These Asian Garlic Noodles are a quick and tasty dish that packs a punch! With garlicky goodness and a hint of soy sauce, they’re sure to delight your taste buds.
I love how simple it is to whip these up in just minutes. Perfect for when you’re craving something comforting and flavorful. Plus, you can add veggies or protein for a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Asian-style egg noodles bring a great texture, but if you can’t find them, thin spaghetti works just as well. For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that bold flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better. I’d suggest sticking with fresh for the best taste!
Oils: While vegetable oil is great, sesame oil adds a unique depth. If you don’t have sesame oil, just stick to vegetable oil, or try olive oil for a slightly different profile.
Sauces: Oyster sauce adds richness, but if you’re vegetarian or don’t have it, you can skip it or try mushroom sauce instead. Hoisin sauce brings sweetness; substitute it with more brown sugar or even maple syrup if needed.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds warmth, but if you’re out, honey or even coconut sugar are good alternatives. Adjust the amount based on your sweet preference!
How Do I Safely Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic takes just a couple of minutes, and timing is everything! Follow these tips to keep your garlic perfectly golden without burning:
- Always use medium heat; high heat can scorch garlic quickly.
- Add the minced garlic once the oil is hot but not smoking—wait about 30 seconds after heating the oil.
- Stir regularly, watching it closely. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat immediately.
- Remove it promptly when fragrant (about 1-2 minutes) to stop cooking, as residual heat can continue to cook it.
With these tips, you’ll get fragrant, caramelized garlic every time! Enjoy the burst of flavor in your dish!
How to Make Asian Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) Asian-style egg noodles or thin spaghetti
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes or to taste
For the Garnish:
- 2 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (black and/or white)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave something delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Asian-style egg noodles (or spaghetti) and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil or sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the minced garlic. Sauté gently, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
3. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat slightly and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce (if using), and brown sugar or honey to the skillet with the garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 1 minute to combine all the flavors.
4. Combine with Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles into the skillet. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated in the garlic sauce. Make sure every noodle gets that yummy flavor!
5. Add Spice:
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the chili flakes to taste. Toss the noodles again to mix through the chili flakes.
6. Finish with Scallions:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced scallions for a fresh crunch. These add a great flavor and color to the dish!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Asian Garlic Noodles hot! To finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and add fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Enjoy with a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of brightness, if you like!
And there you have it! A simple, flavorful dish that you can enjoy as a main course or a side. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While Asian-style egg noodles or thin spaghetti work best, you can also use rice noodles or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of noodle you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make your Asian Garlic Noodles vegetarian, simply omit the oyster sauce. You can substitute it with mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
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 over low heat, adding a splash of water or a little oil to prevent sticking.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your noodles by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just sauté them with the garlic in step 2 until they’re tender before adding the sauce!
