If you’ve ever craved a lightning-fast dinner that’s positively bursting with flavor, 15 Minute Garlic Noodles will absolutely win you over. Imagine glossy, garlicky noodles tossed in a savory-sweet stir-fry sauce—ready before you can even finish setting the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Fast: From start to finish, you’re eating in just 15 minutes flat—even on your busiest nights.
- Unreal Garlicky Flavor: It’s a garlicky, umami-packed explosion thanks to sautéed garlic, scallions, and a punchy stir-fry sauce.
- Customizable for Everyone: Use any noodles you want and scale up the heat, sweetness, or saltiness to match your cravings.
- Delicious, Hot or Cold: These noodles are just as tasty reheated or straight from the fridge for a midnight snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list of what you need for 15 Minute Garlic Noodles is short and sweet, but every ingredient truly plays a role. Each bite is layered with savory, garlicky, slightly sweet notes—the secret is using simple staples in a bold way!
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Any long noodle works, but classic spaghetti soaks up sauce wonderfully. Try rice noodles or udon for a twist!
- Butter or Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): Butter offers richness, while oil keeps it vegan and lighter. Both make the garlic sing.
- Garlic (6 cloves, finely chopped): The star of the show! Chop fresh for maximum aroma—pre-minced just won’t deliver the magic.
- Scallions (chopped): These add a pop of freshness and mild onion flavor to balance the savory sauce.
- Sesame Seeds & Chili Flakes: Totally optional, but they make a game-changing garnish with crunch and subtle heat.
- Soy Sauce (1–2 tbsp): Brings salty, savory depth and seasons the noodles perfectly.
- Sesame Oil (3 tsp): Nutty, aromatic, and an absolute must for that classic “takeout” flavor.
- Oyster Sauce (2 tbsp): Thick, glossy, and umami-packed, or sub with vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Offers a hint of sweetness to balance the salty-spicy flavors; agave or maple syrup both work, too.
- Sriracha (2 tsp): Adds a gentle kick—a totally adjustable dose based on your spice tolerance.
Variations
15 Minute Garlic Noodles are infinitely versatile, so don’t hesitate to make them your own! Whether you need to swap an ingredient, avoid allergens, or dial up the veggies, these noodles are just asking for a personal touch.
- Swap the Protein: Stir in cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles and be sure to grab tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add snap peas, julienned carrots, or baby spinach for color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Skip the Heat: Leave out sriracha and chili flakes for a completely mild, kid-friendly batch.
How to Make 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, drop in the spaghetti (or your favorite noodle), and cook it just until al dente. The salted water is key—it seasons the noodles from the inside out and sets the stage for all those bold flavors to come!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter or heat oil in a skillet over medium-low. Stir in the finely chopped garlic and scallions, letting them sizzle gently until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point, I promise!
Step 3: Toss Noodles with Sauce
Drain the noodles and add them right to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. Toss everything well so the noodles are glossy and evenly coated. You’re looking for that irresistible sheen!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chili flakes if you like a little heat and crunch. Serve piping hot and enjoy—this entire dish goes from stovetop to meal in a blink!
Pro Tips for Making 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
- Salt Your Pasta Water Like the Sea: This is your only chance to infuse the noodles themselves with flavor—you’ll notice the difference.
- Low & Slow Garlic: Let the garlic cook gently on medium-low so it blooms with flavor but never browns, which can make it bitter.
- Stir-Fry Sauce, All at Once: Add all sauce ingredients together for an even, silky coating—no need for multiple steps!
- Finish with a Splash of Noodle Water: If the noodles look dry, just add a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking water—it brings the whole dish together.
How to Serve 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Garnishes
To really make these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles pop, add a final sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or scallions. A dusting of chili flakes brightens up the dish and signals that this is no boring bowl of plain pasta. Freshly ground black pepper adds an unexpected depth, too!
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a simple plate of sautéed bok choy, crisp cucumber salad, or even grilled chicken skewers. These noodles also make an amazing partner for dumplings or a light broth-based soup if you’re setting up an Asian-inspired dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the noodles high in a big serving bowl and let everyone serve themselves family-style—it invites seconds! Or, twirl small nests with a fork for elegant single portions. For parties, try topping each portion with a jammy soft-boiled egg or letting guests add their own toppings from a “noodle bar.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover 15 Minute Garlic Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge and they’ll stay fabulous for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit—and the noodles never get gluey!
Freezing
While you can freeze garlic noodles, the texture of the pasta may become much softer upon thawing. If you do freeze, use freezer-friendly containers and consume within one month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat noodles in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen everything up, tossing gently until warmed through. The microwave works too (use medium power), just heat in short intervals and fluff the noodles between blasts to keep them perfectly tender.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of noodle for 15 Minute Garlic Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this recipe is delicious with rice noodles, ramen, soba, or even flat egg noodles. Just adjust the cooking time to suit the type you choose.
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Is there a vegan version of these noodles?
Yes—just use vegetable oil instead of butter and swap the oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative. Maple syrup or agave work in place of honey for a plant-based option.
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How do I make the noodles less spicy?
Simply leave out or reduce the sriracha and skip the chili flakes on top. You’ll still get tons of flavor from the garlic and sauces, minus the heat.
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Can I double the 15 Minute Garlic Noodles recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a very large skillet or wok, and cook the noodles in batches if needed. Mix the sauce separately to ensure even coating, and keep everything ready so you can combine it all at the end.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate quick-fix comfort food that’s practically guaranteed to become a weeknight hero! I can’t wait for you to whip up these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles and see how something so fast can taste so homey, bold, and utterly crave-worthy. Give them a try tonight—you deserve a dinner win!
Print
15-Minute Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 15 Minute Garlic Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of garlic, scallions, and a savory stir-fry sauce makes for a delicious meal that can be easily customized with your favorite noodles.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz spaghetti (or preferred noodles)
- 2 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Sesame seeds & chili flakes for garnish (optional)
Stir-fry sauce
- 1–2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- 1 tbsp honey (or agave/maple syrup)
- 2 tsp sriracha
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Sauté garlic and scallions: In a skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and scallions, cook until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
- Add spaghetti and sauce: Combine cooked spaghetti with stir-fry sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Top with sesame seeds, chili flakes if desired, and serve.
Notes
- If using spaghetti, remember to salt the pasta water for flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
