Asian Garlic Noodle Bowl (Printable)

Tender noodles coated in savory garlic-butter sauce with soy and toasted sesame. Quick, satisfying, 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)

# Directions:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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 but not browned.
03 - Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
04 - Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
05 - Continue to stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and glossy.
06 - Remove from heat. Divide the noodles among serving bowls.
07 - Top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chili, cilantro, bean sprouts, and carrots as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under half an hour, perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much.
  • The garlic-butter base is endlessly adaptable, whether you want to keep it simple or pile on vegetables and protein.
  • Each bite has that satisfying chew and umami depth that makes you reach for seconds without thinking.
02 -
  • Dont let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter and overpower the delicate balance of the sauce.
  • Reserve a little pasta water before draining, it can help loosen the sauce if the noodles seem dry when tossing.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the noodles and adjust the soy or sesame oil to your preference, everyones palate is different.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute before sprinkling them on, it unlocks a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • Use a wok if you have one, the high sides make tossing the noodles much easier and more fun.
  • If youre cooking for a crowd, prep all your ingredients beforehand because once you start, it moves fast.
Go back