Crispy Sesame Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sesame or peanut oil

• 1 small head of garlic, finely chopped

• 2 smaller shallots, thinly sliced

• 1 bay leaf

• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds

• 3 teaspoons ginger, grated

• 1-3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

• 1 tablespoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste

• 8 ounces rice noodles

• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced

  1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce

• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai or regular basil

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions

Instructions

1. In a medium skillet, combine the sesame oil, garlic, shallots, and bay leaf. Cook over medium heat until the garlic turns golden and crispy about 5-8 minutes. Stir in the sesame seeds and ginger, and cook for 1 minute.

2. Pour the oil into a large bowl. Add the chili flakes, paprika, cayenne, and season with salt. I use all the oil for the noodles, but if desired, reserve half the oil for serving.

3. Cook the noodles according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes, add the bell peppers to the water. Save 1/4 cup water, then drain. Toss the hot noodles, tamari/soy sauce, and all the herbs with the chili oil, and add water to thin to reach the desired consistency.

4. Serve the noodles with additional chili oil and green onions.