Korean Garlic Noodles are a tasty dish packed with flavor! These noodles are tossed in a garlicky sauce that makes them irresistible. You’ll love that they’re super quick to make!
I often whip these up when I’m craving something delicious but don’t have much time. Plus, the smell of garlic cooking is just heavenly. Give them a try, and you’ll see what I mean!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I usually go for fresh ramen noodles because they add a lovely texture. Dried spaghetti works fine too, or you could use udon for a chewier bite. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package!
Garlic: The recipe calls for 6 cloves, but if you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add more! If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder is a great substitute, just use about 1 tsp.
Gochugaru: This gives the dish its signature heat and flavor. If you can’t find it, crushed red pepper flakes will do, but they’re a bit spicier. Start with a little and adjust to your taste!
Oyster Sauce: For a vegetarian option, you can use mushroom sauce or a soy sauce blend. I find this maintains a similar richness!
How Do You Saute Garlic Without Burning It?
Sauteing garlic can be tricky! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it can go from golden to burnt. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning. Too high, and it’ll scorch.
- Keep stirring! It helps cook evenly and prevents hot spots.
- Watch closely—I usually stay by the stove to catch it right when it turns golden.
Once you smell that delicious garlic aroma, you’ll know you have it just right! Enjoy your cooking adventure with these Korean Garlic Noodles!
Korean Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried spaghetti or ramen noodles
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) or substitute with crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 large egg (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and roughly 10 minutes for cooking, so you can have a delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain them carefully and set them aside. It’s okay if they cool a bit; you’ll be adding them back to the pan soon!
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large pan or wok, pour in your vegetable oil or sesame oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it gets fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
3. Making the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, gochugaru, and sugar to the pan with the garlic. Give it a good stir to mix everything well and create a delicious sauce.
4. Tossing the Noodles:
Time to add the cooked noodles to your pan! Toss them well to coat them evenly with the garlic sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the noodles soak up all those amazing flavors.
5. Final Touches:
Once well mixed, take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle your noodles with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add a fresh crunch.
6. Frying the Egg (Optional):
If you’d like an extra touch, fry a large egg sunny-side up in a separate small pan. This adds a beautiful layer of richness to your noodles!
7. Serving:
Serve the noodles in bowls and top each serving with the fried egg, if using. Dive in and mix the runny yolk into the noodles for added creaminess. Yum!
Enjoy your flavorful, garlicky Korean Garlic Noodles and savor every bite!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or ramen noodles work great, you can also use rice noodles or udon for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the oyster sauce with a mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce. It will still be flavorful and enjoyable!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem dry.
What Can I Serve with Korean Garlic Noodles?
These noodles are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with grilled chicken, beef, or tofu for added protein. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also complements the meal nicely.