Asian Garlic Noodle Bowl (Printable)

Tender noodles coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce with soy and sesame oil. Quick, flavorful, and easily customizable.

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 10 oz wheat noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
03 - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
05 - 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth)
06 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional; use mushroom oyster sauce for vegan)
07 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 tsp sugar

→ Toppings & Garnishes

09 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
10 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
11 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
12 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
13 - 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
14 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a small amount of cooking water if needed.
02 - In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn.
03 - Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is fully combined.
04 - Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss thoroughly using tongs or chopsticks to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce, ensuring every strand is glossed.
05 - Continue to stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and glossy. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of water or reserved pasta water.
06 - Remove from heat. Divide the noodles among serving bowls and top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chili, cilantro, bean sprouts, and carrots as desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These noodles go from pantry to plate in under 25 minutes but taste like something youd wait an hour for at your favorite restaurant.
  • The sauce creates this magical gloss that coats every strand perfectly, letting you twirl endless forkfuls of flavor without a single bland bite.
02 -
  • Adding a splash of the starchy pasta water to your sauce helps it cling to the noodles instead of sliding off into a puddle at the bottom of your bowl.
  • The sauce might look thin in the pan but thickens considerably as it cools, so dont reduce it too much or youll end up with sticky, clumpy noodles.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden for significantly more flavor, but watch them like a hawk as they go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
  • For a restaurant-quality finish, drizzle a few drops of chili oil in a circle around the noodles just before serving, then watch your guests eyes light up at the presentation.
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