Asian Garlic Noodle Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender noodles coated in garlic-butter sauce with soy and sesame for a quick, savory dish.

# 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
03 - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
05 - 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
06 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce or mushroom oyster sauce (optional)
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)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Prepare noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
03 - Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce (if used), toasted sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
04 - Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to evenly coat with sauce.
05 - Continue stir-frying for 1–2 minutes until noodles are heated through and glossy.
06 - Remove from heat. Divide noodles into serving bowls and top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chili, cilantro, bean sprouts, and julienned carrot as desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in less time than ordering takeout, with zero pretension.
  • The garlic-butter sauce is pure comfort in a skillet, deeply savory without being heavy.
  • You can add protein, vegetables, or eat it plain, and it works either way.
02 -
  • Don't let the garlic brown—it will turn bitter and ruin the entire dish, so stay present and watch it like you're waiting for a phone call.
  • Drain the noodles well after boiling, or excess water will dilute your sauce and make it taste weak and watery instead of rich.
  • The sauce will look thin in the skillet, but it coats the noodles perfectly; resist the urge to add more and turn it into a soup.
03 -
  • Buy pre-minced garlic in a jar if you're short on time, though fresh minced is genuinely better and takes only two minutes.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for thirty seconds to wake them up, or buy them already toasted and just warm them gently before using.
  • If you find the sauce too salty, squeeze a tiny bit of fresh lime juice over the finished bowl to brighten it and balance the flavors.
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