Garlic Noodles Recipe

Irresistibly Savory Garlic Noodles Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up these incredible garlic noodles promises a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Fragrant aromatics dance through each twirled strand, creating magic in your kitchen.

Our simple technique guarantees restaurant-quality results without complex steps.

Subtle garlic notes blend perfectly with tender noodles, making every bite irresistible.

Home cooks can master this dish in minutes, transforming basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the rich, savory profile that comes together effortlessly.

Hungry for a quick, delicious meal that impresses?

This recipe is your ultimate solution.

Why Garlic Noodles Are The Coziest Quick Dinner

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a delightful noodle dish that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners looking to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
  • Pantry Perfection: Craft a delicious dinner using common ingredients already stashed in your kitchen, eliminating last-minute grocery store runs and saving precious time.
  • Flavor Explosion: Experience a mouthwatering blend of garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce that transforms simple noodles into a restaurant-quality sensation, guaranteed to impress family and friends.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a flexible recipe that works as a standalone meal or a fantastic side dish, suitable for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or quick lunch solutions.

Simple Ingredients For Garlic Noodles

Main Ingredients:
  • Noodles: Pasta that serves as the foundation of this garlicky dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides the signature flavor and intense taste.
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a crisp, mild onion accent to the final dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that create a deep, savory flavor profile.
  • Sesame Oil: Nutty oil that enhances the overall taste with its distinctive aroma.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
Garnish and Seasoning:
  • Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Parsley, Salt: Spicy and herbal elements that provide additional layers of flavor and visual appeal.

How To Make Garlic Noodles In No Time

Step 1: Boil Water for Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a vigorous boil, preparing for noodle perfection.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Melted butter

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Cook Noodles to Perfection

Carefully drop noodles into the boiling water. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until they reach that ideal al dente texture.

Step 4: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing its intoxicating aroma without burning.

Step 5: Drain and Prepare Noodles

Drain the cooked noodles, but keep a small amount of pasta water nearby for potential sauce adjustments.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Transfer the hot noodles directly into the skillet with garlic. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, tossing thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated with flavor.

Step 7: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth coating.

Step 8: Garnish and Elevate

Sprinkle the noodles with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the noodles immediately while they’re piping hot. Let the robust garlic and savory sauce flavors dance on your taste buds.

Smart Tricks For Garlic Noodles Success

  • Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté minced garlic quickly over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid bitter, acrid flavors that can ruin the dish's delicate taste.
  • Pasta Water Magic: Save a small amount of starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed, creating a silky, smooth coating that perfectly clings to the noodles.
  • Sauce Balancing Act: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors, blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and melted butter for a harmonious taste profile.
  • Noodle Texture Tip: Cook noodles al dente by following package instructions, then immediately drain to prevent overcooking and maintain that perfect tender-yet-firm texture.

Different Ways To Enjoy Garlic Noodles

  • Spicy Garlic Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes and a drizzle of sriracha sauce for those who love heat.
  • Protein Power: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform the noodles into a complete meal.
  • Umami Mushroom Mix: Sauté sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms alongside garlic for an earthy, rich flavor profile.
  • Veggie Loaded Version: Toss in blanched broccoli, julienned carrots, and baby spinach for added nutrition and color.

Yummy Pairings With Garlic Noodles

  • Boost Umami with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the rich, garlicky noodles and refreshes the palate with its bright acidity.
  • Balance Heat with Cool Protein: Pair the noodles with grilled lemon-herb chicken or seared shrimp to complement the garlic's intense flavor and add lean protein that doesn't overpower the dish.
  • Enhance Texture with Crunchy Side: Add roasted edamame or quick-pickled cucumber salad to introduce a contrasting crisp texture that elevates the soft, silky noodle experience and provides a clean, sharp counterpoint.

Store Garlic Noodles Like A Pro

  • Store leftover garlic noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the noodles.
  • Warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or additional sesame oil to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently to redistribute the sauce and garlic evenly.
  • While possible to freeze, the texture may change slightly. Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, but note that the sauce might separate upon thawing.

Garlic Noodles FAQ You’ll Want To Read

  • Why use both soy sauce and oyster sauce?

The combination creates a deep, complex umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the noodles, providing a rich and savory profile that elevates the dish beyond simple seasoning.

  • Can I substitute the type of noodles?

Yes, you can use various noodles like egg noodles, udon, or even spaghetti. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente to maintain the right texture and absorb the sauce effectively.

  • How important is fresh garlic in this recipe?

Fresh garlic is crucial as it provides an authentic, sharp flavor that ground or powdered garlic cannot replicate. Freshly minced garlic releases essential oils that create the dish’s signature aromatic experience.

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Garlic Noodles Recipe

Garlic Noodles Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Irresistible garlic noodles dance with bold Asian-inspired flavors, bringing comfort and excitement to your dinner table. Savory umami notes and silky noodles promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Noodle Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (226 g) egg noodles or spaghetti
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter

Garnish and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the noodles until they reach al dente perfection.
  2. While the water heats, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl to create a harmonious sauce.
  3. Drop the noodles into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until tender yet firm.
  4. In a separate skillet, sauté minced garlic over medium heat for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
  5. Drain the cooked noodles, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
  6. Transfer the hot noodles directly into the skillet with garlic, pouring the prepared sauce over them and tossing thoroughly to ensure complete coating.
  7. If the sauce seems too thick, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
  8. Plate the garlicky noodles and generously sprinkle with chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
  9. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the robust garlic and savory sauce flavors to tantalize the palate.

Notes

  • Boost flavor intensity by toasting minced garlic in oil until golden brown for deeper, nuttier undertones.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding sriracha for spice enthusiasts who crave extra kick.
  • Keep pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, perfectly coated noodles with restaurant-quality sauce consistency.
  • Transform dish into gluten-free version by substituting regular noodles with rice or chickpea pasta alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 778 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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