If your taste buds have been feeling a little… uninspired lately, these Garlic Chilli Noodles are about to shake things up in the best way possible. Think bold garlic flavor, a kick of chilli heat, and slurp-worthy noodles that practically hug the sauce. Oh, and the best part? You can have them on the table faster than it takes to order takeout.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, trying to impress someone with your “I totally cook” skills, or just need a weeknight pick-me-up, this recipe is the quick, fiery comfort food you didn’t know you were missing.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Chilli Noodles
- Fast & Flavorful – Dinner in 20 minutes? Yes, please.
- Minimal Ingredients – Most of these are pantry staples.
- Customizable Heat – From mild tingle to “someone call the fire department,” you decide.
- Veggie-Friendly – Perfect as is, or add in your favorite stir-fried vegetables or protein.
These noodles have become my personal weeknight savior. They’re the kind of dish I can throw together while half-listening to a podcast, sipping tea, and shooing my cat away from the counter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Noodles:
- 11 oz dried ribbon noodles (300g)
For the Sauce:
- 1½ tbsp cooking oil (grapeseed or similar)
- ½ cup scallions (white part), thinly sliced
- 1½ tbsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tbsp Korean chilli powder/flakes (Gochugaru)
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup scallions (green part), thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Extra chilli flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Chilli Noodles
- Infuse the Oil
Heat a small frying pan over very low heat. Add cooking oil, the white part of the scallions, and minced garlic. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The goal? A fragrant, golden garlic base—not burnt bits of sadness. - Build the Sauce
Add vegetable broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and Korean chilli flakes. Increase heat to medium-low and let it all mingle for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your kitchen will smell like pure magic. - Cook the Noodles
In a separate pot, boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly—nobody likes watery noodles. - Toss & Garnish
Combine the drained noodles with the garlic chilli sauce, tossing until every ribbon is coated in spicy, garlicky goodness. Garnish with green scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and extra chilli flakes if you’re feeling brave. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Garlic Chilli Noodles
- Control the Spice – If you’re spice-shy, start with half the chilli flakes, then taste and adjust.
- Noodle Swap – Can’t find ribbon noodles? Use spaghetti, udon, or even instant ramen.
- Add Protein – Shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp turn this into a heartier meal.
- Extra Crunch – Toss in some stir-fried bok choy, bean sprouts, or bell peppers for texture.
I once made these with a leftover rotisserie chicken, and my family thought I’d spent hours in the kitchen. I didn’t correct them.

FAQs About Garlic Chilli Noodles
Can I make these Garlic Chilli Noodles ahead of time?
They’re best eaten fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just reheat before tossing with cooked noodles.
What if I don’t have Chinese black vinegar?
You can sub with rice vinegar plus a pinch of sugar for a similar tangy depth.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
A Bowl of Comfort with a Kick
These Garlic Chilli Noodles aren’t just dinner—they’re a flavor-packed escape from boring weeknights. The garlic hits first, the chilli follows with a gentle (or fierce) nudge, and before you know it, you’re twirling your fork for another bite.
So next time life feels a little too… beige, make these noodles. They’ll bring the color—and the heat—right back to your table.
More Flavorful Recipes to Try Next
If these Garlic Chilli Noodles left you craving more bold and satisfying dishes, you’ll love exploring these mouthwatering ideas from the Chicken Magic Recipes kitchen. Each one pairs beautifully with the same weeknight-friendly cooking style you just enjoyed:
- Balance spice and comfort with a quick stir-fry like Chicken Chow Mein—perfect for busy evenings when you still want big, bold flavor.
- Add a touch of sweetness to your heat with Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts—a sheet-pan winner that’s both easy and vibrant.
- Keep the noodle love going with a saucy, umami-packed Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen—comfort in a bowl.
- For a fun twist on fusion flavors, try Spicy Korean Chicken—juicy, tender, and perfect with steamed rice or fresh lettuce wraps.

Garlic Chilli Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Garlic Chilli Noodles are bold, garlicky, and perfectly spicy. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re the ultimate quick comfort food for weeknights.
Ingredients
Noodles:
11 oz dried ribbon noodles (300g)
For the Sauce:
1½ tbsp cooking oil (e.g., grapeseed oil)
½ cup scallions (white part), thinly sliced
1½ tbsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
1 tbsp Korean chilli powder/flakes (Gochugaru)
Garnish:
¼ cup scallions (green part), thinly sliced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Extra chilli flakes (optional)
Instructions
Heat a small frying pan over very low heat. Add cooking oil, scallions (white part), and minced garlic. Sauté gently for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add vegetable broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, and Korean chilli flakes. Increase heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook noodles in a pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain thoroughly.
Toss the drained noodles with the garlic chilli sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with green scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and extra chilli flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Adjust chilli flakes to your heat preference.
Swap ribbon noodles with spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles if desired.
Add protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg