Name: Garlic Noodles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 140 g (5 oz) dried ramen or noodle cakes (2 cakes); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp (about 6 cloves) garlic, finely minced; 2 tsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce); 2 tsp fish sauce (or soy sauce); 1 1/2 tsp Maggi seasoning (or soy sauce); 1/4 cup reserved noodle cooking water (more if needed); 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced

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Garlic Noodles are one of those dishes I turn to when I want something quick, bold, and satisfying. The recipe combines a heavy hit of garlic with a mix of savory Asian sauces and a surprising ingredient—parmesan cheese—for a depth of flavor that keeps me coming back for more. These noodles are silky, fragrant, and just the right amount of indulgent, making them perfect as a main meal or a side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s ready in just minutes but tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant. The garlic butter base gives the noodles a rich, comforting flavor, while the oyster sauce, fish sauce, and Maggi seasoning add that punch of umami I crave. Parmesan might sound unusual here, but it melts into the noodles and gives them an irresistible savory edge. I also like how versatile it is—I can serve it as a side, top it with a fried egg, or toss in vegetables for a full meal. Garlic Noodles

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

140 g (5 oz) dried ramen or noodle cakes (2 cakes)
30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (about 6 cloves) garlic, finely minced
2 tsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
2 tsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
1 1/2 tsp Maggi seasoning (or soy sauce)
1/4 cup noodle cooking water (more if needed)
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan (freshly grated)
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced (about 1 stem)

Directions

I cook the noodles in a large saucepan according to the package instructions. Before draining, I scoop out about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. I then strain the noodles and set them aside.
In the same saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat. I add the garlic and stir until softened and fragrant.
I stir in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, Maggi seasoning, and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water.
I return the cooked noodles to the pan, then add the parmesan and green onion. I toss everything until the noodles are coated and glossy, adjusting with more cooking water a tablespoon at a time if needed.
I serve the noodles immediately, either as a quick main or as a side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 6 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in just 11 minutes.

Variations

When I want a fuller meal, I like to add a fried egg and some broccolini cooked alongside the noodles. Sometimes I swap in spaghetti or angel hair pasta if that’s all I have, though ramen noodles give the best chew. For a vegetarian version, I replace fish sauce with soy sauce. I’ve even added a drizzle of chili oil when I want a little heat.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, I loosen the noodles with a splash of water in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Garlic Noodles

FAQs

Can I use pasta instead of noodles?

Yes, I sometimes use spaghetti or angel hair pasta if I don’t have noodles on hand. The texture is a little different, but it still works.

What can I use instead of Maggi seasoning?

I usually replace it with light soy sauce if I don’t have Maggi. It won’t be exactly the same, but it still gives good flavor.

Do I really need parmesan?

I think the parmesan makes these noodles extra savory and delicious, but if I don’t have it, I skip it or replace it with another hard cheese like pecorino.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I use vegetarian oyster sauce and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

How do I prevent the noodles from clumping?

I always save some cooking water and toss the noodles in the sauce right away. If they start to clump, I add a splash more cooking water to loosen them.

Conclusion

Garlic Noodles are a quick, flavorful dish that I love making when I want something satisfying without much effort. The garlic, sauces, and parmesan combine into a rich, umami-packed bite that’s hard to beat. Whether I serve them on their own, with vegetables, or as a side, these noodles never fail to impress.