These Asian Garlic Noodles are tasty, simple, and surprisingly quick to make! They mix garlic and soy sauce in a delicious way that gives the noodles a flavor that’s hard to resist.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip this up for a weeknight dinner. I sometimes toss in extra veggies or a protein to make it a full meal. It’s a family favorite at our house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Asian egg noodles are fantastic for this dish, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti works in a pinch. I usually prefer egg noodles for that lovely texture. Choosing the right noodle can make a huge difference!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here! Use as many cloves as you like for that strong garlic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is always better for taste.
Sauces: Soy sauce brings a salty depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is great if you’re watching your salt. If you can’t find oyster sauce, try mushroom sauce for a vegan option. Hoisin adds sweetness; you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet dish.
Sugar: Brown sugar or honey can sweeten the sauce, but maple syrup is a nice alternative if you’re looking for something different or have dietary restrictions.
How Do I Get the Garlic Just Right?
Sautéing garlic can be tricky since it burns easily. Here’s how to do it without turning it bitter:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning. Keep an eye on it, and stir constantly.
- Cook until it’s fragrant and lightly golden—about 1-2 minutes is all you need!
- If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat immediately.
Getting that perfect garlic flavor is essential to this dish, so don’t rush this step!
How Do I Ensure My Noodles Are Coated Perfectly?
To get those flavorful sauces on every noodle, follow these steps:
- Start by adding the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sautéed garlic, allowing them to soak up that warm garlic oil.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together gently but thoroughly.
- Cook for a few minutes more to let the noodles absorb the flavors—this is where the magic happens!
These tips will help you enjoy every bite of your Asian Garlic Noodles!
How to Make Asian Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Noodles:
- 8 oz Asian egg noodles (or spaghetti)
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, for a mild kick)
- For the Garnish:
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes around 20 minutes total—about 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking! You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are just al dente. Drain the noodles well and rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later.
2. Make the Sauce:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely, then set the sauce aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as this will make it bitter!
4. Combine Noodles and Garlic:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them to coat well in the garlic oil.
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the noodles and toss everything together until all the noodles are evenly coated. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to let the flavors combine.
6. Finish with Green Onions:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in most of the sliced green onions, saving some for garnish. This adds freshness and crunch to your dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Asian Garlic Noodles are ready! Serve them immediately, garnished with the reserved green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and cilantro leaves if you like. Enjoy your flavorful, garlicky noodles!
This recipe is not only quick to make, but it’s also versatile—add your favorite protein or vegetables to make it a complete meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While Asian egg noodles are traditional, you can use spaghetti or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you’d like to skip oyster sauce, try using mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version. Soy sauce can also work, but you might want to increase the depth with a touch more brown sugar to balance the flavor.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can cook the noodles and make the sauce ahead of time! Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat and combine them, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Add to Make This a Complete Meal?
Adding proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu can make this dish heartier. You can also toss in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor!