Viral Chili Oil Pasta
A quick and irresistible pasta dish blending the fiery kick of chili oil with creamy, savory notes, inspired by a viral TikTok sensation. Perfect for a speedy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 75 g spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp chili oil for the sauce
- 2 tbsp chili oil for cooking and tossing (adjust to preference)
- 0.5 medium onion finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic 2 minced for sautéing
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water adjust as needed
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce for the sauce
- 1 tsp sugar for the sauce
- 1.5 tsp rice vinegar for the sauce
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the chili oil sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp chili oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1.5 tsp rice vinegar, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1-2 tbsp of chili oil (from the remaining amount) over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the prepared chili oil sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding the reserved pasta water gradually, a splash at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency. If you like extra spice, you can add another 1-2 tbsp of chili oil now.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your viral chili oil pasta!
Notes
Adjust the amount of chili oil to your preferred spice level. A good quality chili oil is crucial for the best flavor. For extra freshness, garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro. You can also add a fried egg or grilled chicken for added protein.