Garlic Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, buttery garlic flavor
• Quick and easy to make
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect as a main dish or side
• Packed with savory umami flavor
• Family-friendly and satisfying
• Easily customizable with proteins and vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Noodles

• 12 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles
• Water for cooking
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the Garlic Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Finishing

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
6. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper.
7. Cook for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
8. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet.
9. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the sauce.
10. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
11. Remove the skillet from the heat.
12. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
13. Garnish with green onions and parsley if desired.
14. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Shrimp Garlic Noodles: Top with sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
• Chicken Garlic Noodles: Add sliced grilled chicken breast.
• Spicy Garlic Noodles: Include chili crisp or red pepper flakes.
• Mushroom Garlic Noodles: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the fish sauce and substitute vegetarian oyster sauce.
• Extra Cheesy Noodles: Increase the Parmesan cheese for a richer dish.
• Vegetable Garlic Noodles: Add broccoli, spinach, bok choy, or snap peas.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the noodles may change after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

What are Garlic Noodles?

Garlic Noodles are a buttery noodle dish flavored with garlic, soy sauce, and Parmesan cheese, often associated with Vietnamese-American cuisine.

What type of noodles work best?

Spaghetti, linguine, egg noodles, and even ramen noodles work well in this recipe.

Why use both soy sauce and fish sauce?

Together they create a deeper, more complex umami flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the fish sauce and use vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce.

Is Parmesan cheese traditional?

Parmesan is a signature ingredient in many Vietnamese-American garlic noodle recipes and adds richness and depth.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, or scallops are all excellent additions.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook it over medium heat and stir frequently. Burnt garlic can become bitter.

Can I make the dish spicy?

Yes. Add chili flakes, chili oil, or chili crisp to increase the heat.

What should I serve with Garlic Noodles?

Grilled shrimp, steak, roasted vegetables, Asian-inspired salads, or seafood pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well for quick meals.

Conclusion

Garlic Noodles are a rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. With buttery garlic sauce, umami-packed seasonings, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite. Whether served as a main course or alongside your favorite protein, Garlic Noodles are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Garlic Noodles

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Garlic Noodles are a rich and savory Vietnamese-American inspired pasta dish featuring tender noodles coated in a buttery garlic sauce with deep umami flavor. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this quick recipe is perfect as a main course or side dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vietnamese-American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles
• Water for cooking
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
6. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper.
7. Cook for about 1 minute to blend the flavors.
8. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet.
9. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the sauce.
10. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
11. Remove the skillet from the heat.
12. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated.
13. Garnish with green onions and parsley if desired.
14. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness from browning.
• Top with shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, or scallops for added protein.
• Add chili crisp or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Vegetarian versions can use vegetarian oyster sauce and omit fish sauce.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of water.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg