Garlic Noodles

Short description

A simple yet indulgent noodle dish featuring spaghetti tossed in buttery, garlicky sauce sweetened with brown sugar and brightened with soy sauce—finished with creamy Parmesan and optional heat from red pepper flakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick satisfaction: Ready in just ~20 minutes, fast enough for weeknights.
• Flavor-packed: A powerhouse of garlic, butter, soy, brown sugar, and Parmesan—for umami bliss
• Affordable comfort: Pantry-friendly ingredients come together in a rich dish without the fuss.
• Versatile: Easily bulked up with shrimp, chicken, tofu, or extra veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
3. Add soy sauce and brown sugar; stir until dissolved and sauce simmers
4. Add the spaghetti and some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce; toss to coat.
5. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes until noodles are glossy and evenly coated .
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: ~5 minutes
• Cook time: ~15 minutes
• Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

• With proteins: Stir in shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Extra umami: Fold in 1 Tbsp oyster sauce or fish sauce
• Spicy twist: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
• Veggie boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Gluten-free: Swap in rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days; sauce may thicken—add a splash of water or broth when reheating
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a little water or microwave briefly until hot.

FAQs

1. What makes garlic noodles different?

Originating in San Francisco (Thanh Long restaurant, 1975), they combine garlic, butter, oyster/soy sauce, and Parmesan—a fusion of Asian and Italian flavors

2. Can I reuse fresh pasta water?

Yes! The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce and coat noodles evenly .

3. How to avoid burning garlic?

Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds; just before adding soy sauce to avoid bitterness

4. Can I omit Parmesan?

Skip it for a lighter, dairy-free version—but note the creamy texture and nutty umami will be reduced.

5. What’s the best noodle?

Spaghetti works well; Chinese egg noodles or Asian rice noodles (pad Thai style) also pair wonderfully

6. Is this vegetarian?

Yes—if you don’t add fish sauce or oyster sauce. Vegan oyster sauce works too .

7. Can I meal prep this?

Yes—noodles can be stored for 2–3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce .

8. How caloric is it?

About 450–600 cal per serving, depending on pasta amount—rich in carbs and fats, with moderate protein .

9. Can I add fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Parsley or scallions add brightness and color.

10. Is fish sauce necessary?

It’s optional but adds depth—sub with extra soy or Worcestershire sauce if preferred

Conclusion

Garlic Noodles are a timeless, flavorful fusion dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet rich enough to impress. With garlic, butter, umami sauces, and Parmesan, they deliver satisfying comfort in under 20 minutes. Customize with proteins, vegetables, or heat, and store leftovers for effortless reheats. Try this dish tonight and enjoy its irresistible, savory appeal!

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