We all have those nights—when you open the fridge, stare into it like something exciting is gonna appear, and then just want something that hits the spot without a ton of effort. That’s when I make these garlic noodles. They’re buttery, savory, and rich with garlic in all the best ways. It’s one of those “how is this so good with so few ingredients?” kind of recipes.
They come together in 15 minutes, and every bite tastes like you put in way more effort than you did.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s fast, it’s comforting, and it’s way more flavorful than you’d expect from such a short list of ingredients. The noodles are slicked in a buttery garlic sauce with a deep umami hit thanks to oyster sauce and a touch of soy. You can eat them as-is or dress them up with shrimp, chicken, mushrooms—whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients (Not Everything, Just a Peek)
You’ll need spaghetti or another long noodle, garlic (a lot), unsalted butter, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. There’s also the option of tossing in green onions or chili flakes. The full list of ingredients is down in the recipe card.
Directions
Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your noodles in salted water until they’re just al dente. You want them to have a little bite since they’ll soak up some of the sauce.
Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Melt your butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add your minced garlic (and I mean lots of garlic) and cook it gently—don’t rush it or you’ll risk burning. You want it golden and fragrant, not brown and bitter.
Add the Sauces
Once the garlic is ready, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Let it bubble for just a second to thicken slightly and meld together.
Toss in the Noodles
Drain your noodles and toss them straight into the pan. Use tongs to coat everything evenly in that glossy, savory garlic sauce. Add a splash of the pasta water if it feels too dry.
Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of parmesan (if you want a fusion-y twist), or chili flakes for a little heat. Serve hot and try not to eat the whole pan straight from the stove.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Don’t skimp on the garlic. It’s the whole point here. And make sure to cook it low and slow—burnt garlic can turn bitter fast. You can also add a touch of sesame oil for a nutty layer of flavor at the end.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
No oyster sauce? Try fish sauce or a combo of hoisin and soy. Want to add protein? Shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or tofu all work beautifully. For greens, throw in spinach or baby bok choy right at the end. You can also use rice noodles or udon instead of spaghetti.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These garlic noodles are perfect on their own for a quick lunch or lazy dinner, but they also make a great base for stir-fries or grilled meats. Serve with pan-seared shrimp, teriyaki chicken, or even a fried egg on top. For a little crunch, a side of cucumber salad or roasted broccoli works perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm in a pan with a splash of water or butter to loosen it up. Microwave works too, but stovetop keeps the texture better.
FAQs
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter and swap the oyster sauce for mushroom soy sauce or hoisin.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
I wouldn’t. Freshly minced garlic gives way more flavor, and this dish really depends on it.
What kind of noodles work best?
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, ramen noodles, or even rice noodles will all work.
Can I make this spicy?
Definitely—add chili flakes to the garlic while cooking or drizzle with chili oil at the end.
Conclusion
These garlic noodles are the easiest little flavor bomb you can make with pantry staples. It’s the kind of dish you’ll turn to again and again—whether you’re cooking for one or looking for a quick side to round out dinner. Honestly, I’d eat this straight from the pan standing at the stove (and I have).
PrintThe Addictive Garlic Noodles I Make When I Don’t Know What to Cook
These garlic noodles come together in just 15 minutes, but each bite tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Buttery, savory, and rich with garlic, they’re perfect for those nights when you just want something simple yet incredibly satisfying. A touch of soy and oyster sauce adds depth, and a sprinkle of green onions or chili flakes can take it to the next level.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or other long noodles
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Optional: Green onions, chili flakes, parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles in salted water until just al dente, then drain.
- Sauté the Garlic: Melt butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently until golden and fragrant.
- Add the Sauces: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Let it bubble for a moment to thicken slightly.
- Toss in the Noodles: Add the drained noodles and toss in the sauce to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of parmesan, or chili flakes for a little heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skimp on garlic—it’s the star of the dish!
- Cook garlic low and slow to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Add sesame oil for extra flavor if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg