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20-Minute Restaurant-Style Garlic Noodles

Close-up of savory, saucy garlic noodles topped with chopped green onions and crispy bits in a white bowl.
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Make quick, savory, and flavorful garlic noodles at home in under 20 minutes. This recipe delivers a rich, umami sauce perfect for a fast weeknight meal or side dish.

Ingredients

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  • 8 oz dried egg noodles or spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
  • 10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter with the neutral oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. You want it golden, not brown.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine the sauce ingredients.
  5. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  6. Pour in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles well, creating a sticky texture.
  7. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce.
  8. Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced scallions before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicy kick, add 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes when you add the other sauce ingredients.
  • If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
  • Use fresh, finely minced garlic for the best flavor penetration.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/garlic-noodles-20-minute-restaurant-style/