1. Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles and cook according to the package instructions. You’ll want them to be tender but still a little chewy—perfect for holding onto that flavorful garlic chili oil. Once done, drain the noodles, but make sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water. You’ll need it for later to help create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.

Pro Tip: If you’re using thicker noodles, you might need to cook them for a minute or two longer than the instructions suggest. Taste-test to make sure they’re al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the sauce!

2. Make the Garlic Chili Oil

While the noodles are cooking, it’s time to make the garlic chili oil. In a large pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté it gently for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic can taste bitter!

Once the garlic is ready, add in the chili flakes. Stir them into the oil and cook for another minute. The oil will turn a deep red color as the chili flakes release their heat. At this point, your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

3. Combine with Soy Sauce and Vinegar

Now that you’ve got your chili oil base, it’s time to add some depth and balance to the sauce. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for another minute so the flavors can meld. The vinegar will add a nice tang that balances out the heat from the chili oil, while the sugar will help tame the spice just a little.

Pro Tip: If you like a spicier dish, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two of chili flakes. You can always adjust the heat to your personal preference!

4. Toss the Noodles

Once your garlic chili oil is ready, toss in the cooked noodles. Add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to the pan and mix everything together. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce cling to the noodles, creating a glossy, flavorful coating. Toss until every strand of noodle is coated in that amazing chili oil.

Pro Tip: If you want a little more sauce, add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or a bit more oil to make sure there’s plenty of flavor in every bite.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once the noodles are well-coated and the sauce is thickened slightly, it’s time to serve! Divide the noodles between bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of salt. The green onions will add a nice fresh bite, while the sesame seeds give it a little crunch.