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Close-up of a bowl of Sesame Noodles garnished with chopped green onions and red chili flakes

Spicy Asian Garlic Noodles

A quick and incredibly flavorful dish featuring bouncy noodles tossed in a rich, buttery, and garlicky sauce with a hint of spice. Perfect as a satisfying main course or a vibrant side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 1 lb spaghetti or linguine, ramen, or udon noodles
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Garlic Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 12 cloves garlic minced (about 4 tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce use vegetarian oyster sauce for a vegetarian dish
  • 1 tbsp dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes or to taste, adjust for spice preference
  • 1/4 cup noodle cooking water reserved from cooked pasta, or regular water
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil toasted
For Garnish
  • 3 stalks green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Whisk
  • Garlic press or knife
  • Colander

Method
 

Cook the Noodles
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy noodle cooking water.
  2. Drain the noodles thoroughly using a colander. Do not rinse. Set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce
  1. While the noodles are cooking, melt unsalted butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic will taste bitter.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Whisk well to combine and ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Stir in the reserved noodle cooking water (or regular water if you forgot to reserve it). Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the garlic sauce.
  2. Toss the noodles continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the rich sauce.
  3. Remove from heat and drizzle with toasted sesame oil. Toss again to evenly distribute the nutty flavor.
  4. Transfer the Spicy Asian Garlic Noodles to serving bowls. Garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce and ensure your chosen noodles are egg-free. Feel free to add cooked protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal; simply add it to the skillet with the sauce before adding the noodles. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles.