When I’m cooking for one and craving bold flavor without much effort, these Chili Garlic Udon Noodles are my go-to! They’re rich, savory, spicy, and come together in under 10 minutes. This is the perfect dish when you want something satisfying, but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
The best part? You can easily make it vegan by skipping the fried egg and even customize it with your favorite toppings or protein. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, these noodles hit the spot every time.
🌶️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy – Ready in 10 minutes from start to finish!
- One serving – Perfect when you’re cooking just for yourself.
- Packed with flavor – Thanks to garlic, ginger, chili oil, and soy sauce.
- Vegan-friendly – Just skip the egg for a plant-based version.
- Customizable – Add tofu, mushrooms, bok choy, or whatever you have on hand.
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for one perfect bowl of spicy chili garlic noodles:
- 300g udon noodles (fresh or semi-dried preferred; thaw frozen or cook dried if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 thumb of ginger, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chili oil (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for more heat)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark rice vinegar
- 1 tsp pure sesame oil
- 4 tbsp granola or peanut oil (for pouring hot over the aromatics)
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp green onion, sliced
- 1 egg (optional for topping)
- Pinch of salt
🍜 How to Make Chili Garlic Udon Noodles
Step 1: Prep the Aromatic Sauce
In a medium heatproof bowl, add your minced garlic, ginger, chili oil, chili flakes (if using), salt, and white sesame seeds.
In a small saucepan, heat the granola or peanut oil over high heat until it begins to smoke. Carefully pour the hot oil over the aromatics in your bowl. It’ll sizzle—this step brings out all the flavor!
Step 2: Season the Sauce
Add soy sauce, dark rice vinegar, and pure sesame oil. Mix it all together well.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Boil the udon noodles until soft but still chewy. Drain and immediately toss the hot noodles into your bowl with the sauce. Mix well to coat every strand.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with a fried egg (if using), sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. You can also swap the egg for tofu or keep it plain for a vegan version.
Enjoy immediately while hot and slurp-worthy!
🔥 What Makes Udon Special?
Udon noodles are thick, chewy Japanese noodles made from wheat flour and salt. They’re egg-free, making them naturally vegan. Their soft, squishy texture holds onto sauces really well, which makes them perfect for dishes like this one.
💡 Tips for the Best Spicy Garlic Noodles
- Get good chili oil! A high-quality or homemade chili oil adds umami and depth, not just heat.
- Balance the spice with a touch of sugar or extra sesame oil if it’s too hot.
- Customize it – Add tofu, spinach, mushrooms, or any quick-cooking veggie.
- No udon? Try it with ramen, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch!
❓ FAQs
How can I reduce the spice level?
Skip the chili flakes and use less chili oil. You can also add a pinch of sugar to mellow out the heat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and swap in gluten-free noodles.
Is this dish vegan?
It is when you skip the egg! All other ingredients are plant-based.
Can I make it ahead?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a pan with a splash of water or extra sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Chili Garlic Udon Noodles are everything you want in a quick meal—bold flavor, cozy texture, and total satisfaction in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for one or need a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe is a must-try.