Name: 15-Minute Vegan Chili Garlic Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 10 ounces (285g) fresh or frozen udon noodles; 1 small or medium red/yellow/orange bell pepper, thinly sliced; ¾ cup (12g) fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped; 3 scallions, sliced on a bias; 6 ounces (170g) frozen edamame, defrosted; ⅛ teaspoon sea salt; 1/3 cup (75g) neutral-flavored oil (such as grapeseed or avocado oil); 2 teaspoons Sichuan chile flakes or red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup (70g) dry-roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (unsalted or salted); 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari; 2 ½ tablespoons Chinese black vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar

Why Make This Recipe

15-Minute Vegan Chili Garlic Noodles are a quick and tasty meal. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful dish filled with vibrant colors and textures. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s vegan and packed with protein from edamame and peanuts. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and makes a great meal any time of the day.

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How to Make 15-Minute Vegan Chili Garlic Noodles

Ingredients:

10 ounces (285g) fresh or frozen udon noodles
1 small or medium red/yellow/orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
¾ cup (12g) fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped
3 scallions, sliced on a bias
6 ounces (170g) frozen edamame, defrosted
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup (75g) neutral-flavored oil (such as grapeseed or avocado oil)
2 teaspoons Sichuan chile flakes or red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup (70g) dry-roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (unsalted or salted)
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 ½ tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar

Directions:

Cook the udon noodles: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles for 2 minutes until chewy but tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Prepare the vegetables: While the noodles cook, mince garlic, chop peanuts and cilantro, and slice bell peppers and scallions.
Toss edamame with sea salt.
Make the Garlic Chili Oil: In a bowl, combine chile flakes, sesame seeds, garlic, and peanuts. Heat oil in a saucepan until hot, then pour it over the mixture.
Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and maple syrup into the oil mixture.
Combine half of the oil mixture with the noodles, adding the bell peppers, edamame, cilantro, and scallions. Toss well.
Serve at room temperature or chilled.

How to Serve 15-Minute Vegan Chili Garlic Noodles

You can serve these noodles in a bowl, topped with extra peanuts and cilantro if desired. They can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them great for lunch or dinner. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store 15-Minute Vegan Chili Garlic Noodles

Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or reheat them in the microwave for a quick meal.

Tips to Make 15-Minute Vegan Chili Garlic Noodles

Make sure to not overcook the udon noodles; they should remain chewy.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chile flakes based on your taste.
You can add more vegetables, like carrots or broccoli, for extra nutrients and flavor.

Variation

You can switch up the proteins by adding tofu or tempeh. If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free udon noodles or rice noodles instead of regular udon.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use any type of noodle you like. Rice noodles or soba noodles work well too.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! You can skip the peanuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds as a substitute.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the noodles and the garlic chili oil in advance. Just mix everything together right before serving for the best taste.