Garlic Noodles Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender angel hair pasta with a rich, garlicky sauce. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a tasty side, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients to create comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter (dairy free butter recommended)
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, and sliced green onions. Mix well to combine the sauce.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and add the drained pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles with the garlic sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Swap angel hair pasta for thin spaghetti or rice noodles for a different texture.
- Use regular butter if dairy is not a concern; it adds a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Storage
Store any leftover garlic noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to restore moisture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make garlic noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare garlic noodles ahead and refrigerate them. Reheat carefully on the stove adding a bit of pasta water or oil to keep the noodles from drying out.
Is vegetarian oyster sauce necessary?
Vegetarian oyster sauce adds depth and umami but is optional. You can omit it or substitute with mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce if preferred.
PrintGarlic Noodles Recipe
Garlic Noodles is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring angel hair pasta tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce enhanced with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect as a quick meal or side, this recipe combines bold flavors with a simple cooking technique.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons dairy-free butter
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later. Set the pasta aside.
- Prepare Garlic Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the dairy-free butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned, enhancing the sauce’s aroma.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the low sodium soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, and sliced green onions. Mix well to combine all flavors into a cohesive sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta in the garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking water gradually to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Once the pasta is nicely coated and the sauce adjusted, serve the garlic noodles hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make this dish vegan, ensure the butter substitute is plant-based and use vegetarian oyster sauce or omit it entirely.
- You can customize the heat level by adding crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic saute step.
- For a protein boost, consider adding tofu or cooked shrimp alongside the noodles.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free pasta.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to help the sauce adhere better to the noodles and adjust the sauce’s thickness.
Keywords: garlic noodles, angel hair pasta, vegetarian garlic noodles, easy pasta recipe, Asian pasta dish
