Garlic Noodles a Weeknight Wonder

Easy Garlic Noodles Recipe Ready in 25 Minutes

By Taylor KimSeptember 17, 2025Updated: September 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge? I know I do! Craving something comforting, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? That's where this garlic noodles recipe comes in.

Quick Hook

Want a flavour explosion in every bite? These buttery garlic noodles are your answer. Simple, quick, and utterly delicious. This dish will become a staple in your household.

Brief Overview

These Asian inspired noodles have roots in Chinese American cuisine. They are all about simple ingredients packing a huge flavour punch. This is an easy garlic noodles recipe.

It takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The recipe makes enough for 4 servings. Perfect for a weeknight meal.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this dish? It's packed with flavor but not packed with unhealthy additives. Garlic is also amazing for boosting your immune system.

These are the perfect noodles to serve for a quick weeknight dinner. Honestly, what makes this simple garlic noodle recipe special is how easy it is.

And how darn good it tastes.

Ready to get cooking? Let's gather the ingredients. You'll need noodles, butter, garlic (lots of it!), soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and chives.

Make sure you have it ready. You can also go crazy and make a spicy garlic noodles recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Garlic Noodles Recipe

So, fancy whipping up some easy garlic noodles ? You've come to the right place. This garlic noodles recipe is so simple, even I, a self confessed kitchen klutz, can nail it! Plus, it's quicker than ordering a takeaway, making it perfect for those hectic weeknight dinner recipes .

Main Ingredients for Your Garlic Noodles

Noodles: 1 lb (450g) dried spaghetti or linguine. Honestly, whatever you have in the cupboard works.
Water: 4 quarts (4 liters) . Just enough to cover your noodles, yeah?
Salt: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Don't skimp. Salty water = tasty noodles.
Butter: 6 tablespoons (90ml) unsalted. Real butter is best, trust me.
Garlic: 8 cloves , minced (about 2 tablespoons ). Don't be shy with the garlic!
Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) low sodium preferred. Cuts down on the salt a bit, innit?
Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This is what gives it that Asian inspired noodles vibe.
Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Just a touch of sweetness, mind.
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . A little goes a long way with this stuff.
Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional). For that spicy garlic noodles recipe kick.
Chives or green onions: 2 tablespoons (30ml) finely chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy, innit?

Quality indicators? For the garlic, go for plump, firm bulbs. No green shoots. The butter? Proper butter, not that spreadable stuff. It makes a big difference in this buttery garlic noodles recipe.

Seasoning Secrets

This garlic noodles with oyster sauce are all about that umami flavor. The oyster sauce and soy sauce combo is key. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Don’t skip it!

Spice it up with red pepper flakes. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of sriracha. If you don't have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce is a decent substitute.

For a garlic noodles vegetarian option, use mushroom based oyster sauce.

Essential Equipment for Your Noodle Adventure

Large pot: For boiling the noodles, obviously.
Colander: To drain the noodles. Don’t overcook them!
Large skillet or wok: This is where the magic happens!
Garlic press (optional): Saves your fingers. But mincing with a knife works fine too.

Don't have a wok? No worries! A large frying pan will do the trick. We're aiming for quick noodle recipes here, not perfection! This simple garlic noodle recipe can be made with items you likely already have!

Mastering the Garlic Noodle Recipe: From Zero to Hero

Honestly, who doesn't love a good bowl of easy garlic noodles ? It's like, the ultimate comfort food, right? I remember the first time I tried making them.

It was a disaster! Burnt garlic, sticky noodles… you name it, I messed it up. But hey, we all start somewhere.

Now, it's one of my go-to weeknight dinner recipes .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your stuff together. We’re talking proper mise en place . Mince your 8 cloves garlic , measure out your soy sauce (1/4 cup) , oyster sauce (2 tablespoons) , brown sugar (1 tablespoon) .

Have your 1 lb spaghetti ready to roll. Trust me, this makes all the difference. No one wants burnt garlic while they’re fumbling for soy sauce.

Safety first: keep a watchful eye on the hob.

Garlic Noodles: The Super Easy step-by-step

Okay, let's get cooking! This simple garlic noodle recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Get your pasta going. Boil 4 quarts water with 2 tablespoons salt . Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente . Don't forget to save 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water! It's liquid gold!
Now for the magic. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a pan over medium heat. Add that lovely minced garlic. Sauté for 1- 2 minutes until it's fragrant and lightly golden. Do not burn it! Seriously, burnt garlic is the enemy.
Sauce time! Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil (1 teaspoon) and optional red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon) . Cook for a minute until the sugar dissolves.
Noodles meet sauce! Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce, using that reserved pasta water to make it all glossy and delicious.
Serve it up! Garnish with chopped chives or green onions (2 tablespoons) . Ta-da! You've got Asian inspired noodles !

Level Up Your Noodle Game: Pro Tips

Want to take your buttery garlic noodles to the next level? Try these little tricks. First, always reserve the pasta water: the extra starch binds the sauce and noodles perfectly! Don't overcrowd the pan when you’re sautéing the garlic.

Give it some space to brown evenly. And lastly, taste as you go! Add more soy sauce for salt, or brown sugar for sweetness.

You could even make this a spicy garlic noodles recipe by adding extra red pepper flakes.

What's more, this delicious bowl of homemade garlic noodles it's perfect served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal!

Recipe Notes for the Best Garlic Noodles Recipe Ever!

Right, so you’ve got the lowdown on my killer garlic noodles recipe . But before you whip up a batch, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make sure yours are totally banging.

Honestly, these tips are game changers.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Noodle Game

Okay, so presentation is key, right? Pile those easy garlic noodles high on a plate. A sprinkle of extra chives? Yes, please! Try serving these noodles alongside some grilled chicken.

Fish works a treat too. Steamed broccoli is always a winner to add some greens. For drinks, think a crisp, cold beer or even an iced tea.

These Asian inspired noodles deserve the best.

Storage Tips: Keep Those Noodles Fresh

If you happen to have any leftover buttery garlic noodles (unlikely, I know!), pop them in an airtight container. Stick 'em in the fridge.

They'll be good for about 3 days. Freezing isn’t really recommended. Noodles can get a bit mushy. When you're reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a stir fry in a pan with a splash of water works a treat.

Variations: Get Creative with Your Noodles!

Fancy a bit of a twist? Here are some ideas. To make these garlic noodles vegetarian , just swap the oyster sauce for hoisin sauce.

No worries, it'll still be delicious. For a spicy kick, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Honestly, you could throw in some chopped veggies like mushrooms or peppers.

Make it your own.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of What You Fancy Does You Good

Each serving of these homemade garlic noodles is estimated to have around 450 calories. There’s about 15g of protein and 20g of fat.

Carbs come in at about 55g. Sodium can vary but it is estimated to be between 800-1200mg. Remember, these are just estimates.

This dish is packed with flavour and satisfaction. Plus, it's super quick and easy to make. A great weeknight dinner recipes winner!

So there you have it. Now go forth and create the most awesome simple garlic noodle recipe ever. Trust me, everyone will be begging for more, especially after trying this spicy garlic noodles recipe .

You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this garlic noodles recipe ahead of time?

While these garlic noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely prep some elements in advance. Cook the noodles and store them separately, and prepare the sauce; then combine when you're ready to eat.

Bear in mind that the noodles might soak up the sauce as they sit, so you may need to add a splash of pasta water when reheating. Not ideal, but in a pinch, it'll do!

What can I substitute for oyster sauce in the garlic noodles recipe?

No oyster sauce, no worries! Hoisin sauce makes a fantastic substitute and will give you a similar umami flavour. If you're after a vegetarian or vegan option, look for a vegetarian mushroom based "oyster sauce" at Asian grocery stores, or use an equal amount of hoisin sauce with a pinch of sugar for sweetness.

Just remember to adjust the taste to your liking!

How do I store leftover garlic noodles?

Pop any leftover garlic noodles into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water (or even better, reserved pasta water if you have it!) to loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out.

You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.

I'm not a fan of spice. Can I make this garlic noodles recipe without the red pepper flakes?

Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are completely optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder flavour. You'll still get all the delicious garlicky goodness without any of the heat.

If you want just a hint of something extra, a tiny pinch of white pepper can add a subtle warmth without being overtly spicy. Think of it as a gentle hug, not a fiery kick!

What kind of noodles work best for this garlic noodles recipe?

Spaghetti or linguine are classic choices that work beautifully with this garlic noodle recipe. Their long strands soak up the sauce perfectly, creating a delightful slurp worthy experience. However, you could also experiment with other types of noodles like udon or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!

Are there any healthy variations I can make to this garlic noodles recipe?

Sure! To lighten things up, swap some of the butter for olive oil or use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Load up on veggies by adding some steamed broccoli, spinach, or snap peas to the dish. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce to lower the sodium content. It's all about balance, innit?