What is my go-to dinner when I’m craving something comforting? What are some of the best flavors to try? What are Garlic Noodles? Is it really a buttered noodles? Imagine this luscious garlicky sauce clinging to every strand. Think cacio e pepe, but with an Asian-inspired twist. When was the last time I ordered takeout?What are some garlic noodles recipes?What are some of the easiest recipes to whip up?

What is garlic noodles?

Garlic Noodles, at its heart, is a simple dish: noodles tossed in a sauce primarily flavored with – you guessed it – garlic! But it’s so much more than just that. Think of it as a blank canvas for deliciousness. It’s essentially perfectly cooked noodles coated in a savory, slightly sweet, intensely aromatic sauce. The sauce usually consists of garlic (obviously!), soy sauce, oyster sauce (though sometimes I skip this for a vegetarian version), butter (because butter makes everything better!), and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors. The beauty of this What are some garlic noodles recipes?What is its adaptability? Can you add veggies to the sauce?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start?What are some garlic noodles recipes?Is a lifesaver on busy weeknights? I mean, seriously, from start to finish, it’s ready in under 20 minutes. What I love about this is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of savory soy sauce, the pungent garlic, and the richness of the butter is just right. Is it one of those dishes where you keep going back for more even when you’re already full? What are some of the best things about a car? What are some pantry staples that I almost always have on hand? What are some of the best things about a Can you serve it as a side dish, or make it complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, and other ingredients? Is there a recipe for stir-fried vegetables I’ve thrown in some leftover roasted broccoli and it was amazing. I love a fancy, complicated recipe every now and then, this one is just pure, simple. Honestly, my kids request this at least once a week, and I’m always happy to oblige. Is this a family favorite?

How do I make garlic noodles?

Quick Overview

How do you make garlic noodles? I usually use spaghetti or linguine. I start by cooking my favorite noodles. While noodles are cooking, you’ll whip up the garlic sauce in a pan. Once the noodles are done, toss them in the sauce until they’re perfectly coated and serve. Is it really that easy?What are some garlic noodles recipes?No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it the perfect quick and delicious. What is the best meal for any night of the week? What is the best way to avoid burning garlic?

Ingredients

For the Garlic Noodles: What is the

• 1 pound spaghetti or linguine (or your favorite noodles)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

How do I follow

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This is liquid gold – you might need it to adjust the sauce consistency later!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter. Nobody wants bitter garlic noodles!

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and sesame oil to a large skillet. Stir to combine. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for another minute or two, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 4: Toss the Noodles

Drain the noodles and add them directly to the skillet with the garlic sauce. How do you coat noodles with sauce? If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best garlic noodles?What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?I often serve them with grilled chicken or shrimp. What is a complete meal in under 30 minutes?As a Side Dish:They pair perfectly with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. What are some great ways to add flavor to veggies?What is a vegetarian meal?Tofu is always a great addition to any dish! I like to pan fry or bake it until it’s crispy and then toss it with the noodles. Is it healthy to add edamame to your diet?For a Crowd: This What are some garlic noodles recipes?Can be doubled or tripled, making it perfect for potlucks or parties. Just make sure you have a big enough skillet!

What are some tips for perfecting garlic noodles?

Okay, so I’ve made this. Is it aWhat is garlic noodles recipe? more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for perfect garlic noodles every time:

Garlic is Key: Use fresh garlic and mince it finely. Pre-minced garlic just doesn’t have the same flavor. And remember, don’t burn it! Cook it over medium heat and keep a close eye on it.

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: This is a game-changer! The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the noodles.

Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sugar to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Use Your Favorite Noodles: I usually use spaghetti or linguine, but you can use any type of noodle you like. Even ramen noodles would work!

Add Some Protein: Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or any other protein you enjoy.

Get Creative with Veggies: This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or stir-fried bell peppers would all be delicious additions.

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente noodles are the way to go! They should be firm to the bite and not mushy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover garlic noodles (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer Instructions: While you can technically freeze them, I don’t recommend it as the noodles can become mushy when thawed. If you do freeze them, make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave them for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent them from drying out.
If freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This will help retain the moisture in the noodles and prevent them from becoming too dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles (I like brown rice noodles) and tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that tastes very similar. Just make sure to check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the oyster sauce. You can substitute it with a little extra soy sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative. To make it vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute and omit the oyster sauce (or use a vegan oyster sauce substitute).

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or any other protein would be a delicious addition. You can add the protein directly to the skillet with the noodles and sauce. I find that around 1 cup of cubed or sliced protein works well.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle with some sriracha or chili oil before serving. I personally like to add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for a nice kick.

Can I use a different type of oil?

While I recommend sesame oil for its unique flavor, you can substitute it with another neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil if needed. However, the sesame oil really adds a lot to the flavor profile of the garlic noodles!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My go-to garlic noodles recipe that never fails to deliver. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor – what more could you ask for? Seriously, I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good from the inside out. It’s a huge hit with both kids and adults, and it’s perfect for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking anything complicated. If you enjoy this, you might also like my sesame noodles or my spicy peanut noodles – both are equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!