Oh my goodness, let me tell you about garlic noodles! They’re one of those dishes that are not only super quick to whip up but also pack an incredible punch of flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds. I first stumbled upon this gem during a late-night craving, and now I can’t imagine my weeknight dinners without them! The buttery garlic aroma wafting through the kitchen is like a warm hug, and honestly, it’s just so satisfying to toss everything together in one skillet. Trust me, once you try these garlic noodles, you’ll be hooked! They’re the perfect blend of simplicity and taste, making them a go-to meal for busy days or when you just want something hearty and comforting without all the fuss.
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti – I love using thin spaghetti for its perfect bite, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape!
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – This is where the magic begins! Butter adds richness and flavor.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – Seriously, don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the star of the show and gives that irresistible aroma.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – This adds a savory depth that elevates the dish to another level.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce – Just a little bit goes a long way in enhancing the umami flavor.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – For that fresh crunch and a pop of color, plus they taste amazing!
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – A dash of pepper adds a nice kick to balance the buttery goodness.
How to Prepare Garlic Noodles
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delicious garlic noodles! It’s all about keeping things simple yet so flavorful. I promise you, once you follow these steps, you’ll be savoring every bite in no time!
Step 1: Cooking the Spaghetti
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. You want it bubbling like it’s excited to cook your pasta! Add in 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once it’s cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander, but don’t rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling. Set it aside while we work on the garlic sauce.
Step 2: Sautéing the Garlic
Now, grab a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Just let it melt and bubble away—oh, that smell is heavenly! Once the butter is melted, add in the minced garlic (6 cloves, remember) and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. You’re looking for that magical fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen—just don’t let it brown too much, or it’ll turn bitter! Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Next up, stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce into the skillet. Give it a good mix to combine everything beautifully. Now, here’s the fun part: add your cooked spaghetti right into the skillet! Toss it all together so that every strand is coated in that luscious buttery garlic sauce. It should look glossy and delicious!
Step 4: Final Touches
Almost there! Now, sprinkle in the chopped green onions (1/4 cup) and a dash of black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) for that extra zing. Toss everything together again, making sure those noodles are well mixed and the flavors are evenly distributed. This is the time to really get in there and make sure every bite will be bursting with flavor. Serve those garlic noodles hot, and watch everyone dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with rich, buttery garlic flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Customizable! You can easily add your favorite protein like shrimp or chicken.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so it fits a wide range of diets.
- Perfect as a main dish or as a side to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
- One skillet means less mess and easier cleanup—score!
- Great for meal prepping; you can enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to make sure your garlic noodles turn out absolutely perfect every time! You’ll be a noodle master in no time.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add more than the 6 cloves! But if you’re not as wild about it, start with 4 cloves and see how you like it. You can always add more later!
- Protein Boost: Want to make it a heartier meal? Toss in some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken during the final mixing stage. It adds flavor and makes it feel more like a complete dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra layer of freshness. Just chop them up and sprinkle on top right before serving.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can really elevate the dish! Just sprinkle some in when you’re sautéing the garlic.
- Leftover Magic: These garlic noodles make amazing leftovers! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you reheat them, a splash of water can help bring back that saucy goodness.
- Garnish Right: Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions or even some toasted sesame seeds for that restaurant-style finish!
With these tips, your garlic noodles will be a hit every time! Enjoy experimenting and making them your own.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up a delicious batch of garlic noodles, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to create a truly memorable meal! Trust me, these noodles are so versatile, and they can complement a variety of dishes beautifully.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots adds a fresh crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich garlic flavors.
- Grilled Protein: Whether it’s grilled shrimp, chicken, or beef, a simple protein on the side will round out your plate. I love marinating my protein in a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for an extra flavor boost!
- Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies or shrimp make for a delightful appetizer that complements the noodles nicely.
- Asian Salad: A crisp salad with sesame dressing and crunchy toppings like peanuts or crispy noodles can be a refreshing contrast to your garlic noodles.
- Egg Drop Soup: For a comforting meal, serve a warm bowl of egg drop soup on the side. It’s simple, soothing, and pairs beautifully with the noodles.
- Kimchi: If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of tangy kimchi can bring a zesty kick that enhances the garlic flavors and adds a fun twist!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your cravings! Each pairing will enhance the experience and make your garlic noodles shine even brighter on the table. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of garlic noodles and have some leftovers? No problem! Storing and reheating them properly is key to keeping that amazing flavor intact.
First off, let the garlic noodles cool completely before you store them. This helps prevent condensation from making them soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they don’t hold onto odors, but any airtight container will do!
You can store your garlic noodles in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you know you won’t eat them within that time, consider freezing them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for about a month. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Now, onto reheating! If you’re using leftovers from the fridge, you can simply pop them in the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep things moist, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until they’re heated through.
If you’re reheating from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge first, then follow the same microwave method. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a tiny bit of butter or oil to the pan, toss in the noodles, and stir until warmed. This method really helps revive that fresh, buttery flavor!
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your garlic noodles just as much the next day (or the day after that!). Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying garlic noodles, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown based on a serving size of one portion:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 8g
This quick and satisfying dish is not only delicious but also offers a decent amount of protein and carbs to keep you energized. Enjoy your garlic noodles guilt-free, knowing they’ve got a nice balance of flavors and nutrients!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love spaghetti for this recipe, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Fettuccine, linguine, or even rice noodles work wonderfully!
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can simply skip it or substitute it with a bit more soy sauce. Some people also like to use hoisin sauce for a different flavor twist.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. You’ll still get that delicious garlic flavor without the gluten.
How can I add more veggies?
Great question! You can toss in some cooked broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas during the last minute of cooking the spaghetti. They’ll add color, crunch, and nutrition!
Can I make garlic noodles ahead of time?
For sure! You can prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them covered at room temperature. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat garlic noodles?
The microwave works, but I prefer reheating in a skillet with a little butter or oil. It helps keep them from drying out and brings back that fresh flavor!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and omit the oyster sauce or use a vegan version. You’ll still have a tasty dish!
What kind of protein pairs well with garlic noodles?
Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all fantastic choices! You can add them in during the final mixing stage for a complete meal.

Garlic Noodles: 20 Minutes to Irresistible Comfort
- Całkowity Czas: 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Garlic noodles are a quick and flavorful dish made with simple ingredients.
Składniki
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instrukcje
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Mix in green onions and black pepper.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Adjust garlic according to your taste.
- Can add protein like shrimp or chicken.
- Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Sauté
- Kuchnia: Asian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 9g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: garlic noodles, quick recipes, pasta dishes