Stir-Fried Noodles with Charred Chili and Thai Basil

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

A lively stir-fried noodle dish featuring smoky chilis and fresh Thai basil for a punch of herbal heat. This thai-inspired noodles ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, finely chopped garlic cloves, toasted and crushed dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 toasted and crushed dried red chilies, stirring for 30 seconds to release smoky aroma.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 8 oz soaked and drained rice noodles, stirring quickly to combine.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp grated palm sugar, tossing constantly for 3-4 minutes until noodles are evenly coated, heated through, and slightly charred on edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup whole Thai basil leaves and 3 chopped scallions, tossing until basil wilts.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for a fresh, tangy finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Noodles with Charred Chili and Thai Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Stir-Fried Noodles with Charred Chili and Thai Basil?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Noodles with Charred Chili and Thai Basil?

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 Stir-Fried Noodles with Charred Chili and Thai Basil 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Noodles with Charred Chili and Thai Basil?

Thai noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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