Name: Garlic Noodles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, egg noodles, ramen, etc.); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp brown sugar or granulated sugar; 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional); 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish); Red pepper flakes or black pepper (optional, for heat)

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Garlic Noodles are a quick, buttery, umami-packed dish that I turn to whenever I’m craving something simple yet deeply satisfying. Made with tender noodles tossed in a savory garlic sauce, this dish hits all the right notes—salty, slightly sweet, rich, and full of bold garlic flavor. Whether I eat them on their own or pair them with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, they always come out delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and foolproof this recipe is—it’s ready in 20 minutes or less and uses pantry staples I almost always have on hand. The sauce is incredibly flavorful, thanks to a combination of garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, and the noodles soak it up perfectly. It’s a great base for adding proteins or veggies, but honestly, I could eat a bowl of these all by themselves.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Noodles (spaghetti, ramen, egg noodles, or any long noodle of choice)
Unsalted butter
Garlic, finely minced
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce (for richness and depth)
Brown sugar or granulated sugar
Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory finish)
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes or black pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

I start by boiling the noodles according to package instructions, then draining and setting them aside.
In a large skillet or pan, I melt the butter over medium heat.
I add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant—careful not to burn it.
I stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, mixing until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined.
I toss the cooked noodles into the skillet and stir until they’re evenly coated with the sauce.
I serve them warm, garnished with green onions, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some spice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2–3 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: Around 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu to make it a full meal.
For an extra umami boost, I mix in a dash of fish sauce or a bit of sesame oil at the end.
I’ve also stirred in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy to add vegetables.
When I want it creamier, I add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
Swapping out soy sauce for tamari makes it gluten-free.

storage/reheating

I store leftover garlic noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works, but I stir halfway through to ensure they heat evenly.

FAQs

What noodles work best for garlic noodles?

I usually use spaghetti or egg noodles, but any long noodle will work—ramen, linguine, or even soba are great options.

Can I make this without oyster sauce?

Yes, I’ve used hoisin sauce or soy sauce alone in a pinch. The flavor is slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. I use plant-based butter and substitute oyster sauce with a vegan alternative or mushroom sauce.

Is it supposed to be spicy?

Not by default, but I often add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat if I’m in the mood.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double the sauce ingredients if I’m making a larger batch to ensure the noodles are fully coated and flavorful.

Conclusion

Garlic Noodles are one of those dishes that prove simple really is best. I love how they deliver big flavor with minimal effort and how easy they are to adapt depending on what I’m craving. Whether I’m serving them as a side or making them the star of the meal, these noodles are always a hit—and they never last long at my table.

Garlic Noodles

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Garlic Noodles are a quick, buttery, umami-packed dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a savory garlic sauce. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 20 minutes, these noodles are rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect as a main or side dish.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings
Category: Main Course, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

8 oz noodles (spaghetti, egg noodles, ramen, etc.)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp brown sugar or granulated sugar
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes or black pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar until well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Serve warm, topped with parmesan, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.