If you’ve never had garlic noodles before, get ready for a life-changing experience. These noodles are the perfect combination of buttery, garlicky, and umami-packed goodness. They come together in minutes and taste like something straight out of a restaurant. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be making regular appearances on your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Noodles
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
These noodles are perfect as a main dish or a side. Serve them with grilled shrimp, chicken, or steak for a complete meal, or enjoy them solo for a simple, satisfying bowl of comfort.
Budget-Friendly
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish without breaking the bank. No fancy ingredients are needed—just simple, affordable goodness.
Quick and Easy
Ready in under 20 minutes, this is the ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you need something fast, flavorful, and filling.
Customizable
Prefer a little spice? Add some chili flakes. Want extra umami? Toss in more Parmesan. The beauty of this dish is that you can tweak it to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Garlic Noodles
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is packed with bold, irresistible flavor. Let’s break it down:
Noodles: The foundation of the dish. You can use spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles—whatever you have on hand will work beautifully.
Butter: The rich, creamy base that coats the noodles in pure decadence.
Garlic: The star of the show! Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that makes these noodles shine.
Oyster Sauce: This ingredient brings a deep umami flavor that makes the dish incredibly savory and addictive.
Soy Sauce: A touch of soy sauce adds a salty, rich depth to the flavor profile.
Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that adds a nutty, cheesy kick—don’t skip this step!
Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Green Onions: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh, slightly oniony crunch.
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Add the Sauces
Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors and let the sauce simmer for a minute.
Toss the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated. Let them soak up all the flavors for about 1-2 minutes.
Finish with Parmesan
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese melts into the noodles.
Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 350
(*Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Noodles
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With Protein: Pair with grilled shrimp, chicken, or beef for a heartier meal.
- With Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy for added texture and flavor.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki salmon or crispy tofu.
- With a Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for some heat.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to achieving that bold, aromatic flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Cook it just until fragrant—burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Choose the Right Noodles: While spaghetti works great, Asian egg noodles bring an authentic touch.
- Melt the Parmesan In: Stir it in off the heat to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Customize Your Toppings: Crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or a splash of lime juice can take these noodles to the next level.
Faq’s
Can I make garlic noodles ahead of time? Yes! You can make them in advance and reheat them, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Can I use gluten-free noodles? Absolutely! Swap regular noodles for your favorite gluten-free variety.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar can work as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze garlic noodles? Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture may change, but they keep well in the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat them? Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or butter to bring them back to life.
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli work wonderfully.
Can I make it spicy? Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil for some heat.
What’s the best noodle type for this recipe? Egg noodles, spaghetti, or linguine all work great.
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese? It adds a great flavor, but you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Garlic noodles are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, buttery sauce and garlicky goodness, they’re bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner or a side to your favorite proteins, they’re always a winner. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2–3 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and savory dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a fragrant garlic sauce. These Garlic Noodles are quick to prepare and burst with umami flavors—perfect as a satisfying main or a delectable side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, egg noodles, or your favorite type)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: red chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).
- Combine: Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until evenly coated.
- Finish: Allow the noodles to heat through for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning (soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper) according to your taste preference.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg