15 Minute Garlic Noodles Recipe

If your comfort food dreams include glossy noodles drenched in an umami-rich, garlicky sauce—meet your new obsession: 15 Minute Garlic Noodles! This blissfully easy recipe brings restaurant-level flavor right to your weekday table in a flash, and every silky strand is loaded with that addictive garlic kick you crave.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy here—just a handful of kitchen staples working hard to deliver maximum flavor. Every ingredient in the 15 Minute Garlic Noodles lineup plays a role, from silky-smooth noodles to the gloriously garlicky finish and that magic savory sauce.

• Spaghetti (8 oz): This is the noodle base, but don’t stress—swap in rice noodles, linguine, or even ramen if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Butter or Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps those key flavors meld smoothly together.
• Garlic Cloves (6, finely chopped): The shining star—fresh garlic brings heat, aroma, and depth you simply can’t fake.
• Scallions (chopped): They add a pop of brightness and a hint of mellow onion flavor to balance out the sauce.
• Soy Sauce (1–2 tbsp): Classic salty, umami punch—adjust to taste!
• Sesame Oil (3 tsp): Just a drizzle gives these noodles their signature nutty aroma and silkiness.
• Oyster Sauce (2 tbsp): This sweet-salty sauce is packed with that signature Asian depth (sub with vegetarian oyster sauce if you’d like).
• Honey (1 tbsp): It’s all about balancing the savory with a touch of natural sweetness; agave or maple syrup works perfectly too.
• Sriracha (2 tsp): For a back-of-the-throat gentle heat that doesn’t overpower—add more or less to customize your spice level.
• Sesame Seeds & Chili Flakes (optional, to garnish): These finish things off with crunch and a dash of extra color and heat.

Variations

One of the best things about these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles is how endlessly adaptable they are. Think of this classic as your blank canvas—swap in different ingredients, turn up the heat, or sneak in veggies according to your mood or pantry situation.

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu for a heartier meal in minutes.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles and double-check your sauces.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in snap peas, shredded carrots, spinach, or bell pepper for a nourishing boost and some lovely crunch.
• Sweet & Spicy Swap: Dial up the honey and sriracha for a bigger punch of sticky-sweet heat.

How to Make 15 Minute Garlic Noodles

Step 1: Cook Your Noodles

Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skip the salt! That step seasons your noodles from the inside out. Cook your spaghetti (or any noodles you like) according to the package directions until just al dente. Reserve a tiny splash of pasta water before draining—trust me, it’s a saucy game-changer!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Scallions

Meanwhile, heat your butter or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add your finely chopped garlic and scallions. Let them sizzle gently for 2–3 minutes until wonderfully fragrant and just–barely golden. Stir often so the garlic turns sweet, not bitter!

Step 3: Create the Signature Sauce

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. This little mix is where all the magic happens—the blend of salty, sweet, and spicy gives these garlic noodles their craveable flavor.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Turn up the heat to medium, add your cooked noodles straight into the skillet, and pour in your sauce. Tongs work best here! Toss and stir for a minute or two, until every strand is slicked with garlicky goodness and the noodles soak up all that flavor. If things look a little dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy!

Transfer your noodles to serving bowls, and get creative with toppings. A sprinkle of sesame seeds, chili flakes, or even an extra drizzle of sesame oil brings your 15 Minute Garlic Noodles to life. Grab your chopsticks (or a fork!)—dinner is served.

How to Serve 15 Minute Garlic Noodles

Garnishes

Garnishes bring your bowl of 15 Minute Garlic Noodles from simple to spectacular! Try a shower of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, a tangle of extra scallion greens, or a healthy hit of chili flakes to add color and a spicy pop. Want to get fancy? A drizzle of chili oil or even a handful of crispy fried shallots never hurts.

Side Dishes

Looking for a little something extra? These noodles pair fabulously with quick-steamed broccoli, garlicky bok choy, or a jumble of sautéed mixed vegetables. If you’re serving to guests or want a heartier meal, roasted shrimp, grilled chicken, or pan-seared tofu on the side will transform your 15 Minute Garlic Noodles into a full-on feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Serve these noodles twirled high in shallow bowls, sprinkle over plenty of garnishes, and tuck in a wedge of lime for a splash of brightness. For a party, divide the noodles between cute takeout-style boxes or pile them onto a platter family-style for effortless sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 15 Minute Garlic Noodles store beautifully! Simply pack them into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen—trust me, tomorrow’s lunch might be your favorite yet.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze these noodles, they’re honestly at their best when fresh or just a day or two old from the fridge. If you do freeze, let them cool completely first, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For a speedy dinner encore, reheat your noodles with a quick toss in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen them up. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just sprinkle with a few drops of water and cover loosely to keep things steamy and moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the hunt for a speedy, soul-soothing dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, look no further than these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles. I can’t wait for you to twirl up your first forkful—and with flavors this bold and prep this easy, you’ll want to make them again (and again) any night of the week. Happy noodling!

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