Chili Garlic Butter Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
Noodles
Optional Garnishes
- Chili flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions
Instructions
- Finely mince a bunch of garlic and set to the side.
- Boil your noodles one minute before al dente and reserve some of the noodle water before draining.
- Lube up your pan and melt a small knob of butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add in your garlic and chili flakes and cook for about a minute before adding soy sauce, sugar, and chili oil. Stir until slightly thickened.
- Add in your noodles and a splash of noodle water, tossing until the sauce clings to the noodles.
- Serve in a bowl, and optionally garnish with more chili flakes, sesame seeds, and scallions.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What Makes These Chili Garlic Butter Noodles So Good
My favorite local restaurant sells these Chili Garlic Butter Noodles that I could literally eat everyday if it wasn’t so cold in New York! After many renditions and recipe tests, I have finally made a version of their Chili Garlic Butter Noodles that is close. It’s filled with toasty garlic flavor, has a little bit of richness from the butter, and is beautifully balanced with the heat from the chili oil. This small bowl packs a ton of flavor, and I guarantee it’ll be that fast, comforting meal that you always turn to after a long day.
The Dish That Uses All The Pantry Staples
I don’t know about you, but whenever I ask myself what’s for dinner and am indecisive, I literally will spend an hour thinking about what to make and end up super hangry! Luckily with these Chili Garlic Butter Noodles, they use pantry staples and take about 15 minutes to make! I always have garlic, butter, soy sauce, and chili oil lying around the pantry, and even if you don’t, this recipe is super forgiving and can be substituted with sriracha instead of chili oil or oil instead of butter. Whatever substitution you make, it’ll still taste amazing!
What You’ll Need To Make Chili Garlic Butter Noodles
Noodles
- 6 oz noodles of your choice (ramen, udon, even spaghetti works)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½–1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp chili oil (I usually use Lao Gan Ma)
Optional Garnish
- Extra chili flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced scallions
How to Make Chili Garlic Butter Noodles
Mince your garlic and set it aside. Cook your noodles until one minute before al dente. Reserve some noodle water before draining.
In a pan, melt your butter over medium heat.Add in the garlic and chili flakes. Stir constantly for about 30–60 seconds.
Pour in the soy sauce, sugar, and chili oil. Let it bubble for a few seconds until slightly thickened.
Toss in the noodles and a splash of noodle water. Stir well until the sauce clings to every strand.
Serve immediately. Optionally garnish with more chili flakes, scallions, or sesame seeds
Tips & Variations
If you’ve ever had any kind of butter noodles, you’ll know that real butter will give you that richness, but if you don’t have butter, margarine or oil will also work!
This dish works with any kind of noodles such as spaghetti noodles, instant ramen, or even pasta!
If you want to add some protein, I love to serve this dish with fried eggs on top or shredded chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use garlic paste or jarred garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic makes the difference. If you’re using pre-minced garlic, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
What kind of chili oil is best?
Anything works, but I’m a big fan of Lao Gan Ma or homemade chili crisp if you’ve got it.
Can I skip the butter?
You can use a neutral oil instead, but the butter helps mellow the heat and adds that glossy mouthfeel. Even half butter, half oil works great.
Do I have to rinse the noodles?
Only if they’re super starchy and clumpy. A quick rinse can help keep them separate before tossing them into the sauce.
If You Liked This…
You’ll probably love these other spicy dishes:
• That super spicy kick in my Korean Army Stew!
• The sweet heat of my Spicy Korean Fried Chicken.
• Or for another noodle dish, try my Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles!
