These Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are a tasty treat! With soft noodles tossed in garlic and veggies, they make a quick meal that everyone will love.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself licking the plate clean! I like adding some crunchy bok choy for an extra pop of color and flavor. It’s fast and yummy—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Fresh yakisoba or ramen noodles work best here. If you can’t find them, you can use spaghetti or udon as a substitute. Just remember, the texture will be slightly different.
Oil: Vegetable oil is great for frying, but sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you’re aiming for a lighter dish, grapeseed oil can also be a good choice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe to get that strong, aromatic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but it won’t have the same vibrant taste.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds zing, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan. Ground ginger can be a substitute, just use a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce are key for that umami kick. If you need a lighter option, soy sauce can be replaced with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free. You can swap oyster sauce with hoisin or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Get the Garlic Perfectly Golden?
Getting garlic just right is crucial in this dish. You want to sauté it until golden, but not burnt, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat. If your oil smokes, turn it down.
- Keep stirring the garlic constantly to prevent it from sticking and burning.
- Once it’s golden and fragrant, quickly add the noodles. This will stop the cooking process and keep it from burning.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious garlic noodles that are sure to impress. Happy cooking!
How to Make Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) fresh or dried yakisoba or ramen noodles
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
For the Flavoring:
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin or sake (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or togarashi (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fried egg (optional, to serve on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious plate of garlic fried noodles ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling them for a few minutes until they’re just tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot, but not smoking!
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic (and ginger if you’re using it) to the pan. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic tastes bitter!
4. Toss in the Noodles:
After the garlic is ready, add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in the delicious garlic oil.
5. Add the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin (if using), and sugar. Pour this mixture over the noodles and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6. Stir-Fry and Season:
Continue to stir-fry the noodles for about 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Taste your noodles and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When ready to serve, garnish your garlic fried noodles with chopped green onions and sprinkle with chili flakes or togarashi if you’d like a little heat. If you want a more filling dish, top with a fried egg with a runny yolk for extra richness.
8. Enjoy!
Your delicious Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot and dig in—this quick meal is perfect for any day of the week!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While yakisoba or ramen noodles are ideal, you can substitute them with spaghetti or udon noodles if needed. Just cook according to package directions and you’ll be good to go!
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative, hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce can work well in place of oyster sauce. They maintain a rich and savory flavor that complements the dish.
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Fried Noodles?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist while warming.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! You can add more chili flakes or togarashi to amp up the heat. Alternatively, try adding some sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick!