Burnt Garlic Noodles Recipe

Burnt Garlic Noodles are a fragrant and savory Indo-Chinese dish where tender noodles are stir-fried with intensely aromatic browned garlic, soy sauce, and vegetables. The key to its distinct flavor lies in caramelizing garlic until it is deep brown, releasing a smoky, nutty essence that infuses the entire dish. Tossed with spring onions, bell peppers, and a hint of chili, these noodles offer a perfect balance of umami and subtle heat. Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, they are an ideal choice for a flavorful weeknight meal or a restaurant style treat at home

For Boiling Noodles Ingredients

1 Packet noodles (raw)

Water for boiling

Salt to taste

1 Tablespoon oil

Step:1

Set a wok filled with water for boiling , add salt to taste and oil , mix and bring to a roaring boil . Add the raw noodles and once the noodles separate from each other switch off the flame . Let the noodles set in hot water for 2-3 minutes

Step:2

Strain it out from boiling water and quickly refresh them with cold water . Drizzle oil coat the noodles well , to avoid it from sticking . Keep aside for later use

For Red Chili Paste Ingredients

Kashmiri red chilies 8-10 NOS

Hot water for soaking

Step:1

Soak the Kashmiri red chili in hot water for 10-15 minutes . Allow it cool down . Once cooled , transfer to a mixer grinder and make a fine paste , add some water to grind it well

For Making Noodles Ingredients

2 Tablespoon oil

3 Tablespoon garlic (chopped)

1 Tablespoon ginger (chopped)

4-5 NOS red chili (roughly broken)

3 Tablespoon red chili paste

2 Tablespoon green chili paste

2-3 NOS green chili (sliced)

Veggies

1/3 Cup onions (sliced)

1/3 Cup carrot (julienned)

1/3 Cup red bell pepper (julienned)

1/3 Cup yellow bell pepper (julienned)

1/3 Cup capsicum (julienned)

1/2 Cup cabbage (shredded)

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

Salt to taste

A pinch white pepper powder

A pinch aromat powder (optional)

A pinch sugar

Boiled noodles/chowmein

1/3 Cup spring onions green and bulbs

Fresh coriander leaves a handful

1 Tablespoon vinegar

Spring onion greens for garnish

Step:1

Set a wok on medium heat , add oil , chopped garlic and ginger , cook them for 1-2 minutes . Add the red chili and cook until chiles and garlic start to turn brown

Step:2

Further add red chili paste and cook until the oil separates increase the flame to high heat , to get the evident brunt flavour . Now add , green chili , green chili paste veggies

Step:3

Now , add the veggies , soy sauce , salt and pepper aromat powder and sugar , saute them on high flame for 1-2 minutes

Tip: You can add MSG or aromat powder for the extra flavour

Step:4

Ad the boiled noodles , spring onions green and bulbs flame for a minutes . Burnt garlic chili noodles are ready , serve it immediately with schezwan sauce and garnish some spring onion greens

FAQs

1. What does “burnt garlic” mean? Isn’t it bitter?

“Burnt” here means deeply browned and toasted until fragrant and crisp, not black and acrid.
When done correctly, it adds a rich, nutty, and complex flavor, not bitterness. The key is to cook it on low-medium heat until golden brown.

2. What type of noodles are best for this recipe?

Dried Noodles: Hakka noodles or chow mein noodles work perfectly.
Fresh Noodles: Fresh yellow egg noodles or ramen noodles are also excellent choices.
Avoid using spaghetti or pasta, as their texture and flavor profile are different.

3. My garlic burned and turned bitter. What should I do?

If the garlic turns black and smells bitter, it’s best to discard it and start over.
To prevent this, use low heat, slice the garlic evenly, and remove it from the oil as soon as it turns a light golden brown.

4. How can I make my vegetable noodles more flavorful?

Use the Garlic Oil: After frying the garlic, use the same infused oil to sauté the vegetables.
Sauce is Key: Ensure your sauce mixture (soy, vinegar, chili sauce) is well-balanced and added along the sides of the hot wok to caramelize.
High Heat: Stir-fry on high heat for that classic “wok hei” or smoky flavor.

5. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, absolutely.
Vegetarian: Add pan-fried tofu or a scrambled egg.
Non-Vegetarian: Add shredded cooked chicken, prawns, or sliced omelet. Add them when you stir-fry the vegetables.

Burnt Garlic Noodles Recipe