Spicy Potato Noodles

These delicious Spicy Potato Noodles are a perfect blend of flavor and texture. They are thick, bouncy, and chewy, coated in a delightful garlicky chili oil sauce that is mildly spicy and irresistibly addictive. Ideal for weeknight dinners or any casual gathering, this dish pairs wonderfully with chicken karaage or a refreshing cucumber salad. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up these homemade noodles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common ingredients that you may already have at home.
• Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy delicious noodles in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, these noodles can complement various meals.
• Customizable Flavors: Adjust the level of spice or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
• Fun to Make: Shaping the noodles adds a fun element to your cooking experience.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully prepare Spicy Potato Noodles, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Rolling pin (or flat surface)
• Ladle
• Heatproof bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot is crucial for boiling the noodles without overcrowding them.
• Mixing bowl: This is where you’ll combine your ingredients and knead the dough for optimal texture.
• Fork: A simple yet effective tool for mashing the potatoes smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 1.1 pounds russet potato, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces (gold potato is fine too)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cup potato starch
• ½ cup water, warm

For the Chili Oil Sauce

• 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru, coarse (or fine ground, or Chinese chili powder)
• 1¼ teaspoons granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons oil, any neutral oil such as avocado, sunflower, grapeseed, etc.

For Garnish

• ⅓ cup cilantro, roughly chopped

How to Make Spicy Potato Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Place the cut potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Cook until fork-tender, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once cooked, drain the potatoes well and transfer them to a heatproof mixing bowl. Add salt and mash them with a fork until there are no chunks remaining.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

While still hot, add potato starch to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until combined. If it’s cool enough for you to handle, start kneading until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 4: Add Water

Pour in warm water gradually while mixing until absorbed. The dough should be smooth but not stretchy like bread dough—pliable enough for shaping.

Step 5: Shape the Noodles

Bring another pot of water to boil. Prepare your noodle-making station nearby along with a large bowl filled with cold water. Divide the dough into 14 equal pieces, keeping them covered with a damp towel when not in use.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Roll each piece into half-inch thick noodles. Gently place them in boiling water without overcrowding. Stir gently after adding.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Let the noodles float for about a minute before removing them to cool in cold water.

Step 8: Prepare Chili Oil

In a heatproof bowl, combine all chili oil ingredients except oil and cilantro. Heat oil in a small pan until smoking and carefully pour over other ingredients. Stir once settled.

Step 9: Combine Everything

Drain cooled potato noodles well and place them in a large bowl. Add prepared chili oil and chopped cilantro; mix until well coated.

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Potato Noodles while they’re warm!

How to Serve Spicy Potato Noodles

Spicy potato noodles are not only flavorful but also versatile. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various dishes for a more complete meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance the spicy and savory flavors of this dish.

With Chicken Karaage

• Chicken karaage is crispy, juicy fried chicken that complements the chewy texture of the noodles, making for an exciting combination.

As a Side to Taiwanese Fried Chicken

• The crunchy and spiced Taiwanese fried chicken brings an additional layer of flavor, perfectly balancing the mild spice of the noodles.

Accompanied by Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

• A refreshing cucumber salad adds a crisp contrast to the hearty noodles, offering a cooling effect against the spice.

Topped with Chopped Peanuts

• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts over your noodles. This adds both texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Garnished with Extra Cilantro

• A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the dish and enhances its aromatic profile, making every bite even more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Spicy Potato Noodles

Making perfect spicy potato noodles requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your noodles turn out just right.

• Use fresh potatoes: Fresh potatoes yield better texture and flavor, ensuring your noodles are chewy and delicious.
• Mash while hot: Mashing potatoes while they’re still hot helps create a smoother dough that’s easier to work with.
• Knead thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it’s cohesive makes the noodles stretchier and more pliable during shaping.
• Avoid overcrowding: When boiling the noodles, avoid adding too many at once. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Cool properly: Placing noodles in cold water after boiling halts cooking and helps maintain their texture.
• Customize spice levels: Adjust the amount of gochugaru based on your personal heat preference for a milder or spicier dish.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Potato Noodles

Pairing side dishes with spicy potato noodles can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors well.

1. Garlic Green Beans
   Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add a savory touch and pair nicely with the spiciness of the noodles.
2. Stir-Fried Broccoli
   Lightly stir-fried broccoli provides nutrition and a bright color contrast, balancing out the richness of the dish.
3. Sesame Spinach Salad
   A sesame-dressed spinach salad offers freshness and a nutty flavor that enhances your dining experience.
4. Spicy Tofu Bites
   Crispy tofu bites coated in a spicy sauce make for an exciting protein addition that aligns well with the noodle’s flavor profile.
5. Spring Rolls
   Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a light, crunchy counterpart to the soft texture of potato noodles.
6. Kimchi
   The fermented tanginess of kimchi adds depth and complexity to your meal, enhancing each bite of spicy potato noodles.
7. Crispy Seaweed Snacks
   These snacks introduce a unique salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender noodle textures.
8. Miso Soup
   A warm bowl of miso soup can serve as a comforting side that complements the savory elements in your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making spicy potato noodles can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong potato type: Not all potatoes work well for this recipe. Stick to russet or gold potatoes for the best texture.
• Overcooking the noodles: If you let the noodles boil too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them, cooking until they float to the top and then for just one additional minute.
• Neglecting to knead the dough enough: Failing to knead the dough properly can result in tough noodles. Make sure to knead it while warm for better pliability.
• Not preparing chili oil correctly: Pouring cold oil over the spices won’t extract their flavors effectively. Heat the oil until smoky before pouring it over your spice mix.
• Skipping garnishes: Skipping cilantro or other toppings can take away from the dish’s flavor profile. Always add garnishes for that pop of freshness!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover spicy potato noodles in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Spicy Potato Noodles

• Place cooled noodles in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Spicy Potato Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat noodles on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a pan over medium heat, then add noodles and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making spicy potato noodles.

What are Spicy Potato Noodles?

Spicy potato noodles are thick, chewy noodles made primarily from potatoes and coated in a flavorful chili oil sauce.

Can I customize my Spicy Potato Noodles?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing gochugaru.

How do I store leftover Spicy Potato Noodles?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t have gochugaru?

You can substitute gochugaru with Chinese chili powder or any other preferred chili powder available.

Can I make these noodles gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce to ensure that your spicy potato noodles remain gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Spicy potato noodles offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any meal. They’re not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite proteins or veggies. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!