Name: Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.1 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; gold potato can be used); ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ cup potato starch; ½ cup warm water; 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar; 2 tablespoons gochugaru (coarse or fine ground chili powder; alternatively Chinese chili powder); 1¼ teaspoons granulated sugar; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons garlic (minced); 1 stalk green onion (sliced); 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado, sunflower, or grapeseed oil); ⅓ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 260 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that combines chewy, tender comfort with a bright kick of heat, then this Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine handcrafted noodles made from simple potatoes, transformed into silky strands that soak up a fiery and tangy chili oil in every bite. This recipe is not only a fun culinary adventure but a delicious way to enjoy an irresistible texture paired with bold flavors that dance on your tongue. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself after a long day, these spicy potato noodles bring warmth and excitement straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two visible layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is a pale yellow, crumbly and soft texture, while the top layer is a bright white powder piled high in the center. A metal spoon is partially submerged on the right side of the bowl, with its handle resting on the edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element plays a critical role, whether it’s lending structure, flavor, or that vibrant color that makes this dish pop.

Russet potato (1.1 pounds, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces): Provides the starchy base perfect for forming soft yet chewy noodles.
Salt (½ teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and seasons the dough and sauce perfectly.
Potato starch (1½ cups): Key for that elastic texture, making the noodles stretch and hold their shape.
Warm water (½ cup): Helps bring the dough together into a workable consistency.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and umami to the chili oil.
Chinese black vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings tangy brightness that balances the heat.
Gochugaru (2 tablespoons): Korean chili flakes that are bold and aromatic, the heart of the spice.
Granulated sugar (1¼ teaspoons): Just enough sweetness to round out the sauce flavors.
Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Gives that pungent aromatic punch in every bite.
Sliced green onion (1 stalk): Adds fresh, mild onion notes and a beautiful green pop.
Neutral oil (3 tablespoons): Works as the carrier for the chili oil, allowing flavors to bloom without overpowering.
Roughly chopped cilantro (⅓ cup): Finishes the dish with fresh herbal brightness and color contrast.

How to Make Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by boiling the cut potatoes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is vital because the softness of the potatoes will determine how smooth and pliable your noodle dough becomes. Cooking the potatoes just right ensures a perfect stretchy texture later on.

Step 2: Mash and Form the Dough

Drain the potatoes well and place them in a heatproof bowl while still hot. Add salt and mash thoroughly until no lumps remain. The heat from the potatoes is your secret weapon here—it helps cook the potato starch when added, creating that essential stretchiness in the dough. Mix in the potato starch, then gently knead to bring everything together into a cohesive dough. Add warm water gradually to achieve a smooth, pliable consistency that is easy to shape but won’t be sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Noodles

Divide the dough into 14 equal pieces, keeping the pieces covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Roll each piece into ½-inch thick noodles. This part is so satisfying because you’re transforming simple ingredients into something universally beloved—fresh noodles. Prepare a boiling water pot nearby for the next step.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Carefully drop the noodles into boiling water without overcrowding to prevent breakage. Once they rise to the surface, give them an extra minute to cook through, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water. This quick chill locks in their chewy texture and keeps them from sticking together.

Step 5: Prepare the Chili Oil

In a heatproof bowl, combine the soy sauce, black vinegar, gochugaru, sugar, garlic, green onion, and salt. Heat oil until smoking, then carefully pour the hot oil over the ingredients. The sizzling oil unlocks and amplifies the fragrance and flavors, creating a rich and fiery dressing that will coat your noodles beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Drain the noodles thoroughly before tossing them gently with the chili oil and chopped cilantro. This ensures every strand is luxuriously coated in that spicy sauce. Serve warm and savor the perfect blend of tender potato noodles with bold, tangy heat. It’s an experience you will want to revisit again and again.

How to Serve Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe

Thick, shiny, golden-yellow noodles covered in red chili flakes and small green herb pieces lie on a white plate, forming a piled ring shape. A woman's hand holds golden chopsticks lifting two glistening noodles above the plate, showing their smooth and slightly oily texture. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the background features soft white tiles with blurred containers. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro add brightness and a bit of herbal freshness that balances the spiciness perfectly. Adding sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can lend extra aroma and crunch, making every bite more dynamic and enjoyable.

Side Dishes

These noodles shine best alongside simple side dishes like steamed or stir-fried greens, such as bok choy or spinach, which add a nice contrast in texture and flavor. A crisp cucumber salad or light pickled vegetables also complement the Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe by offering refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or add crushed peanuts for an extra layer of texture. You can also style them as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal, pairing them with grilled meats or tofu to make a balanced, impressive feast suitable for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover spicy potato noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the noodles and chili oil mixed to maintain the flavor, but note that the noodles might firm up slightly upon chilling.

Freezing

Because of their delicate texture, freezing is not ideal for potato noodles as they may become grainy or lose their elasticity after thawing. If you must freeze, flash freeze the shaped noodles before cooking and store them in freezer bags. Cook from frozen, but expect a change in texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and drying out. Avoid high heat or microwave reheating that could toughen the noodles or dull the vibrant chili oil flavor. Stir frequently until warmed through and enjoy instantly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe?

Yes, you can use gold potatoes instead of russet. They might give a slightly different texture and sweetness, but they will still work well in forming the dough and making tasty noodles.

Is gochugaru essential or can I substitute it?

Gochugaru gives this dish its distinctive Korean-inspired heat and flavor. However, you can substitute with Chinese chili powder or even fine ground red pepper flakes if you prefer; just adjust quantities to your preferred spice level.

Why do we use potato starch when making the noodles?

Potato starch is crucial because it creates the signature chewy and stretchy texture in the noodles. It gelatinizes when mixed with heated potato mash and warm water, helping the dough bind and hold its shape during cooking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

While it’s best to shape and cook the noodles fresh for optimal texture, you can prepare the dough a few hours ahead. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.

Are these noodles gluten-free?

Yes! Since the noodles rely on potato and potato starch, they contain no wheat or gluten, making this Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Potato Noodles Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that bring a little magic to your dining table by turning humble potatoes into a soft, mouthwatering noodle experience packed with flavors you’ll crave. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food to warm your soul and spice up your weeknight dinners.