Description
These quick and easy spicy garlic noodles are loaded with bold, savory flavors and come together in just 15 minutes! Tender noodles are tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with the perfect amount of heat. This restaurant-quality dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or Asian wheat noodles
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 3–4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain noodles in a colander and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic sauce: While noodles are cooking, melt butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Add the seasonings: Reduce heat to low and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, red pepper flakes, and chili oil to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 seconds.
- Toss the noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs or a wooden spoon, toss the noodles thoroughly to coat them evenly with the garlicky sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick or the noodles are sticking together.
- Add finishing touches: Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Add sliced green onions and black pepper. Toss once more to distribute everything evenly.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Heat Level: Start with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always add more at the table!
- Noodle Selection: Fresh noodles will cook faster than dried, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make it a Meal: Add protein like shrimp, chicken, tofu, or beef during step 3 for a complete dinner.
- Sauce Consistency: The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Don’t skip this step!
- Fresh Garlic: Don’t substitute garlic powder here – fresh minced garlic is essential for authentic flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian oyster sauce and ensure your chili oil doesn’t contain any animal products.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg