Korean Garlic Noodles are a flavor-packed treat made with soft noodles sautéed in a yummy garlic sauce. These noodles are both sweet and spicy, giving you a delightful bite every time!
Perfect for those busy nights, I love how quick and easy they are to whip up. Plus, the aroma is simply irresistible. Get ready to make your kitchen smell amazing! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Ramen or Chinese egg noodles are the best choices for this dish due to their texture. If you can’t find them, any other quick-cooking noodles, like udon or rice noodles, will work fine.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste gives the dish its spicy kick. If you want something milder, you can use chili garlic sauce or even just a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your taste!
Oyster Sauce: This ingredient adds wonderful umami depth, but if you’re avoiding seafood, feel free to leave it out or use a vegetarian alternative.
Brown Sugar or Honey: Both work well to balance the flavors. If you’re aiming for a lower sugar option, try using a sugar substitute like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Noodles?
The trick to perfect noodles is timing. Always cook them according to the package instructions until they’re just tender, then drain immediately to prevent overcooking. You can toss them with a little oil if they seem sticky. Make sure to keep them moving in the skillet as you sauté, ensuring they get a nice coat of garlic flavor.
- Use a large, non-stick skillet or wok to give enough space for the noodles to fry without clumping.
- Heat the skillet thoroughly before adding the noodles; this helps them get a bit crispy, enhancing the texture.
How Can You Elevate the Garlic Flavor?
To amplify the garlic flavor, make sure to sauté it gently until fragrant. Avoid letting it brown, as that can lead to a bitter taste. Remember, garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it! If you love garlic like I do, you can always add an extra clove or two for that strong, aromatic impact.
- Minced garlic adds a stronger flavor than garlic powder; opt for fresh whenever possible.
- If you want to jazz it up, try adding a pinch of garlic powder along with minced for a double hit of flavor.
How to Make Delicious Korean Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried ramen or Chinese egg noodles
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) or substitute with chili garlic sauce for a milder flavor
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for umami depth)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- 2 eggs (optional, for topping fried eggs)
- Red pepper flakes or Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), to taste (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. From boiling the noodles to frying the egg, you can have a delicious meal ready in just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add your noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until just tender, then drain and set aside. Remember, don’t overcook them!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until fully combined. The mixture should be well-blended and ready to infuse those noodles with incredible flavor!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown as that can turn bitter.
4. Toss in the Noodles:
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic. Toss well to make sure the noodles are coated with the fragrant garlic oil, sizzling away!
5. Add the Sauce:
Now pour your prepared sauce mixture over the noodles, tossing everything together thoroughly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and have absorbed all those wonderful flavors.
6. Finish Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in most of the chopped green onions, saving some for later to sprinkle on top!
7. Fry the Eggs:
If you’re adding eggs, heat a separate non-stick pan and fry the eggs sunny-side up until the edges are crispy or cooked to your liking. That runny yolk is a delicious addition!
8. Serve It Up:
Divide the garlic noodles into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a fried egg and add the remaining green onions, cilantro leaves, and a pinch of red pepper flakes or Korean chili flakes for an extra kick.
9. Enjoy!
Your Korean Garlic Noodles are now ready to be devoured! This dish is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy – guaranteed to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen or Chinese egg noodles work best, you can substitute with other quick-cooking noodles like udon or rice noodles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce. The gochujang will still provide a lovely depth of flavor. If you’d like to add protein, consider tofu or edamame for a wholesome touch!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the noodles in a skillet and toss them with the sauce for a quick meal!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the noodles in a skillet with a splash of water or oil, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Enjoy your delicious leftovers without losing flavor!
