Quick Garlic Noodles Recipe with Silky Soy Butter Glaze
A quick and easy garlic noodle recipe featuring a silky soy butter glaze that delivers rich, comforting flavor in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fuss-free, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional but recommended)
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 10 minutes). Add 8 oz (225 g) of spaghetti or egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-9 minutes). Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Set aside.
- While the noodles cook, melt 4 tablespoons (56 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well, letting the sugar dissolve completely, about 1 minute.
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs or a wooden spoon to coat thoroughly. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash (2-3 tablespoons) of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling better.
- Optionally sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a mild heat. Remove from heat, transfer to serving bowls, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
Notes
Cook garlic on medium-low heat to avoid burning and bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture. Use softened butter for better glaze blending. Toss noodles directly in skillet with glaze for best flavor distribution. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free noodles. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (half the rec
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: garlic noodles, soy butter glaze, quick noodles, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, comfort food, garlic butter noodles