Garlic Noodles Recipe

The Most Divine Garlic Noodles Recipe for Noodle Lovers

Whipping up these mouthwatering garlic noodles creates instant comfort on your plate.

Fragrant strands of pasta dance with rich, bold flavors that promise satisfaction.

Each twirl promises a delectable journey through savory lanes.

Crisp aromatics mingle with silky noodles, creating magic in mere minutes.

Simple ingredients come together like culinary best friends, waiting to surprise you.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish emerges from basic pantry staples.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Why Garlic Noodles Are a Flavor Explosion

  • Savor Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make these garlic noodles perfect for beginner cooks looking to create a delicious meal without complex techniques.
  • Quick Comfort Meal: Ready in just a few minutes, this recipe provides a satisfying solution for busy individuals craving a flavorful pasta dish that doesn't require extensive preparation.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These garlic noodles work brilliantly as a side dish or main course, appealing to both kids and adults with their rich, savory flavor profile and adaptable nature.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Using common pantry staples like butter, garlic, and noodles, this recipe offers an affordable meal option that doesn't compromise on taste or quality.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Noodles Greatness

Pasta Base:
  • Noodles: Pasta that serves as the foundation of the dish and provides a delicious carbohydrate base.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the garlic sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic flavor that is the star of this dish.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a savory and salty depth to the noodle dish.
  • Oyster Sauce: Contributes a complex, umami flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Standard seasonings to adjust and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Parsley, Scallions: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Garlic Noodles Like a Pro

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop the noodles into the bubbling water and cook them until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside, ready for their flavor transformation.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance in the butter.

Stir constantly to prevent burning, watching as the garlic turns a delicate golden color and releases its irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sugar

Whisk everything together until the ingredients create a harmonious, glossy sauce that promises deliciousness.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Slide the cooked noodles into the skillet. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss and coat every single strand with the garlicky butter sauce.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Final Sizzle and Serve

Let the noodles cook for a few more minutes, allowing them to soak up all the incredible sauce.

Remove from heat and add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-worthy garlic noodles!

Tips to Perfect Garlic Noodles Every Time

  • Watch garlic closely while sautéing, stirring constantly and using medium-low heat to achieve golden color without scorching.
  • Whisk sauces together before adding to skillet to ensure even distribution and smooth blending of flavors.
  • Let noodles sit in sauce for 1-2 minutes after tossing to maximize flavor penetration and coating.
  • Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal that increases nutritional value.
  • Choose egg noodles, spaghetti, or lo mein noodles with good sauce-clinging ability for best results.

Fun Twists on Garlic Noodles to Try

  • Gluten-Free Garlic Noodles: Replace regular noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Garlic Noodles: Swap butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and skip oyster sauce.
  • Spicy Garlic Noodles: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during the garlic sautéing stage for a fiery kick.
  • Asian-Inspired Upgrade: Incorporate sesame oil, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and add a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor complexity.

Best Pairings for Garlic Noodles

Choose a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, garlicky noodles and cleanse the palate with its bright acidity.

Add succulent grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu on the side to create a balanced meal that enhances the garlic noodles’ savory profile and adds protein.

Toss a light Asian-inspired cucumber and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, buttery noodles.

Serve alongside crispy vegetable spring rolls or edamame to create a complete meal with varied textures and complementary Asian-inspired flavors.

How to Keep Garlic Noodles Fresh and Delicious

  • Store leftover garlic noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Revive cold noodles by reheating in a skillet with a touch of butter or oil over medium heat. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and prevent sticking, warming for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

  • What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Egg noodles, spaghetti, or lo mein noodles are perfect. Choose a wheat-based noodle that can absorb the rich garlic butter sauce well.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce, and use plant-based butter for the recipe.

  • How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. Watch the garlic closely and remove from heat if it starts to turn dark brown, as burnt garlic will taste bitter.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, these garlic noodles are not spicy. They have a rich, savory flavor from the garlic, butter, and sauce, but do not contain any chili or hot ingredients.

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Garlic Noodles Recipe

Garlic Noodles Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky garlic noodles dance with umami flavors, bringing bold Asian-inspired comfort to your dinner table. Quick and irresistible, you’ll savor these noodles that deliver complex taste with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Noodles:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or egg noodles

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dairy:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Fill a spacious pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Submerge noodles and cook until tender, following package guidelines for precise timing.
  3. Carefully drain noodles and reserve to the side.
  4. Melt butter in a generously sized skillet over medium temperature, creating a smooth, bubbling surface.
  5. Introduce minced garlic, stirring continuously until aromatic and developing a delicate golden hue, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  6. Quickly incorporate soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, whisking to create a harmonious blended mixture.
  7. Transfer drained noodles directly into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete coating with the fragrant garlic butter sauce.
  8. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  9. Allow noodles to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, enabling them to absorb the rich, savory flavors.
  10. Remove skillet from heat source and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or scallions.
  11. Serve piping hot, presenting the glistening, flavor-packed noodles immediately.

Notes

  • Watch garlic closely during sautéing to prevent burning, which creates a bitter taste that ruins the entire dish.
  • Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor intensity compared to pre-minced alternatives.
  • Select noodles with good sauce-clinging properties like egg noodles or fresh wheat noodles for better coating.
  • Customize by adding protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to transform this simple side into a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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