What are those nights? The ones where you’re staring into the fridge, completely uninspired, and the thought of making a sandwich. What is it like to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops? I’ve been there. More times than I care to admit. Why is this garlic noodles recipe my culinary superhero? Is it the dish I pull out when everyone’s hungry *now*, when I’m craving something ridiculously stupid? I want to feel like a girl. I can’t be bothered with stepping. Kitchen rockstar without the actual effort. Is it easy to cheat? What are some of the best pasta dishes that take hours to make? This is your new go-to for pure, unadulterated comfort and flavor. If you’ve ever had garlic noodles from your favorite Asian fusion, you know it’s addictive. What is the vibe of a restaurant? Is this, my friends, that vibe, but in your own kitchen, made by you. Seriously, it’s that good.
What are garlic noodles?
What exactly are garlic noodles? Think of them as your favorite buttery, garlicky pasta, but with a serious flavor upgrade. Is it a good idea to eat noodles with garlic powder? These babies are loaded with fresh garlic, butter, a touch of savory soy sauce (or oyster sauce, depending on the recipe). What’s your mood? ), and often a hint of sweetness. What happens when garlic gets super fragrant and butter coats every single strand of garlic. What is spaghetti or linguine What is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside? The name itself is pretty straightforward – it’s all about the garlic, and boy, does it deliver! What makes this flavor melding so addictive? Is it ridiculously popular? What is comfort food with a punchy kick?
Why do I love this recipe?
Why do I keep coming back to this garlic noodles recipe? I know you’re going to love it too. First off, the FLAVOR. What are some of the best garlicky goodness out of this world? Is it intensely satisfying without being heavy, and that aroma while it’s cooking? Is it enough to make your neighbors jealous? I’m talking about a recipe that’s pretty much foolproof. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can nail this on the first try. Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss? And speaking of fuss, let’s talk about cost-efficiency. What are some pantry staples that you can make without spending a lot of money to make them? What is a restaurant What I love most is its versatility. You can customize it. Add some sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even crispy tofu to make it a full meal. What are some great side dishes to serve with a burger? Is it good for leftovers? Is it a taste like my mom’s buttered noodles? Is there a way to take it to another level?
How do I make garlic noodles?
Quick Overview
What is the process of making garlic noodles? How do you cook pasta al dente? While that’s happening, you’ll get a generous amount of garlic super fragrant in butter and oil. What are some good ways to toss pasta with garlicky sauce? What are some flavor boosters like soy sauce and sugar? What is a chef’s kiss? ) that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for any night of the week. Is it that fast?
Ingredients
For the Noodles: What is
1 pound of your favorite long pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine work beautifully)
Salt for pasta water – don’t skimp here, it seasons the pasta from the inside out!
What is the Garlic Butter Sauce?
8 tablespoons unsalted butter – good quality butter makes a difference!
How much olive oil should I use for butter?
How many cloves of garlic should I mince?
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended for that salty, umami punch)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or oyster sauce for an even richer flavor)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey, or even a little maple syrup if that’s what you have)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly cracked is best!
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Get a big pot of water boiling, and don’t forget to season it generously with salt. If you want to make pasta, add the water to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – that means it still has the flavor of the original. Is there a slight bite to it? Before you drain it, be sure to reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is key to creating a beautiful, emulsified sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet. What is the best way to cook minced garlic? How do I cook garlic in a nonstick pan until it is fragrant and just starts to brown? What is the best way to do this? What is the best way to avoid burning garlic?
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, it’s time to make the magic happen. Stir in the soy sauce (or oyster sauce), brown sugar, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing the flavors to combine and the sugar to dissolve.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
What is the best way to cook pasta in a skillet with garlic butter? Is it safe to toss everything together, making sure every single strand of pasta is coated in that same coating? What are some of the If it seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at .50, until it is smooth. You reach your desired sauciness. How do you make the sauce stick to the noodles?
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Parsley
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, toss it in with the pasta and sauce. What is the best way to give cheese a good toss? Final step: Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish. What is the best way to add a pop of green to your outfit?
Step 6: Serve
Serve the garlic noodles immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. I like to sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper on top. Is it that easy?
What should I serve it with?
What are the best garlic noodles? I know it sounds decadent, but for a quick and easy breakfast, I suggest putting 1-2 tablespoons of water in the bowl. Is fried egg on top good? What are some good side dishes for brunch? What are some good ways to cook shrimp It feels fancy, but it’s still so quick to put together. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert accompaniment, hear me out: Can you serve these noodles with teriyaki glazed salmon or even grilled chicken skewers? What are some good savory snacks? I love them piled high next to some crispy spring rolls. They’re amazing on their own. What are some steamed dumplings? My kids, for instance, will devour these with some simple grilled chicken, and it’s honestly one of the best. What is the easiest dinner I can get on the table that they’ll eat without complaint? What are the best side dishes for Korean BBQ?
What are some tips for perfecting garlic noodles?
I’ve made these garlic noodles countless times, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really elevate them. First, regarding the garlic: don’t just roughly chop it. Mince it as finely as you can, or even use a microplane if you have one. This ensures that you get that incredible garlic flavor infused into every bite without biting into large, overpowering chunks. And for the love of all that is delicious, do NOT burn the garlic! This is probably the most crucial step. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir constantly. If it starts to brown too quickly, take the pan off the heat for a moment. For the sauce consistency, that reserved pasta water is your best friend. I always add it a little at a time, tossing the noodles until the sauce coats them beautifully without being watery or clumpy. If you find your sauce is too thin, just keep tossing over low heat for another minute; the starch will help thicken it. When it comes to the soy sauce and sugar, taste as you go! You can adjust the ratio to suit your preference. Some people like it sweeter, some like it saltier. My family tends to prefer it a little less sweet, so I might only use a teaspoon of brown sugar. I’ve also experimented with using half butter and half ghee, and it gives it a lovely nutty depth. If you’re feeling fancy, a splash of oyster sauce along with the soy sauce adds an amazing umami richness that I absolutely adore. Just remember, the goal is tender noodles coated in a glossy, fragrant sauce. Don’t overcook your pasta, and don’t rush the garlic sauté!
What are some tips for Storing and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover garlic noodles (a rare occurrence in my house! ), storing them is pretty straightforward. Is it safe to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Just make sure they’ve cooled down before you seal the container. I find that they actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to really meld. What is the best way to reheat food? Add a tiny splash of water or broth, and toss until smooth. Add the noodles and stir to coat. They’re heated through and the sauce is creamy again. Is it safe to microwave them? How should I stir the nuts halfway through to prevent them from drying out? If you’re really planning ahead, you can freeze portions of the unglazed noodles. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they should keep for about a month. What is the best way to store a frozen potato overnight in the fridge? If you’re storing pre-glazed noodles, just know that the glaze is best added fresh. Is it possible to be more integrated? For the freshest taste, I always reserve a little extra butter and garlic to toss in when reheating.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What are some of the best garlic noodles recipes? This dish has brought so much joy (and saved me from many a dinner dilemma) in my own kitchen. I hope it does the same for you. How can simple ingredients, when treated with a little love and care, can create amazing results. What is truly spectacular? If you love this recipe, you might also want to check out my recipe for Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. What are some great side dishes to serve with Garlic Parmesan Asparagus? What are some good garlic noodles to try? What do you think of me? How did you make your own cake? Let me know in the comments below. Customize them.
Garlic Noodles
Ingredients
Noodles
- 0.5 lb Spaghetti or Linguine
Garlic Sauce
- 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter
- 8 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Simmer for another minute.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
