If you crave cozy comfort food that’s packed with flavor and comes together lightning-fast, you’re in for a treat: these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles are the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. Perfectly chewy noodles tossed in a slick, garlicky, umami-rich sauce—you’ll have a bowl in hand before you can finish scrolling your feed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dinner in a Flash: With just 15 minutes start to finish, these noodles beat takeout and keep dinner stress-free, even on your busiest nights.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Swap the noodles, go all-in on toppings, or tweak the sauce—you’ll never get bored!
- Big, Bold Flavors: Each bite delivers garlicky, sweet, spicy, and savory notes all at once—seriously addictive.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now—no grocery run required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles is using just a handful of humble ingredients, each playing a starring role. Gather these pantry staples, and you’ll turn a regular weeknight into something special—the flavors and textures are all decided by this mighty little cast!
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Chewy and satisfying, spaghetti soaks up every drop of the savory sauce. Feel free to swap in your favorite noodles or what you have on hand!
- Butter or Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): Adds silkiness and helps the garlic perfume each strand. Butter lends richness, while oil keeps things dairy-free.
- Garlic Cloves (6, finely chopped): The heart of this recipe! When sautéed gently, garlic’s aroma and sweetness bloom.
- Scallions (chopped): Fresh, grassy notes and a pop of color—don’t skip this for a finishing flair.
- Soy Sauce (1–2 tbsp): The salty backbone that balances everything out. Adjust for your own taste!
- Sesame Oil (3 tsp): Toasty, nutty, and fragrant—just a few drops make the whole kitchen smell mouthwatering.
- Oyster Sauce (2 tbsp, or vegetarian substitute): For deep umami and a glossy finish. Veggie oyster sauce works perfectly for plant-based eaters.
- Honey (1 tbsp, or agave/maple): A hint of sweetness makes all the difference, rounding out the sauce.
- Sriracha (2 tsp): Brings heat and a little vinegary tang—totally adjustable for spice lovers or mild palates alike.
- Sesame Seeds & Chili Flakes (optional): For crunch, color, and a little extra zing if you’re feeling fancy.
Variations
The beauty of 15 Minute Garlic Noodles? They’re a blank canvas for your cravings and what’s in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to riff—these noodles love a little improvisation, whether you’re after extra veggies, protein, or need a vegan twist!
- Go Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap the oyster sauce with a vegetarian version and use maple syrup for a 100% plant-based meal.
- Add Protein: Toss in sautéed shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu for a heartier bowl.
- Veggie Up: Stir in baby spinach, snap peas, or broccoli florets for color, crunch, and extra nutrients.
- Pump Up the Heat: Double the sriracha or sprinkle extra chili flakes for wild, fiery noodles!
- Noodle Swap: Use rice noodles, ramen, or even spiralized zucchini if you want to change things up.
How to Make 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in the spaghetti (or any noodles you love). Cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente—remember, slightly undercooked is best since they’ll get a quick toss in the skillet later. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of the starchy cooking water before you drain—trust me, it can help the sauce cling to your noodles!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Scallions
In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter (or heat up the oil) over medium-low. Toss in your finely chopped garlic and scallions, and stir gently for about 2–3 minutes until everything is fragrant and just turning golden. You want the garlic soft and aromatic, not burnt—keep your heat low and show some love!
Step 3: Combine & Toss
Add your cooked noodles straight into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. Toss enthusiastically to combine—tong action encouraged—so every noodle gets a glossy, flavorful coating. If things look a bit dry, stir in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Slide your hot, saucy noodles into bowls and finish with a shower of sesame seeds, extra scallions, and chili flakes if you like some heat and crunch. Serve immediately and bask in the glory of a dinner that looks (and tastes) way fancier than the clock suggests!
Pro Tips for Making 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
- Garlic Watch: Keep a close eye when sautéing your garlic—it should be soft and aromatic, never brown or burned, for the sweetest flavor.
- Sauce to Taste: Taste the sauce after tossing and adjust with extra soy or sriracha—you’re the boss of your bowl!
- Noodle Choice: Don’t hesitate to play with the noodle base—lo mein, ramen, and even linguine work beautifully in these 15 Minute Garlic Noodles.
- Pasta Water Magic: Saved pasta water can loosen the sauce and help it cling for extra-silky noodles.
How to Serve 15 Minute Garlic Noodles
Garnishes
For that restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle your 15 Minute Garlic Noodles with toasted sesame seeds and a flurry of chopped scallions. A pinch of chili flakes adds just the right amount of fiery pop, and you can even drizzle on a little extra sesame oil for more aroma. Feel free to improvise—fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can add a brand-new twist!
Side Dishes
Pair these noodles with quick sides like steamed edamame, stir-fried veggies, or crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic as part of a bigger spread with dumplings, spring rolls, or your favorite Asian-inspired appetizers. Don’t forget a mug of green tea or a cool, crisp beer to wash it all down!
Creative Ways to Present
15 Minute Garlic Noodles look gorgeous tumbled into shallow white bowls or twirled up on a platter to share family-style. For parties or meal prep, try packing them into individual lunchboxes with fresh veggie toppings. Or go fun and unexpected—pile them high in takeout boxes for a playful, Instagram-ready touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 15 Minute Garlic Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious! Just let the noodles cool before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
While these noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them in a pinch. Allow them to cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to a month. Just know that noodles can soften a bit after reheating—but the flavor stays on point.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in short bursts, tossing between each round. Alternatively, warm gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If the noodles seem dry, drizzle with a little soy sauce or sesame oil to revive their glossy sheen.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of noodle besides spaghetti?
Absolutely! 15 Minute Garlic Noodles work with just about any noodle you love—rice noodles, ramen, soba, or even gluten-free options. Adjust cooking time according to the package directions for your chosen noodle.
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What can I substitute for oyster sauce to make this vegetarian?
Vegetarian oyster sauce is widely available and delivers the same rich, umami punch. You can also use hoisin sauce, though the flavor will be a bit sweeter and less earthy.
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Is it possible to make the 15 Minute Garlic Noodles less spicy?
Definitely! Simply reduce or omit the sriracha and chili flakes. The sauce will still be packed with flavor, minus the heat.
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How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Use medium-low heat when sautéing the garlic, and keep stirring. Garlic cooks fast—just 2–3 minutes until it’s fragrant and soft is perfect. If your pan is hot, don’t walk away!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making 15 Minute Garlic Noodles at home, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself! It’s a recipe you’ll fall for after one bite—simple, soul-hugging, and always delicious. I can’t wait to hear how you make these noodles your own, so grab your garlic and get cooking!
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: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 15 Minute Garlic Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. With a delicious stir-fry sauce and fragrant garlic, these noodles are sure to become a family favorite!
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.
- Saute 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 sauce: Add the spaghetti and stir-fry sauce to the skillet. Mix together until combined.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally top with sesame seeds and chili flakes. Serve and enjoy!
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 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
