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- 200g udon noodles - 2 tablespoons spicy chili crisp - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup baby spinach - 2 scallions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional) The main ingredients for Spicy Chili Crisp Udon Noodles include udon noodles, spicy chili crisp, and soy sauce. Udon noodles are thick, chewy, and perfect for soaking up flavors. The spicy chili crisp adds a kick. Soy sauce brings a salty depth that balances the heat. For aromatics and vegetables, we use garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and baby spinach. Garlic and ginger give a fragrant base. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color, while baby spinach offers freshness and nutrition. Finally, the garnishes of scallions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro elevate the dish. Scallions add a mild onion taste. Sesame seeds provide crunch. Cilantro gives a fresh finish, but it’s optional for those who may not enjoy it. Use these ingredients to create a delightful dinner that excites your taste buds! - Boiling and Draining Start by filling a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 200g of udon noodles. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes or until they are tender. When done, drain the noodles in a colander. - Rinsing to Halt Cooking Rinse the drained noodles under cold water. This stops them from cooking further and helps prevent sticking. Set the noodles aside to drain fully. - Whisking Sauce Ingredients In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of spicy chili crisp, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Use a whisk to mix until smooth and well combined. - Adjusting Spice Level Taste the sauce. If you want more heat, add extra chili crisp. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! - Cooking Garlic and Ginger Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The garlic and ginger should be fragrant and golden. - Adding Bell Pepper and Spinach Toss in 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add 1 cup of baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about a minute. - Tossing Ingredients Together Add the drained udon noodles to the pan with the veggies. Pour the sauce over the noodles. Use tongs to gently toss everything until the noodles are coated. - Heating Thoroughly Continue to heat the mixture for 2-3 minutes. This ensures the noodles are hot and the flavors meld together. - Presentation Tips Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the noodles in individual bowls. Top with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and optional fresh cilantro. This adds color and freshness. - Suggested Serving Ware Use deep, wide bowls for a great presentation. Drizzle a little extra chili crisp on top for flair. Serve with chopsticks and lime wedges for a zesty touch! - To stop noodles from sticking, rinse them after draining. - Stir noodles often while boiling to keep them separated. - For perfect texture, follow the package cooking time closely. - If you prefer softer noodles, cook a minute longer. - Add soy sauce or hoisin for more depth. - Mix in chili oil for extra heat. - Include proteins like chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a hearty meal. - For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or edamame. - Pair with steamed dumplings or a fresh salad. - Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for crunch. - Enjoy with a light beer or green tea for balance. - A cold sparkling water enhances the spicy notes. {{image_4}} Gluten-Free Alternatives If you want a gluten-free meal, use rice noodles instead of udon noodles. They cook fast and soak up sauce well. You can also try gluten-free soy sauce. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free. Vegan Options To make this dish vegan, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can replace the spicy chili crisp with a vegan version or make your own at home. Just blend oil, garlic, and your favorite spices for heat. Spicy vs. Mild You can change the spice level to match your taste. For a mild dish, use less chili crisp. Add a splash of lime juice for freshness without too much heat. If you like it hot, feel free to add more chili crisp or even some chili flakes. Cold Udon Noodle Salad Try this recipe as a cold noodle salad. After cooking the udon, cool it completely. Toss the noodles with the sauce and vegetables, then chill in the fridge. It’s perfect for hot days and adds a refreshing twist. Japanese Style vs. Fusion Stick to a classic Japanese style by keeping the ingredients simple. Use only udon, soy sauce, and a few veggies. For a fusion approach, add ingredients like avocado or even mango for a sweet touch. Adding Unique Ingredients Feel free to mix in other veggies like carrots, or snap peas. You can also add proteins like tofu or shrimp. These additions make the dish richer and more filling. Experiment to find your favorite combination! - Refrigeration Tips: Let the noodles cool down. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. - Freezing Instructions: Place the noodles in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. They can last in the freezer for about a month. - Methods for Best Texture: Use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the noodles to keep moisture. Stir every minute. For stovetop, add a splash of water and heat gently. - Avoiding Sogginess: Don’t overcook when reheating. Heat just until warm to keep the noodles firm. - How Long It Lasts in Fridge: Properly stored, the noodles can last three days in the fridge. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for any off smell or slimy texture. If you see mold, discard them immediately. Spicy chili crisp is a spicy oil-based condiment. It has crunchy bits of garlic, onion, and spices. Some popular brands are Lao Gan Ma and Fly By Jing. You can find it in many grocery stores or Asian markets. Look in the Asian food aisle or online for the best options. Yes, you can easily make spicy chili crisp at home! Here’s a simple recipe: - Essential Ingredients Required: - 1 cup vegetable oil - 1/4 cup dried chili flakes - 1/4 cup chopped garlic - 2 tablespoons chopped onion - Salt to taste 1. Heat the oil in a pan until warm. 2. Add garlic and onion; cook until golden. 3. Stir in chili flakes and salt. 4. Let it cool and store in a jar. To make udon noodles vegan, check the package for egg. Many brands offer egg-free options. If you find egg, choose a brand that uses only wheat and water. Adjust the recipe by omitting any meat or animal products. Udon noodles are made from wheat flour. They are low in fat and provide energy. Here’s some nutritional info: - Nutritional Info: - 200g serving has about 200 calories - Good source of carbs for energy - Low in fat Dietary considerations include gluten, so those with gluten allergies should avoid them. Udon noodles can fit well in a balanced diet when paired with veggies and proteins. You’ve learned how to make a tasty udon noodle dish. We explored the key ingredients, from udon noodles to spicy chili crisp. I shared simple steps for cooking and tips for flavor. Variations let you adjust to your taste, whether vegan or spicy. Remember, leftovers are easy to store and reheat. Enjoy this dish any day, and share it with friends. Cooking can bring joy and great meals to your table. Now, grab your ingredients and get started!

Spicy Chili Crisp Udon Noodles

Savor the bold flavors of Spicy Chili Crisp Udon Noodles with this easy recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delightful dish combining thick udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and a spicy chili kick. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty lunch. Don’t miss out on a chance to spice up your meals—click through to discover how to master this mouthwatering recipe and impress your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

200g udon noodles

2 tablespoons spicy chili crisp (e.g., Lao Gan Ma or homemade)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup baby spinach

2 scallions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Optional: fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Udon Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the udon noodles and cook as per the package instructions, typically for 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the noodles aside in a colander to drain completely.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the spicy chili crisp, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Adjust the spice level by adding extra chili crisp if desired for a bolder flavor. Set aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously, until the mixture is fragrant and golden.

        Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced red bell pepper into the pan, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until it just begins to soften. Next, toss in the baby spinach and stir until it wilts, which should take about another minute.

          Combine Noodles and Sauce: Gently add the drained udon noodles into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and carefully toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the noodles in individual bowls, garnishing with the chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and optional fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and color.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2

                - Presentation Tips: To showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables, serve the noodles in deep, wide bowls. Drizzle a little extra chili crisp on top for a visually appealing touch. Pair with chopsticks and a small side plate of lime wedges to provide guests with an opportunity to add a zesty kick!