Chili Garlic Udon

$- 250g udon noodles - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 2 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color) - 1 cup snow peas or snap peas - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) When making Chili Garlic Udon, you need a few key ingredients. First, get your udon noodles. These thick noodles hold sauce well and add a nice chew. They cook quickly and fill you up. Next, gather your spices and seasonings. You'll use garlic for flavor and red chilies for heat. Adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice level. Fresh ginger brings a warm taste that pairs well with the other flavors. For vegetables, grab a bell pepper and snow peas. The bell pepper adds sweetness, while the snow peas give a nice crunch. You can use any color of bell pepper. It brightens the dish and makes it look great. Finally, you will need soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. These ingredients create a balanced sauce. The soy sauce gives saltiness, while the vinegar adds tang. Honey or maple syrup provides sweetness, making the dish well-rounded. Having all these ingredients ready helps the cooking process go smoothly. Now, you're set to make a tasty Chili Garlic Udon! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Boiling method: Start by boiling a pot of water. Use enough water to let the noodles move freely. When the water is boiling, add 250g of udon noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir them gently to prevent sticking. 2. Setting aside: Once the noodles are tender, drain them in a colander. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the stir-fry. 1. Heating the oil: Take a large pan or wok and place it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up for a minute. 2. Sautéing garlic, chilies, and ginger: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 finely sliced red chilies, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir them quickly for about 1-2 minutes. You want them to become fragrant but not brown. 1. Stir-frying bell pepper and snow peas: Toss in 1 thinly sliced bell pepper and 1 cup of snow peas into the pan. Stir-fry these veggies for 3-4 minutes. They should be tender but still have a nice crunch. 2. Mixing everything together: Add the drained udon noodles to the pan. Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the noodles are well coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in your Chili Garlic Udon! To cook udon noodles just right, boil water in a large pot. Follow the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Taste them a minute before the time is up. You want them tender but not mushy. Once they are ready, drain them well. To prevent stickiness, rinse the noodles in cold water. This helps separate them and cools them down quickly. You can customize the spice in your Chili Garlic Udon easily. Start with two red chilies. If you want more heat, add more chilies! You can also use sauces like sriracha or chili paste. Just mix a bit into the stir-fry to boost the flavor. Garnishes can really make your dish pop. Try adding fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a zing. You can also sprinkle on sesame seeds for extra crunch. For more seasoning, consider a dash of chili oil or a sprinkle of garlic powder. These small changes can make your meal even better! Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of red chilies or remove the seeds before slicing. This will lower the heat level without sacrificing flavor. Perfect Noodle Texture: To achieve the best texture, make sure not to overcook the udon noodles. They should be slightly chewy, so keep an eye on them as they boil. Enhance Umami Flavor: Consider adding a splash of mushroom sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra depth of flavor and umami. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, or broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Chili Garlic Udon to make it heartier. - Tofu: Use firm tofu for a tasty vegetarian option. Cut it into cubes and fry it until golden. Add it during the vegetable stage for a nice crunch. - Chicken or shrimp: Both chicken and shrimp work great. Cook them before adding the veggies. This gives the dish extra flavor and protein. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have. - Different bell pepper colors: Red, yellow, or green peppers all taste great. Each color adds its own sweetness and texture. - Other seasonal vegetables: Try zucchini, carrots, or broccoli. Use what is fresh and in season for the best taste. You can also change the sauce to suit your taste. - Using different vinegars: Instead of rice vinegar, try apple cider or balsamic vinegar. Each will add a unique twist. - Substituting sweeteners: Honey is great, but you can also use brown sugar or agave syrup. Adjust the amount to match your sweetness preference. To keep your Chili Garlic Udon fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can store it for up to three days. Make sure it cools down first. This will help prevent sogginess. When it's time to heat up your udon, use a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam the noodles. This keeps them from getting dry. Stir often to heat everything evenly. You can also use a microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep the moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes, checking often. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! If you can’t find udon noodles, don’t worry! You can use other noodles. Here are some options: - Soba noodles: These buckwheat noodles have a nice chewy texture. - Rice noodles: Great for gluten-free diets, they cook fast. - Spaghetti: A common choice, it’s easy to find and works well. For different diets, here are some ideas: - Zucchini noodles: Spiralized zucchini is a low-carb option. - Shirataki noodles: Made from konjac yam, they are very low in calories. Yes, Chili Garlic Udon can be vegan! However, always check your ingredients. Here are some tips: - Soy sauce: Most are vegan, but some have fish sauce. Check the label. - Honey: If you want it vegan, use maple syrup instead. For vegetarian options, use: - Tofu: Adds protein and absorbs the sauce well. - Vegetable broth: Instead of water for cooking, it adds flavor. You can easily prepare Chili Garlic Udon ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the noodles: You can cook and store them. Just rinse them in cold water to stop cooking. - Prep the veggies: Chop and store them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. To keep everything fresh: - Use airtight containers: This helps prevent moisture and keeps your meal tasty. - Mix the sauce just before cooking: This keeps flavors vibrant and fresh. We explored a simple way to make Chili Garlic Udon. You learned about key ingredients, like udon noodles, spices, and veggies. I shared step-by-step cooking methods, tips for perfect noodles, and how to adjust spice levels. You can customize your dish with proteins and sauces, making it your own. Remember to store your leftovers properly and reheat them well. Enjoy your delicious meal, and don't hesitate to experiment with new flavors. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in!$

A spicy and flavorful stir-fried udon noodle dish with garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

250 g udon noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 red chilies finely sliced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 bell pepper thinly sliced
1 cup snow peas or snap peas
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 green onions chopped
to taste sesame seeds

Instructions

Boil a pot of water and cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Toss in the bell pepper and snow peas. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Add the drained udon noodles to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles are coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat.
Serve the Chili Garlic Udon hot, topped with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.

Keyword spicy, stir-fry, udon, vegetarian