Garlic Noodles
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
These Garlic Noodles are simply irresistible! In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a dish bursting with rich, garlicky goodness, balanced by savory sauces and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick and flavorful dinner that everyone will enjoy.
These garlic noodles are so incredible even if they may not look like much, they are so satisfying, fully of garlicky flavor, perfect for all my garlic lover peeps. They can be ready in just 20 minutes and are so easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Before You Start
- Use Fresh Garlic: I strongly recommend to use fresh minced garlic for this. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar, as it can lack the same intensity.
- Prep Ingredients First: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This recipe comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have everything on hand.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Cook the noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce. This helps prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Sauce Ingredients: Whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar together before starting. This step saves time and ensures the sauce is well mixed.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: When cooking the garlic, keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can make the dish taste bitter, so aim for a light golden color.
- Customize Your Noodles: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins like shrimp or chicken to make the dish more substantial.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Asian noodles or spaghetti: You can use any long noodle you prefer, but I love the texture of Asian noodles for this recipe. Spaghetti works great too.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that bold, aromatic flavor. Pre-minced garlic from a jar can work if you’re short on time, but it won’t have the same flavor.
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and depth to the sauce. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a plant-based butter.
- Soy sauce (low sodium): For umami and saltiness. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor. Hoisin sauce is a great substitute, though it’s sweeter.
- Fish sauce: Enhances the umami flavor with a unique depth. If you’re vegan, use soy sauce mixed with a bit of lime juice.
- Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness. White sugar or honey can be used in a pinch.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the noodles. For a non-dairy option, use nutritional yeast.
- Green onions, sliced (optional): They add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Chives or thinly sliced scallions are good alternatives.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of Asian noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 bulb of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Tip: Cooking garlic slowly in butter infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor without becoming bitter.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the sauce over them. Toss to combine and coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions if desired.
Tip: Stirring in the Parmesan cheese off the heat helps it melt smoothly and blend into the sauce.
How To Serve
Garlic Noodles are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your Garlic Noodles:
Easy Grilled Chicken Breast
Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Szechuan Chicken
Chinese Chicken Skewers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
To prevent the garlic from burning, cook it over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Stir constantly until it turns fragrant and slightly golden, then promptly add the noodles and sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed or stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles.
Can I freeze Garlic Noodles?
Yes, you can freeze them! Place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet with a bit of water or broth.
More Noodle Recipes
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Garlic Noodles
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound Asian noodles (or spaghetti, I used Hakka style noodles)
- 1 bulb garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- black pepper (Freshly ground, to taste)
- 2 green onions (sliced (optional))
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Asian noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the sauce over the noodles. Toss to combine and coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic from a jar can work if you’re short on time.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the noodles with rice noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
- If the noodles seem dry when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
