Oh, garlic noodles! They’re a delightful whirlwind of flavor that can turn any ordinary day into something special. I just love how simple they are to whip up, yet they pack such an incredible punch of taste! I remember the first time I made them; I was in college, craving something comforting but quick. I threw together some spaghetti and garlic, and boom—magic happened! The aroma that filled my tiny kitchen was enough to make my roommates jealous. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll never look at pasta the same way again. It’s the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you just want a delicious bowl of goodness without all the fuss!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
How to Prepare Garlic Noodles
Cooking the Spaghetti
First things first, let’s get that spaghetti cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—trust me, this is key for flavor. Once it’s bubbling away, add in 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Once done, drain the spaghetti, but don’t rinse it. We want to keep that lovely starch, which helps the sauce stick later. Set it aside while we work our magic on the garlic!
Sautéing the Garlic
In a large pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As it starts to foam, add in the minced garlic—oh, the smell is going to be heavenly! Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it’s golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic is not what we want! The moment you smell that aroma wafting through your kitchen, you know you’re on the right track!
Combining Ingredients
Now, let’s bring everything together! Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce into the pan with the garlic. Give it a gentle stir to combine and let it simmer for about a minute. Then, toss in your cooked spaghetti, and here’s where the fun begins! Use tongs or a fork to toss the noodles into the buttery garlic sauce, ensuring every strand is lovingly coated. It’s such a satisfying sight, trust me!
Finishing Touches
Finally, drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the noodles and sprinkle in the sliced green onions. Give it one last toss to mix everything together. Serve these garlic noodles warm, and watch how they disappear from the plate in no time! They’re not just a meal; they’re a hug in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Full of flavor with the perfect balance of garlic and savory sauces.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
- Versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Great as a main dish or as a side to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
Tips for Success
To make your garlic noodles truly shine, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of garlic—if you love that punchy flavor, go for more! On the flip side, if you prefer a milder taste, just scale it back a bit. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free noodles; they’ll work just as well. Also, keep an eye on the heat while sautéing the garlic; you want it golden, not burnt. Lastly, feel free to customize your dish by tossing in some veggies like snap peas or bell peppers—they add a lovely crunch and color!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to garlic noodles, they’re not only delicious but also surprisingly balanced! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, as well as the portion sizes. So, feel free to adjust as needed to fit your dietary preferences or goals!
FAQ Section
Can I add protein to my garlic noodles? Absolutely! Garlic noodles are super versatile. You can toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a hearty twist. Just add them in when you’re combining the ingredients to ensure they get coated in that delicious sauce!
Can I make garlic noodles ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just prepare the noodles and sauce separately, and combine them when you’re ready to eat. This way, you’ll keep everything fresh and tasty.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I use a different type of pasta? For sure! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use any pasta you love, like fettuccine or even rice noodles for a different texture!
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Definitely! The mild flavors of garlic noodles are usually a hit with kids. You can even let them help toss in the green onions for a little fun in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover garlic noodles are super easy to store! Just place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy them again without any fuss. When you’re ready to reheat, simply add the noodles to a pan over low heat. I like to add a splash of water or broth to keep them nice and moist while reheating. Stir occasionally until they’re warmed through, and voilà! You’ve got a delicious meal ready to go. Just be sure not to overheat them, or they might end up a little sticky. Enjoy every last bite!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in learning more about the versatility of noodles, visit this Serious Eats guide.
Print
Garlic Noodles: 5 Steps to a Flavorful Delight!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish made with pasta and garlic.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the pan.
- Toss to combine and coat noodles.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and add green onions.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust garlic amount to taste.
- Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: garlic noodles, pasta, garlic, quick meal
