If you’re dreaming of bold, garlicky, umami-packed comfort food on a tight time limit, these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles absolutely deliver. With a glossy, savoury sauce, tender noodles, and an irresistible aroma, this speedy dish comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh touches—perfect for last-minute dinners, midnight cravings, or anytime you crave cozy flavor in record time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Bomb: These 15 Minute Garlic Noodles bring intense garlicky goodness, a touch of heat, and a beautifully balanced umami sauce that feels restaurant-worthy.
- Faster Than Takeout: No waiting for delivery—dinner slides onto your table before you can even dial your favorite spot.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can use any noodle you have, adjust the spice, or toss in a few veggies—these noodles love to play along with your cravings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They taste just as good (if not better) the next day, making weekday lunches something to truly look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of essentials makes these garlic noodles shine! Each ingredient brings a specific magic to the bowl—from the deep savoriness of soy to the bright zing of garlic—coming together for a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Classic spaghetti holds the sauce perfectly, but feel free to grab any noodle you like—ramen, rice noodles, or even linguine work beautifully.
- Butter or vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the garlic become golden and fragrant—choose butter for creaminess, or oil to keep things dairy-free.
- Garlic (6 cloves, finely chopped): The star of the show! Use fresh cloves for the boldest, sweetest flavor.
- Scallions (chopped): Bring a fresh, mild onion bite that brightens every bite.
- Soy sauce (1–2 tbsp): Gives salty depth and pulls the whole dish together—light or regular soy sauce both work.
- Sesame oil (3 tsp): Adds incredible aroma and a slightly nutty background flavor—don’t skip!
- Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): Packs in bold, savory-sweet umami; vegetarian versions work just as well.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the savory notes with just the right touch of sweetness; swap for maple syrup or agave if preferred.
- Sriracha (2 tsp): For gentle, adjustable chili warmth—add more or less to your heat preference.
- Sesame seeds & chili flakes (optional): A finishing sprinkle for crunch and a spark of extra color and heat.
Variations
What I love most about 15 Minute Garlic Noodles is how easy it is to riff and reinvent to suit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever’s lurking in the fridge. Feel free to put your own spin on this classic—here are some ideas to get you started!
- Swap the Noodles: Try rice noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Boost with Protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, quick-seared shrimp, tofu, or a fried egg on top for extra oomph.
- Loaded Veggie Style: Add stir-fried bok choy, mushrooms, snap peas, or bell peppers for irresistible crunch and color.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter, vegetarian oyster sauce, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
How to Make 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your spaghetti (or chosen noodles) according to the package directions. You want them tender but with a touch of chew—don’t overcook! Drain and set aside, reserving just a splash of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Scallions
While the pasta cooks, heat the butter or oil in a wide skillet. Once melted, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chopped garlic and most of the scallions, stirring often, and cook for 2-3 minutes until wildly fragrant and just starting to turn golden—don’t let that garlic burn!
Step 3: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. This savory-sweet, slightly spicy blend is your secret weapon for irresistible noodles every time.
Step 4: Toss and Finish
Tip the drained noodles straight into the skillet, pour over the stir-fry sauce, and toss everything together with tongs. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to every strand. Cook for just a minute to combine and coat—then pile onto plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds, chili flakes, and remaining scallions, and dig in while hot!
Pro Tips for Making 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
- Garlic Timing: Let garlic sizzle just until golden and aromatic—resist the urge to rush or crank up the heat, as burnt garlic will turn the whole dish bitter.
- Sauce Synergy: Whisk the sauce ingredients together before adding, so every noodles strand gets evenly coated with that irresistible sweet-spicy flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: A splash of the starchy water helps bring everything together and keeps your noodles glossy instead of sticky.
- Finish Fast: Once the noodles hit the skillet, don’t overcook—just toss to coat so they stay perfectly springy and soak up the sauce.
How to Serve 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Garnishes
Top your hot noodles with a finishing sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, extra scallion tops, and—if you love a little kick—a dusting of chili flakes. Even a squeeze of fresh lime or a dash of crispy fried shallots takes it over-the-top.
Side Dishes
Pair your 15 Minute Garlic Noodles with quick-steamed broccoli, roasted bok choy, or a crunchy Asian slaw for a well-rounded meal. For extra indulgence, serve alongside dumplings, grilled shrimp, or marinated tofu cubes.
Creative Ways to Present
Swirl noodles into twirly nests on each plate, tuck a jammy egg on the side, or serve in a big bowl family-style topped with all your favorite garnishes. For a fun dinner-party twist, let everyone choose their own toppings at a noodle bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop leftover garlic noodles into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days—the flavors even deepen as they sit, making leftovers something to truly look forward to!
Freezing
While these noodles are best fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze them in a pinch. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months; just keep in mind the texture may soften slightly once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the noodles into a skillet with a splash of water or extra soy sauce and toss gently until steaming. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is hot and glossy again.
FAQs
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Can I use a different noodle instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! Spaghetti works well, but rice noodles, ramen, soba, udon, or even spiralized veggie noodles are all delicious with the stir-fry sauce—just keep an eye on cooking times and adjust for texture.
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Is there a gluten-free option for 15 Minute Garlic Noodles?
Yes—just swap in your favorite gluten-free noodles (brown rice or chickpea varieties work well) and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, plus a gluten-free oyster sauce if needed.
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How spicy are these garlic noodles?
The heat is totally customizable! Start with less sriracha if you prefer a milder dish, or add more chili flakes for serious spice lovers.
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Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely—just cook in batches if your skillet is on the small side. 15 Minute Garlic Noodles hold up beautifully for several days, making them a stellar choice for packed lunches or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a lightning-fast recipe that satisfies with every steamy, garlicky noodle twirl, 15 Minute Garlic Noodles are your new weeknight hero. I hope you give this one a try soon—it’s pure comfort, speedy enough for any day, and absolutely delicious every single time!
Print
15 Minute Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 15 Minute Garlic Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a delicious stir-fry sauce, fragrant garlic, and scallions, these noodles are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz spaghetti (can sub any noodles you like)
- 2 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped
- sesame seeds & chili flakes to 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 (can sub agave or maple syrup)
- 2 tsp sriracha
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Sauté garlic and scallions: In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and scallions, cook until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
- Add spaghetti and sauce: Combine cooked spaghetti and stir-fry sauce, mix well.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally top with sesame seeds and chili flakes before serving.
Notes
- If using spaghetti, salt the pasta water for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
