Asian Garlic Noodle Bowl Recipe

Introduction

Asian Garlic Noodle Bowl is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a savory garlic sauce and a hint of sesame, it offers comforting tastes that satisfy both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

Ingredients

• 10 oz wheat noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter or plant-based butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce or mushroom oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
• 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Step 3: Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), oyster sauce or mushroom oyster sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Stir-fry the noodles for another 1–2 minutes until they are heated through and coated with a glossy sauce.
6. Step 6: Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, red chili slices, fresh cilantro leaves, bean sprouts, and julienned carrot as desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and mushroom oyster sauce or omit oyster sauce entirely.
• Add cooked protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and chili to suit your spice preference.
• Using dark soy sauce adds depth and color, but you can skip it if unavailable.

Storage

Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or sesame oil to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, wheat noodles like lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen all work well. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

Mushroom oyster sauce is a great vegetarian alternative. Alternatively, a bit more soy sauce and a pinch of sugar can help replicate the flavor.

Asian Garlic Noodle Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

This Asian Garlic Noodle Bowl is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender wheat noodles coated in a savory garlic butter sauce with soy and sesame notes. Enhanced with aromatic ingredients like fresh garlic, green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional fresh veggies, it makes a perfect quick weeknight meal or side dish inspired by classic Asian flavors.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Noodles

• 10 oz wheat noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)

Sauce & Flavorings

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter or plant-based butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce or mushroom oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar

Garnishes & Vegetables (optional)

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
• 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook noodles: Boil the wheat noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to prepare the sauce.
2. Prepare sauce base: In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown to maintain a smooth garlic flavor.
3. Combine sauce ingredients: Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), oyster sauce or mushroom oyster sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, and sugar into the skillet. Stir all ingredients well to blend the flavors into a cohesive sauce.
4. Toss noodles in sauce: Return the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the garlic-soy sauce mixture.
5. Heat through: Continue stir-frying the noodles with the sauce for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they are heated through and appear glossy, ensuring the sauce is well absorbed.
6. Serve and garnish: Transfer the sauced noodles to serving bowls and garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional toppings such as red chili slices, fresh cilantro leaves, bean sprouts, and julienned carrot for added freshness and texture.

Notes

• This recipe allows substitutions for noodles and sauces to accommodate preferences and availability.
• Plant-based butter or mushroom oyster sauce can be used to make the dish vegetarian or vegan.
• Be cautious not to overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned or burnt.
• Optional toppings enhance flavor and texture but can be omitted based on preference.
• To increase protein, add tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef according to dietary needs.

Keywords: Asian garlic noodles, garlic noodle bowl, lo mein, easy Asian noodles, vegetarian Asian recipe, garlic butter noodles