If you love bold, umami-packed noodles that come together in minutes, these Shiitake Garlic Noodles are going to be your new go-to. This quick and easy spicy garlic noodles recipe takes under 20 minutes from start to finish and delivers that perfect balance of garlicky soy flavor, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of heat from chili oil or red pepper flakes. It’s a comforting weeknight meal you can make with pantry staples and fresh aromatics.
These spicy chili garlic noodles are versatile — enjoy them as-is or toss in your favorite protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. The glossy, garlicky sauce coats every strand of noodle, and a squeeze of lime and sprinkle of sesame seeds tie everything together with a fresh, nutty finish. Whether you use lo mein, wide rice noodles, or classic spaghetti, this dish always delivers.
If you love quick recipes that require minimal effort, you are also going to love my Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pesto Pasta & my Creamy Sausage Pasta!! These are dishes the entire family are sure to enjoy!
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Ingredients
- Noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
- Shiitake mushroom oil
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Chili flakes
- Green onions
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Sauté the garlic in oil!
Add in soy sauce, brown sugar & chili flakes!
Add in the noodles, water & spices!
Top with chili oil & green onion! Serve & enjoy!
1. Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of noodle water if needed for later.
2. Sauté garlic: In a large pan or small saucepan, heat the shiitake mushroom oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until golden and fragrant — about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it; overcooked garlic can turn bitter.
3. Make sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes (or chili oil for extra spice). Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce ingredients combine into a glossy glaze. You can add a pinch of salt or a dash of low sodium soy sauce to adjust flavor.
4. Toss noodles: Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss well to coat. If you want more heat, stir in chili garlic sauce, chili powder, or sambal oelek depending on your spice level preference.
5. Finish: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice. For extra depth, add stir-fried bok choy or bell peppers for a boost of veggies.
Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card & exact quantities!:)
Substitutions
- Noodles: Swap for rice noodles, wheat noodles, or gluten-free noodles if needed.
- Shiitake mushroom oil: Use sesame or olive oil.
- Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Brown sugar: Replace with honey or maple syrup.
- Chili flakes: Try chili oil or chili garlic sauce for a saucier finish.
Equipment
- Pot
- Strainer
- Large pan
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium-high heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the glaze. Avoid freezing, as the noodles can lose their texture.
Top tip
- Use mushroom oil made from sautéed shiitakes for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Don’t overcook the garlic — light golden is perfect.
- Finish with lime and sesame seeds for that bright, balanced bite.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different oil instead of shiitake mushroom oil?
Yes — sesame oil, olive oil, or even neutral oil from the grocery store works. Mushroom oil just adds a signature depth.
2. What noodles work best for this recipe?
Lo mein, ramen, wide rice noodles, or spaghetti all work great. Just cook until tender and toss while hot.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust with chili oil or chili garlic sauce for more heat.
Yes — sesame oil, olive oil, or even neutral oil from the grocery store works. Mushroom oil just adds a signature depth.
Lo mein, ramen, wide rice noodles, or spaghetti all work great. Just cook until tender and toss while hot. I used Taffy's Kaidong noodles! I love that they are made of simply wheat, water & salt!
Related
Looking for other easy recipes like this? Try these:
Dessert Pairings
These are my favorite desserts to serve with [this recipe]:
Quick & Easy Spicy Garlic Noodles Recipe (with Chili Oil)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook noodles: Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large pan, heat shiitake mushroom oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Make sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Toss noodles: Add cooked noodles, noodle water & spices to the pan and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Finish: Remove from heat and top with green onions & sesame seeds! Add chili oil if you'd like it spicier!
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Dorothy Pratt Pratt says
I love your recipes, they're so good, easy to follow!!