Introduction

Garlic Noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender noodles with a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe uses pantry staples to create a savory, comforting meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

The image shows a black bowl filled with three main parts layered side by side: light yellow cooked noodles mixed with small green onion pieces in the front and right, bright green cooked broccolini at the back, and a sunny-side-up egg on the left with a white edge and a runny, vibrant orange yolk topped with black sesame seeds. Dark brown chopsticks are picking up some noodles from the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

140g (5oz) dried ramen or noodle cakes (2 cakes)
30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (6 cloves) garlic, finely minced
2 tsp oyster sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce can be used)
2 tsp fish sauce (soy sauce as a substitute)
1 1/2 tsp Maggi seasoning (soy sauce as a substitute)
1/4 cup noodle cooking water (more if needed)
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan (freshly grated)
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced (~1 stem)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles in a large saucepan according to the package directions. Before draining, scoop out approximately 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, Maggi seasoning, and 1/4 cup of the reserved noodle cooking water. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Add the cooked noodles, grated Parmesan, and sliced green onion to the saucepan. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and there is no excess sauce pooling at the bottom. If the noodles seem dry, add additional cooking water one tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve the garlic noodles immediately for the best taste and texture.
Step 6: For a complete meal, try adding a fried egg and broccolini cooked with the noodles. Toss broccolini with Asian Sesame Dressing for an extra flavor boost. Broccolini takes about 3 minutes to cook, so add it to the boiling water accordingly depending on your noodle’s cooking time.

Tips & Variations

Use vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce substitutions to keep this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for more protein.
Fresh garlic is key—mince it finely to maximize its flavor impact.
If you prefer a cheesier flavor, add extra Parmesan or mix in Pecorino Romano.
Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing the salty, umami flavors with a splash of lime juice for brightness.

Storage

Store leftover garlic noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. For best results, avoid reheating in the microwave, which may cause the noodles to dry out.

How to Serve

The image shows a black bowl filled with a mound of thick yellow noodles mixed with a creamy, light-colored sauce that clings to the strands. The noodles are garnished with bright green chopped scallions scattered lightly on top. Two dark wooden chopsticks are placed inside the bowl on the left side, partially inserted into the noodles. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute ramen noodles with other thin noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the noodle type.

Is it necessary to use Maggi seasoning?

Maggi seasoning adds a distinct umami flavor but can be substituted with extra soy sauce or omitted if unavailable. The dish will still be tasty with the other sauces.