| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 510 | 17.5g | 1.5g | 79g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 3g | 10g | 2.3g |
Why I Love Thai Spicy Garlic Noodles
For a cross-cultural food enthusiast such as myself, discovering new flavors and textures from around the world is an adventure. From the seafood prepared in the Seattle locale to traditional sushi rolls crafted from my Japanese heritage, my love for cooking goes far beyond my upbringing. My all-time favorite recipe to prepare when I’m not making sushi or seafood dishes is a tasty Thai dish known as Spicy Garlic Noodles.
Harmonious Fusion in Every Bite
Inspired by a dish I learned from chef Prerna Singh, Spicy Garlic Noodles represents a beautiful fusion of unique Thai flavors; fresh herbs, vibrant spices, and the ubiquitous garlic. While it’s a departure from my usual sushi and seafood dishes, I love how it takes my taste buds on a journey to Thailand, without me having to leave the comfort of my kitchen.
The Flavor Profile
What fascinates me about this Thai recipe is its ability to harmonize bold and contrasting flavors. You experience the pungent garlic, the kick from the Thai red chillies, the sweetness from the Asian sweet soy sauce, and the balance brought by the oyster sauce and fish sauce. Not forgetting the tang from the lime. All these ingredients are beautifully brought together with extra fresh basil and optional crushed peanuts sprinkled on top, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.
A Perfect Pairing
If you’re looking to make a complete Thai dining experience at your home, the Spicy Garlic Noodles may be paired with dishes like the Thai Chicken Satay or the Tom Yum Soup. The noodles’ spicy and sweet profiles balance out the usually rich and creamy flavor of these foods, making for a satisfying Thai Feast.
Whether you are a fan of Thai food or simply looking to try something new, the Spicy Garlic Noodles are a dish that is sure to spice up your cooking routine. It brings together fascinating flavors in a unique and delightful way, making it an absolute joy to prepare and devour.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb wide rice noodles
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai red chillies, minced (or more for extra spiciness)
- 1/2 cup Asian sweet soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves
- 2 large limes, cut into wedges
- Optional for serving: bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, additional chopped fresh basil
Method
Step One
First, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. Meanwhile, get a large pan and preheat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Step Two
Add the minced garlic and Thai red chillies into the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the garlic becomes lightly golden and the chillies have softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
Step Three
Next, add the Asian sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar into the pan. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves and the sauces completely combine to form a thick, fragrant sauce.
Step Four
Now, add in the cooked and drained rice noodles into the pan. Toss well until every strand of noodle is well-coated with the sauce. Let the noodles cook for another few minutes until they have absorbed some of the sauce.
Step Five
Then, add in the chopped green onions and torn fresh basil leaves. Toss well so the onions and basil are evenly distributed amongst the noodles. Cook for another 2 minutes just until the greens wilt slightly.
Step Six
Remove from heat. Serve the noodles hot and garnish with fresh lime wedges. Squeezing a bit of lime juice over the noodles will add a great tangy flavor that complements the spiciness of the chillies.
Step Seven
If you’d like, you can also garnish the noodles with bean sprouts for some extra crunch, crushed peanuts for some added texture, and additional chopped fresh basil for a stronger herbal flavor. Enjoy your Spicy Garlic Noodles!
