasoning packet.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes. Reduce chili flakes and skip chili garlic sauce.

Which noodles are best?

Egg noodles, ramen, hakka noodles, or even spaghetti work well.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the sauce and chopped garlic/veggies ahead of time. Cook fresh for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chilli Garlic Noodles Recipe is one of the fastest ways to make a satisfying, flavor-packed meal at home. It is spicy, garlicky, and easy to customize, which makes it perfect for weeknight dinners and quick cravings.

Easy Chilli Garlic Noodles Recipe

Make easy chilli garlic noodles in just 15 minutes with garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, and a glossy stir-fry sauce. Quick, spicy, flavorful noodle recipe for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 3

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp Oil
• 6 to 8 Garlic cloves
• 1 to 2 tbsp Red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp Chili garlic sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 1 tbsp Vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp Sugar or honey (balances the heat)
• 2 to 3 tbsp Noodle water (reserved from boiling)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

 

• Step-by-Step Instructions

  Step 1: Cook the noodles

  Boil the noodles according to package instructions until just cooked.

  Do not overcook

  Reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of noodle water before draining

  Drain the noodles and toss with a tiny bit of oil if needed so they do not stick.

  Step 2: Prep everything before cooking

  This recipe cooks fast, so keep everything ready:

  garlic chopped

  sauces measured

  chili flakes ready

  veggies sliced

  protein cooked (if using)

  Step 3: Make the sauce mix

  In a small bowl, mix:

  soy sauce

  dark soy sauce (if using)

  vinegar

  sugar or honey

  chili garlic sauce (if using)

  Set aside.

  Step 4: Sauté garlic and chili

  Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.

  Add chopped garlic and cook for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant (do not burn it).

  Add red chili flakes and stir quickly for a few seconds.

  Important: Keep the heat medium so the garlic turns aromatic, not bitter.

  Step 5: Add vegetables (optional)

  If using veggies, add them now and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes.

  Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.

  Step 6: Add sauce and noodles

  Pour in the sauce mixture and stir for a few seconds.

  Add the cooked noodles and toss well.

  Add reserved noodle water little by little to help coat the noodles and create a glossy finish.

  If using cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it now and toss until heated through.

Keyword Chilli Garlic Noodles, Easy Noodles Recipe, Noodles Recipe