Let’s talk about weeknight dinner magic: 15 Minute Garlic Noodles! This is one of those wondrous recipes that practically leaps from stove to table in a flash, bursting with garlicky goodness and umami depth. Minimal prep, max flavor—and yes, you’ll be swooning after the first twirl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: Dinner hits the table in 15 minutes—faster than you can get takeout delivered!
- Major Flavor Payoff: A handful of pantry staples transforms into seriously savory, craveable noodles.
- Customizable and Flexible: The foundation is so simple, you can add veggies, protein, or make it totally plant-based with a few swaps.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: 15 Minute Garlic Noodles please picky eaters and spice-lovers alike—just adjust the sriracha to taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of 15 Minute Garlic Noodles is how you pull together a wildly flavorful dish from just a few everyday ingredients! Each element brings something special—pasta soaks up the garlicky, umami-packed sauce, while scallions add freshness and a little crunch.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): The classic base, but honestly, any noodle works—rice noodles, ramen, or soba, whatever’s in your pantry!
- Butter or Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): Kickstarts the sauce and gives the noodles that silky, luscious finish.
- Garlic (6 cloves, finely chopped): The real superstar—don’t skimp, and chop it fresh for the best punch.
- Scallions (2, chopped): Lend a pop of color and a gentle oniony bite, perfect against the richness of the sauce.
- Soy Sauce (1–2 tbsp): Adds saltiness and depth; use low-sodium for a lighter hand or regular for bolder flavor.
- Sesame Oil (3 tsp): Earthy, aromatic, and positively addictive—just a drizzle elevates everything.
- Oyster Sauce (2 tbsp): The umami backbone! Use regular or vegetarian oyster sauce for a plant-based swap.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Sweetness to balance out all that savory—agave or maple syrup work in a pinch, too.
- Sriracha (2 tsp): Just enough heat to tickle your tongue, but adjust more or less depending on your spicy mood.
- Sesame Seeds & Chili Flakes (to garnish): Optional, but these add irresistible crunch and a little extra zing.
Variations
The best part about 15 Minute Garlic Noodles? They’re your blank canvas! This recipe is a total chameleon—easy to adapt for different diets, ingredient swaps, or whatever odds and ends you have hiding in the fridge.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles, and double-check your sauces are GF-friendly.
- Loaded Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or tempeh right at the end for a satisfying, heartier meal.
- Extra Spicy: Add an extra squirt of sriracha or a little chili oil for those who love things hot.
- Soy-Free: Swap out soy sauce for coconut aminos and oyster sauce for a soy-free alternative—you’ll still get rich, complex flavor!
How to Make 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package directions. Don’t forget the salt—this is your one chance to infuse flavor straight into the noodles! As soon as they hit al dente, drain and set aside, but reserve a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Scallions
While the pasta cooks, heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add the finely chopped garlic and scallions, gently stirring for 2–3 minutes until everything is fragrant but not browned. You want a rich, mellow garlic flavor—no bitterness here!
Step 3: Stir-Fry and Sauce
Toss the drained spaghetti straight into your garlicky skillet. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha, and toss vigorously until the noodles are glossy and well-coated. If the sauce seems thick, splash in a spoonful of reserved pasta water. All that’s left? Taste and adjust for salt, sweetness, or heat!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Plate those steamy noodles and finish them with sesame seeds, chili flakes, a sprinkle of scallions, or whatever toppings call your name. Grab your chopsticks (or a fork, I won’t judge) and dig into your cozy bowl of 15 Minute Garlic Noodles!
Pro Tips for Making 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
- Fresh Garlic Is Essential: Skip the jarred stuff—freshly chopped garlic makes all the difference for rich, robust flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: Reserve a little pasta water—it’s your secret weapon for loosening sauces without diluting flavor.
- Noodle Swap Savvy: If you’re using rice noodles or ramen, reduce the cooking time a bit so they stay bouncy and firm.
- Turn Down the Heat: Garlic burns fast—keep your skillet at medium-low for perfectly mellow, sweet results.
How to Serve 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Garnishes
Finish your 15 Minute Garlic Noodles with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, extra chopped scallions, or a flutter of chili flakes for color and snap. For a slight crunch, try chopped peanuts or crispy fried shallots on top—these touches turn a quick dinner into something delightfully restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these noodles with quick-steamed or stir-fried veggies like bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas for balance and brightness. A refreshing cucumber salad, Asian slaw, or simple miso soup turns dinner into a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your 15 Minute Garlic Noodles in giant communal bowls for a casual dinner party, or twirl individual portions into little nests on plates for a fancier touch. If you’re meal prepping, toss in cooked veggies and protein for stylish lunchbox noodles that you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers (though that’s rare)? Pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to five days. The noodles soak up even more flavor, making round two just as delicious—if not better!
Freezing
If you want to freeze 15 Minute Garlic Noodles, let them cool completely and divide into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months; just know the noodles may soften a bit after thawing, but the punchy flavors still shine.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water and gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, tossing now and then so nothing sticks. Add an extra drizzle of sesame oil or soy sauce if you want to revive the noodles’ glossy finish.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of noodles for 15 Minute Garlic Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for that “fusion” comfort, rice noodles, ramen, yakisoba, or even udon work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time so your noodles don’t get too soft—al dente is key.
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What’s a vegetarian substitute for oyster sauce in the recipe?
Use vegetarian oyster sauce (usually made from mushrooms) or a rich mushroom stir fry sauce. Either option provides the same umami punch without animal products!
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Can I make 15 Minute Garlic Noodles in advance?
They’re best fresh, but you can absolutely prep the sauce and even pre-cook the noodles. Toss everything together just before serving, or gently reheat as directed above. Leftovers make a surprisingly tasty cold noodle salad, too!
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How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Keep your skillet over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Sauté just until you smell the fragrant aroma and see a hint of golden—burnt garlic turns bitter, so low and slow is the way to go!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s big on flavor and speed, you absolutely have to try these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles. They’re the type of dish you’ll crave again and again—so why not whip up a batch tonight and make your dinner (and your tastebuds) ridiculously happy?
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These quick and easy 15 Minute Garlic Noodles are a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you’re craving a comforting meal with an Asian flair.
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: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Sauté garlic and scallions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet then turn the heat to medium-low and add the garlic and scallions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spaghetti and stir-fry sauce: Add the spaghetti and stir-fry sauce and mix together until combined.
- Finish and serve: Optionally top with sesame seeds and chili flakes and serve.
Notes
- If using spaghetti, make sure to salt the pasta water to flavor the noodles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
