These Asian Garlic Noodles are quick, tasty, and full of flavor! With garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sesame, they make a great side dish or a light meal.
Who knew noodles could be so easy to whip up? I love tossing in some veggies or chicken to make it a complete dish. Simple and yummy—what’s not to love? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Thin egg noodles or spaghetti work best in this recipe. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try rice noodles! They give a nice texture and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh is always better for aroma and taste.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for that salty kick. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari. For extra sweetness, hoisin sauce is great; skip it if you’re watching your sugar.
Chili Flakes: These add heat, but you can always adjust the amount or leave them out. For milder flavor, a drizzle of sesame oil adds depth without heat.
How Do I Get the Garlic Just Right?
Cooking garlic correctly gives rich flavor, but it can burn easily! Watch closely while sautéing. Here are some tips:
- Heat oil in the skillet first before adding garlic.
- Cook on medium heat for a short time—around 1-2 minutes—until fragrant and lightly golden.
- If you notice it starting to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to prevent burning.
Perfect garlic takes practice—don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfect the first time; you’ll get it!
How to Make Asian Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) noodles (thin egg noodles or spaghetti)
For The Sauce and Cooking:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or chili oil (optional, for heat)
For Garnishing:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and preparing the sauce and then just about 5-10 minutes for sautéing and combining everything. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles as per the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once they’re ready, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them from getting mushy. Toss with a little oil and set aside to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and turns golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
3. Prepare the Sauce:
While the garlic cooks, mix up your sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), sugar, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. This tasty combination will add great flavor to your noodles.
4. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
Take the cooked noodles and add them to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the sauce mixture over the top. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Final Touches:
Stir half of the sliced green onions into the noodles and season with freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference. This adds a fresh and zesty flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot as a delightful side dish or even as a light meal. Enjoy your flavorful Asian Garlic Noodles!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While thin egg noodles or spaghetti are ideal, you can also use rice noodles, udon, or even whole grain pasta. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you love spice, feel free to add more chili flakes or a splash of chili oil. Conversely, if you prefer a milder version, leave out the chili altogether or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the oyster sauce with more soy sauce or using a vegan oyster sauce alternative, which is widely available in stores. This way, you can enjoy the dish without animal products!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out.