There’s something magical about a plate of garlic noodles. It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful, rich yet balanced, and most importantly, quick and easy to make. If you’ve ever visited Thanh Long or Crustacean in San Francisco, you’ve probably heard of their famous garlic noodles—tender strands of pasta coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce with umami-packed Asian seasonings. This recipe is my take on that legendary dish, but with a few tweaks to make it more beginner-friendly. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or just someone who wants a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, these garlic noodles are the perfect solution.
PrintGarlic Noodles – The Ultimate 20-Minute Comfort Meal
Meet your new favorite Garlic Noodles—rich, buttery, garlicky, and ready in just 20 minutes! This easy-to-make dish is packed with deep umami flavors that will have you coming back for more. Perfect as a standalone meal or a tasty side, these noodles pair beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe guarantees big flavors with minimal effort!
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- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 20 oz (570g) yellow noodles – These are the slightly chewy, egg-based noodles commonly used in Asian cooking. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine.
Garlic Sauce:
- 1 stick unsalted butter – This provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with olive oil or vegan butter.
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced, or more to taste) – Fresh garlic is best for the most intense flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
- 1 tablespoon Maggi seasoning sauce – This is a secret ingredient that adds a deep umami taste. If unavailable, substitute with soy sauce plus a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds a hint of sweetness and richness. For a vegetarian version, use mushroom stir-fry sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – Provides depth and a slightly salty, briny flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use light soy sauce instead.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Balances the salty and umami flavors. You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese – While not traditional in Asian cuisine, it adds a delightful umami touch. You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles
- Rinse the yellow noodles under running water to remove excess oil. Drain and set aside. If using dried pasta like spaghetti, simply skip this step.
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the noodles. Cook until al dente (tender but still slightly firm to the bite). This usually takes 2–4 minutes for yellow noodles and 8–10 minutes for pasta.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside. Do not overcook, as they will become mushy once mixed with the sauce.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce
- Heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat.
- Add butter and let it melt slowly. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Maggi seasoning sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Toss the Noodles
- Transfer the cooked noodles to a large bowl or directly into the pan with the sauce.
- Toss well to ensure every strand is coated in the rich, garlicky sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles and toss again.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Preventing Overcooked Noodles
- Always cook the noodles slightly underdone (al dente) since they’ll continue to absorb sauce.
- Rinse cooked noodles under cold water if not using them right away to prevent sticking.
Making the Best Garlic Sauce
- Use low heat when cooking the garlic to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- If you love garlic, add extra minced garlic or even roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
How to Adjust the Flavor
- If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar.
- If it’s too sweet, add a bit more fish sauce or Maggi seasoning.
- If you prefer it spicier, toss in red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
Protein Additions
- Chicken – Sauté sliced chicken breast or thigh in the same pan before making the garlic sauce.
- Shrimp – Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink, then mix with the noodles.
- Tofu – Use firm tofu and pan-fry until golden before tossing with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish comes together in 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal. The secret lies in the garlic butter sauce, a rich combination of melted butter, minced garlic, and a blend of Asian seasonings that coat the noodles beautifully. Unlike regular buttered noodles, this version boasts deep umami notes thanks to oyster sauce, fish sauce, and Maggi seasoning—a trio of ingredients that elevate the dish to restaurant-quality levels.
Another great thing about garlic noodles is their versatility. They can be served as a simple main course, paired with proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef, or used as a delicious side dish for Asian-inspired meals. And because this recipe requires minimal cooking skills, it’s perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress without stress.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
- Minimal Ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this dish.
- Quick and Easy – The entire recipe takes just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- No Fancy Techniques – If you can boil noodles and stir a sauce, you can make this dish.
- Customizable – You can easily adjust the flavors to your liking or add proteins like chicken or shrimp.
- Crowd-Pleaser – It’s a dish that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Noodles:
- 20 oz (570g) yellow noodles – These are the slightly chewy, egg-based noodles commonly used in Asian cooking. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine.
Garlic Sauce:
- 1 stick unsalted butter – This provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with olive oil or vegan butter.
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced, or more to taste) – Fresh garlic is best for the most intense flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
- 1 tablespoon Maggi seasoning sauce – This is a secret ingredient that adds a deep umami taste. If unavailable, substitute with soy sauce plus a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds a hint of sweetness and richness. For a vegetarian version, use mushroom stir-fry sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – Provides depth and a slightly salty, briny flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use light soy sauce instead.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Balances the salty and umami flavors. You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese – While not traditional in Asian cuisine, it adds a delightful umami touch. You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles
- Rinse the yellow noodles under running water to remove excess oil. Drain and set aside. If using dried pasta like spaghetti, simply skip this step.
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the noodles. Cook until al dente (tender but still slightly firm to the bite). This usually takes 2–4 minutes for yellow noodles and 8–10 minutes for pasta.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside. Do not overcook, as they will become mushy once mixed with the sauce.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce
- Heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat.
- Add butter and let it melt slowly. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Maggi seasoning sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Toss the Noodles
- Transfer the cooked noodles to a large bowl or directly into the pan with the sauce.
- Toss well to ensure every strand is coated in the rich, garlicky sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles and toss again.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.
Beginner Tips and Notes
Preventing Overcooked Noodles
- Always cook the noodles slightly underdone (al dente) since they’ll continue to absorb sauce.
- Rinse cooked noodles under cold water if not using them right away to prevent sticking.
Making the Best Garlic Sauce
- Use low heat when cooking the garlic to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- If you love garlic, add extra minced garlic or even roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
How to Adjust the Flavor
- If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar.
- If it’s too sweet, add a bit more fish sauce or Maggi seasoning.
- If you prefer it spicier, toss in red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
Protein Additions
- Chicken – Sauté sliced chicken breast or thigh in the same pan before making the garlic sauce.
- Shrimp – Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink, then mix with the noodles.
- Tofu – Use firm tofu and pan-fry until golden before tossing with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic noodles are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- Grilled Chicken – A simple grilled or pan-seared chicken breast makes this a complete meal.
- Beef Stir-Fry – Thinly sliced beef in a light soy-based sauce complements these noodles perfectly.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus for added nutrition.
- Eggs – A soft-boiled or fried egg on top adds richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate – Store leftover noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or butter to refresh the sauce.
- Freeze – While not ideal, you can freeze the noodles for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen with a bit of added moisture.
Conclusion
These garlic noodles prove that a simple, quick dish can still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for an easy dinner or a seasoned home chef searching for a go-to comfort meal, this recipe delivers. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables to make it uniquely yours. Give it a try tonight, and let me know how it turns out in the comments!