If you're in the mood for something simple, savory, and downright delicious, look no further than this Noodles with Garlic Sauce recipe. Perfect for those weeknights when time is short but cravings for a flavorful meal are high, this dish brings the essence of garlic, the richness of soy sauce, and the comfort of noodles into a harmonious plate. Let's dive into how you can whip up this quick, easy, and utterly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 200 grams of dried noodles or fresh noodles
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce for color (optional)
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the noodles as per the package instructions. Remember, different types of noodles require different cooking times:
- Dried Noodles: Boil water with a dash of salt, add noodles, and cook until al dente.
- Fresh Noodles: These cook quickly, usually within 1-2 minutes in boiling water.
Once cooked, drain and set aside. Toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking if you’re not moving to the next step immediately.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce
In a pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden but not burnt, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat on medium, and stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients
Once the garlic is fragrant:
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and optional dark soy sauce into the pan.
- Stir well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or noodle cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Let it simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.
4. Mix Noodles with Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the garlic sauce. Toss or mix thoroughly to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce:
- If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more sesame oil or water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve the noodles hot, garnished with chopped spring onions and, if you fancy, some toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
🍜 Note: This dish can be easily customized. Feel free to add your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or toss in some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach.
In wrapping up, this Noodles with Garlic Sauce recipe is not just about simplicity; it's about how a few ingredients can come together to create a dish that's rich in flavor yet easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice, this recipe brings you a world of comfort with each bite, proving that quick meals don't have to compromise on taste or satisfaction.
Can I use different types of noodles?
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Absolutely! You can use egg noodles, udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if you don’t have traditional Asian noodles on hand.
How long can I store leftovers?
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The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to refresh the noodles.
What can I do if I don’t like the strong garlic flavor?
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You can reduce the amount of garlic used or add a bit more sugar and soy sauce to balance out the flavor. Additionally, using roasted garlic will give a sweeter, less pungent taste.
Related Terms:
- noodles with garlic sauce recipe
- Garlic noodles
- spaghetti garlic
- garlic butter pasta
- Shrimp noodles
- Buttered noodles
