Prevents your screen from going dark.
3/4 cup sesame or peanut oil
1 small head 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
In a medium skillet, combine the sesame oil, garlic, shallots, and bay leaf. Cook over medium heat until the garlic turns golden and is crisping, about 5-8 minutes. Stir in the sesame seeds and ginger, cook 1 minute.
Pour the oil into a large bowl. Add the chili flakes, paprika, cayenne, and season with salt. I use all of the oil for the noodles, but if desired, reserve half of the oil for serving.
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 of the herbs with the chili oil, add water to thin to reach desired consistency.
Serve the noodles with additional chili oil and green onions.