Quick Stir-Fried Garlic Noodles with Chili and Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An easy and flavorful noodle dish with aromatic garlic, spicy chili, and fresh scallions that you can whip up in under 15 minutes. This Asian Fusion-inspired noodle recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs spaghetti noodles, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon brown sugar, tossing continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 4 thinly sliced scallions and 1 teaspoon sesame oil, tossing to combine before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Garlic Noodles with Chili and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Garlic Noodles with Chili and Scallions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Garlic Noodles with Chili and Scallions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Stir-Fried Garlic Noodles with Chili and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Quick Stir-Fried Garlic Noodles with Chili and Scallions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.