If you need a quick dinner that’s rich, savory, and completely irresistible, these garlic noodles are about to become your new favorite.
Inspired by a beloved family recipe, these noodles are tossed in a bold garlic butter sauce made with pantry staples like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. The result is a glossy, umami-packed bowl of noodles that tastes like something from your favorite takeout spot—but comes together right at home in just 25 minutes.
They’re simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet flavorful enough to steal the spotlight on the dinner table.
💛 Why You’ll Love These Garlic Noodles
- ⚡ Ready in 25 minutes
- 🧄 Loaded with rich garlic flavor
- 🍜 Chewy, glossy, and satisfying
- 🛒 Made with simple pantry ingredients
- 🍗 Perfect as a side or main dish
🧾 Ingredients
For the noodles:
- 12 oz dried chow mein noodles or other long noodles
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and white pepper, to taste
For the garlic noodle sauce:
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 2 tsp light brown sugar
- 1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/4 tsp MSG
👩🍳 How to Make Garlic Noodles
1. Boil the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Cook the noodles until al dente, tender but still slightly chewy.
Reserve 1 cup of the noodle water, then drain and rinse the noodles with cold water.
Toss them with sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauces, fish sauce, brown sugar, chili flakes, white pepper, and MSG.
Set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic
In a large wok or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the sliced green onions and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked noodles and prepared sauce to the skillet.
Toss well until every strand is evenly coated.
If the noodles seem dry or sticky, add a splash of the reserved noodle water until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.
5. Serve
Serve immediately, topped with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
🔥 Tips for the Best Garlic Noodles
- Use chow mein noodles if possible for the best chewy texture
- Don’t let the garlic burn—cook it just until golden
- Dark soy sauce adds deeper color and richer flavor
- Save the noodle water to loosen and emulsify the sauce
- Toss quickly once the sauce hits the pan for the best texture
🍽️ What to Serve with Garlic Noodles
These noodles pair perfectly with:
- Teriyaki chicken
- Crispy tofu
- Beef stir fry
- Garlic shrimp
- Sweet and sour pork
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables
They also make a great simple main dish all on their own.
🔄 Easy Variations
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based oyster sauce and skip the fish sauce or replace it with extra soy sauce
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and mushroom-based oyster sauce
- Spicier: Add extra chili flakes or chili oil
- More protein: Toss in chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled eggs
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4–6