A Noodle Dish That Feels Like a Warm Hug

If you love garlic, this is your dream noodle bowl. It’s rich from the butter, spicy from the chili oil and flakes, and finished with a hit of umami from soy sauce and Parmesan. The result is a creamy, glossy sauce that clings to every strand of udon for a big flavor payoff with minimal effort.

Close-up of chili garlic butter noodles lifted with chopsticks, topped with sesame seeds — spicy, buttery Asian noodle dish.

Ingredients for Chili Garlic Butter Noodles

The ingredients are simple, but each one pulls its weight to build flavor. The garlic adds a sharp punch, the butter mellows everything out, and the soy sauce and sugar bring balance. Chili oil brings heat and depth, while the Parmesan adds creaminess and extra umami.

• 1 bundle udon noodles

• 10 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons chili oil

• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ¼ cup reserved noodle water

Optional Garnish: Extra chili flakes, scallions, sesame seeds

How to Make Chili Garlic Butter Noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by cooking the noodles until just shy of al dente, making sure to save some of the starchy water.

Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant, then stir in chili flakes, soy sauce, and chili oil to build the base of the sauce.

Hot chili oil being poured into a sizzling pan of minced garlic and melted butter — base for chili garlic butter noodles.

Toss in the cooked noodles and a splash of noodle water, then stir in Parmesan and sugar until everything is coated and glossy.

Sprinkling parmesan cheese on chili garlic butter noodles to add more umami and deep bold flavors to the noodles. This is a crucial step in creating a delicious garlic butter base

Serve hot with any garnishes you like, or eat it straight from the pan for minimal cleanup.

Bowl of chili garlic butter noodles garnished with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and sliced scallions — quick and easy spicy noodle recipe.

Tips and Variations

You can swap the udon for ramen or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Add a fried egg or some seared tofu on top for extra protein. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the chili flakes and chili oil and rely on garlic butter and soy for the main flavor. This dish is super flexible, so make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ramen or spaghetti instead of udon?

Yes, absolutely. Any noodle with a bit of chew works great here. Just be sure to reserve some cooking water before draining.

Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

Fresh garlic is best for bold flavor, but in a pinch, pre-minced will work. Just use a bit more since jarred garlic tends to be milder.

What’s a good dairy-free substitute for butter and Parmesan?

Use a plant-based butter and swap the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. It won’t be identical but will still give you richness and umami.

Can I make this ahead of time?

These noodles are best fresh, but if needed, you can prep the sauce base in advance and toss with hot noodles when ready to eat.

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