Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Packed with deep, garlicky, umami flavor.
- Made with simple pantry staples.
- Works with any type of noodles.
- Easily customizable with vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Noodles (spaghetti, ramen, or egg noodles)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth)
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, sliced
- Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, chili flakes, or grated parmesan
Directions
- Cook the noodles: Boil noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a few tablespoons of cooking water.
- Make the garlic sauce: In a large skillet or wok, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the sauces: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sesame oil, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Toss the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Add a splash of noodle water if needed to loosen the mixture.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 2–3 people
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy garlic noodles: Add chili oil, Sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Protein boost: Toss in shrimp, chicken, tofu, or beef.
- Vegetable noodles: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a spoonful of butter or peanut butter for extra richness.
- Lemon-garlic flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles instead of wheat noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as noodles can become mushy.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or butter to restore texture.
- Tip: For the best flavor, reheat gently to avoid drying out the noodles.
FAQs
1. What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Egg noodles, ramen, spaghetti, or even udon noodles all work great.
2. Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Yes—substitute hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce, though oyster sauce adds the best umami flavor.
3. How can I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetarian oyster sauce or omit it altogether.
4. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter adds richness and depth to the flavor.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili oil, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—try mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, or shredded carrots for color and nutrition.
7. Why are my noodles sticking together?
Make sure to toss them with the sauce immediately after cooking, and add a little oil or noodle water if needed.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double the ingredients and use a large wok or skillet to ensure even coating.
9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and toss it with noodles just before serving.
10. What proteins pair well with Asian Garlic Noodles?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or even a fried egg on top are excellent choices.
Conclusion
Asian Garlic Noodles are a simple yet luxurious dish packed with flavor and versatility. With a buttery garlic base and layers of umami from soy and oyster sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in minutes. Whether you serve it as a side or main dish, these noodles are sure to satisfy every craving for something quick, savory, and comforting.
PrintAsian Garlic Noodles
Asian Garlic Noodles are a quick and flavorful noodle dish featuring a rich, buttery garlic sauce infused with soy, oyster, and sesame flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes, these noodles are deeply savory, slightly sweet, and endlessly versatile—perfect as a main or side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, ramen, or egg noodles)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, chili flakes, grated parmesan
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve a few tablespoons of cooking water.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of noodle water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any type of noodles—spaghetti, ramen, or egg noodles all work.
- Oyster sauce gives the best umami flavor, but hoisin or soy sauce can substitute.
- Add chili oil or Sriracha for spice.
- Toss in protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or butter for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg