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- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite noodles - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - ¼ cup green onions, sliced - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) The base of this dish is the noodles. Spaghetti works great, but any noodle you love can shine here. The butter brings a rich flavor, and garlic adds a nice kick. Red chili peppers give it the heat, so adjust them to match your spice level. You can easily change ingredient amounts to serve more or fewer people. For two servings, stick to the recipe. If you want to make it for four, just double everything. If you need substitutes, use olive oil instead of butter. It won't be as rich, but it still tastes good. For fresh herbs, you can try dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. They add a different flavor but can still work well in this dish. Experimenting with ingredients can lead to fun new flavors. Feel free to swap things out based on what you like or have available. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps the noodles taste great. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite noodles. Cook according to the package's directions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm, not mushy. To avoid overcooking, set a timer. When the noodles are ready, save ½ cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the noodles in a colander. Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, toss in 6 minced garlic cloves and 1-2 finely chopped red chili peppers. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good and turn slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it! Now, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and, if you want more heat, mix in 1 tablespoon of chili oil. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to balance the flavors. Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss them well in the spicy garlic butter sauce. If the noodles look dry, use the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss for another minute to coat the noodles fully. Once done, remove from heat. Stir in ¼ cup of sliced green onions and ¼ cup of fresh cilantro. Serve right away and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch. To make the best Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles, you need to think about spice. Choosing the right chili peppers makes a big difference. I suggest using red chili peppers for heat. If you want more spice, add more peppers. If you prefer less heat, use fewer. Always taste as you go. Enhancing umami is key for flavor. You can add soy sauce for a savory kick. A dash of fish sauce also boosts the umami. Each adds a layer of depth. Don’t skip these; they make a big impact. Sautéing garlic right is crucial. Use medium heat when you cook garlic. This keeps it from burning. If garlic burns, it tastes bitter. Cook it just until it’s fragrant and golden. This will give your noodles a rich flavor. For a creamy texture without cream, use reserved pasta water. After you toss in your noodles, add a bit of the starchy water. This helps bind the sauce and noodles. It makes everything silky smooth. Just a little will do. {{image_2}} You can add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Start by cooking your protein in the skillet before adding the garlic. - For chicken: Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. - For shrimp: Add raw shrimp directly after sautéing the garlic. Cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. - For tofu: Use firm tofu, cubed. Sauté until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes, before adding garlic. Once your protein is cooked, follow the sauce instructions. Toss the protein with the noodles to mix the flavors well. You can brighten your dish with seasonal vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. - Bell peppers: Slice them thinly. Sauté with garlic for 2-3 minutes. - Broccoli: Cut into small florets. Blanch briefly in boiling water, then add to the skillet. - Snap peas: Add them whole during the last minute of cooking. These veggies add color and crunch without losing flavor. Stir them in with the noodles before serving. Get creative by using different oils. Olive oil and peanut oil can change the taste. - Olive oil: Use it for a milder flavor. Add it before the garlic to infuse the oil. - Peanut oil: This oil adds a nutty taste. Use it in place of sesame oil for a twist. Adding citrus can also brighten your dish. Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the noodles just before serving. This adds a fresh zing and balances the heat. To store leftover Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the noodles cool down before sealing the lid. This helps keep the noodles fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste may fade, and the texture might change. To reheat, the best method is using a skillet. Add a small splash of water or broth to help steam the noodles. Heat over medium-low until warmed through. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the noodles feel dry, add a few drops of oil or a small amount of reserved pasta water. This will help revive their texture and flavor. Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Choose noodles that are egg-free, like rice noodles or whole wheat. These swaps keep the flavor while making it plant-based. You can pair these noodles with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed broccoli or bok choy - Crispy tofu or grilled chicken - A fresh green salad with sesame dressing - Spring rolls for a crunchy bite To change the spice level, modify the chili peppers. Use fewer peppers for milder noodles. You can also remove the seeds for less heat. For more kick, add extra chili oil. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. In this post, we covered the key steps to making delicious Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles. We explored essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and variations to enhance the dish. Remember, you can adjust spices and flavors to match your taste. Don't hesitate to experiment with proteins and veggies. Proper storage and reheating will keep your noodles tasty. With these tips, you'll enjoy a satisfying meal every time. Go ahead and create your own version!

Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles! This quick and easy recipe combines buttery goodness with a kick of heat, perfect for any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, learn step-by-step how to whip up this delicious dish at home. With simple ingredients and tantalizing flavors, you'll want to make it again and again. Click through now to discover the full recipe and savor every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or your preferred noodles

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili oil (optional for extra heat)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

¼ cup green onions, sliced

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

      Add the minced garlic and chopped red chili peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.

        Stir in the soy sauce, chili oil (if using), and sesame oil, mixing well to combine.

          Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the spicy garlic butter sauce. If the noodles seem dry, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

            Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue tossing for another minute to ensure the noodles are well coated.

              Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions and fresh cilantro, mixing them in gently.

                Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2-3