Garlic Noodles
A simple yet incredibly flavorful dish of noodles tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce. This Indo-Chinese favorite is a crowd-pleaser and comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil the Noodles
- b.In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Add 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of vegetable oil to the boiling water.
- d.Add the hakka noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until al dente (cooked through but still firm). Refer to package instructions for exact timing.
- e.Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy noodle water. This will be used later to adjust the sauce consistency.
- f.Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse immediately with cold running water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- b.Place a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
- c.Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the finely minced garlic.
- d.Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it brown, as it will become bitter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Sauce and Noodles
- b.To the fragrant garlic, add the light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, red chili flakes, 0.5 tsp salt, and black pepper powder. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the cooked and drained noodles to the wok.
- d.Using a pair of tongs, toss the noodles gently but thoroughly to coat them evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- e.If the noodles seem too dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved noodle water to create a silkier sauce that clings to the noodles.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Add the chopped spring onion greens and give everything a final toss.
- c.Serve the garlic noodles immediately, hot from the pan.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh garlic for the best, most potent flavor. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic if possible.
- 2Do not overcook the noodles. They should be 'al dente' as they will cook a little more when tossed in the hot sauce.
- 3The key is to sauté the garlic until fragrant but not brown. Burnt garlic will make the entire dish bitter.
- 4Rinsing the noodles under cold water is a crucial step to remove excess starch and prevent them from clumping.
- 5Always reserve some of the starchy noodle water. It's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it adhere to the noodles.
- 6For the best flavor, use a combination of both butter and oil. The oil raises the smoke point of the butter, preventing it from browning too quickly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Toss in cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or pan-fried tofu cubes at the end for a more substantial meal.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Stir-fry some thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets, or mushrooms before making the sauce and add them back in with the noodles.
Make it VeganMake it Vegan
Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or use olive oil instead. Ensure your noodles are egg-free.
Extra GarnishExtra Garnish
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, crispy fried onions, or extra fried garlic on top before serving for added texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from the noodles provide a quick and effective source of energy to fuel your body and brain.
Contains Allicin
Garlic is rich in a compound called allicin, which is released when it's chopped or crushed. Allicin is known for its potential antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of these Garlic Noodles contains approximately 400-450 calories, primarily from the noodles and butter. The exact count can vary based on the specific ingredients used.