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Ultimate 30-Minute Restaurant-Style Garlic Noodles

A close-up of a serving of saucy, thick garlic noodles topped with green onions and crispy fried bits.
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Make the best Garlic Noodles faster than takeout. This recipe delivers rich, savory, umami flavor using garlic, butter, and Asian sauces, perfect as a quick side or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried noodles (egg noodles or spaghetti work well)
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 20 cloves fresh garlic, minced (use 20 cloves of garlic for best flavor)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for deeper umami)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for Garlic Parmesan Noodles)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for Spicy Garlic Noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  2. While the noodles cook, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
  5. If you want spicy garlic noodles, add the red pepper flakes now. If you want Garlic Parmesan Noodles, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce.
  6. Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.
  7. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing constantly until you reach a glossy, sticky consistency that clings to the noodles.
  8. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh green onions. This makes a great weeknight noodle dinner or simple side dish.

Notes

  • For a main dish, toss in cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or sliced steak during the final step when coating the noodles.
  • To achieve a truly sticky garlic sauce, make sure you use the reserved starchy noodle water; it helps emulsify the sauce.
  • If you prefer a less intense garlic flavor, reduce the garlic to 10-12 cloves, but remember, 20 cloves of garlic is the minimum for restaurant quality.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/garlic-noodles-30-minute-restaurant-style/