Easy Asian Garlic Noodles

This hearty Asian Garlic Noodles recipe has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need something delicious in just 15 minutes. The combination of garlic, butter, and oyster sauce creates an irresistible umami bomb that transforms simple spaghetti into something extraordinary.

I first created this dish during a particularly busy work week when I needed comfort food without the fuss. What started as a simple experiment has become my most requested recipe when friends come over for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: 8 ounces of spaghetti creates the perfect base for absorbing all the amazing flavors
• Minced garlic: 8 cloves of minced garlic approximately 3 tbsp provides the essential aromatic foundation
• Butter: 3 tablespoons of butter adds richness and helps create the silky sauce
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese brings nutty depth and thickens the sauce beautifully
• Vegetarian oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce delivers intense umami flavor without overwhelming
• Red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes adds a gentle heat that balances the richness
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper for final seasoning adjustments

For garnish

• Extra parmesan cheese: creates an additional layer of flavor
• Sesame seeds: provide a wonderful textural contrast and visual appeal
• Chives or green onions: add freshness and color to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Pasta Water:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add enough salt to make it taste like seawater. This is crucial for properly seasoned noodles. The pasta will only absorb a small amount of this salt but it makes all the difference in the final flavor.

Cook The Noodles:

Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until just slightly firmer than al dente about 1 minute less than package directions. The noodles will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining this starchy liquid is essential for creating a silky sauce.

Create The Garlic Base:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add minced garlic and cook until golden brown and fragrant about 2 minutes. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly. Remove about one third of the fried garlic and set aside for garnish.

Add The Flavor Builders:

If using red chili flakes add them to the garlic now they will infuse the oil with their heat. Add butter and vegetarian oyster sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow to simmer gently for 2 minutes then cover the skillet with a lid to keep the sauce warm.

Combine And Finish:

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat each strand with the garlic sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water about 1/4 cup to start and stir continuously. The starchy water will help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Season And Enrich:

Add the parmesan cheese reserving a small amount for garnish and toss until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Garnish And Serve:

Transfer to serving bowls and top with the reserved fried garlic green onions additional parmesan and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and saucy for the best experience.

Save This

The vegetarian oyster sauce is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic after trying numerous alternatives and nothing else provides quite the same depth of flavor. When I serve this to guests they always try to guess what makes it so addictive and are surprised when I reveal this simple ingredient.

Making Ahead And Storage

These noodles store remarkably well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight making leftovers sometimes even better than the original dish. When reheating add a small splash of water and heat gently in a covered pan to revive the saucy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find vegetarian oyster sauce regular oyster sauce works perfectly for nonvegetarians. In a pinch a combination of soy sauce and a tiny bit of brown sugar can approximate the flavor though without the same depth. For a gluten free version rice noodles work beautifully in this recipe just adjust cooking times according to package directions.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this dish becomes a complete meal with simple additions. Top with panfried tofu crispy garlic shrimp or sliced grilled chicken for protein. For vegetables stir in sautéed mushrooms blanched broccoli or spinach in the final minute of cooking. A soft boiled egg with a runny yolk creates a decadent sauce when mixed in just before eating.

Common Queries

→ Can another type of pasta be used?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional here, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even Asian wheat noodles for a different texture.

→ How do I keep the noodles from drying out?

Add reserved pasta water gradually when mixing the noodles with the sauce. This keeps the dish saucy and prevents dryness.

→ Is it essential to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is highly recommended for its pungency and authentic flavor. Garlic powder lacks the depth needed for this dish.

→ Can the dish be made spicier?

Absolutely! Add more red chili flakes or include sliced fresh chilies to increase the heat to your preference.

→ What garnishes work best?

Finish with extra parmesan, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions or chives to add texture, color, and extra flavor layers.