Garlic Butter Noodles 🧄🍜🧈 Rich, Simple, and Ridiculously Satisfying With a Hit of Garlic, Butter, and Umami

This is the comfort food you crave when there’s nothing in the fridge but you still want something that tastes like a hug. Buttery, garlicky, salty, and slightly spicy — these noodles are ready in 15 minutes and infinitely customizable.

Perfect as a quick meal, a late-night fix, or a side dish begging for a fried egg or crispy tofu.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

For the noodles

• 6 oz egg noodles, ramen, spaghetti, or lo mein-style noodles
• Salt for boiling water

For the garlic butter

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp soy sauce or fish sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil or olive oil (optional for depth)

To finish

• Chopped green onions or chives
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• Grated Parmesan or chili crisp (optional twists)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles
Boil noodles in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of the cooking water.

Step 2: Make the garlic butter
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until garlic is soft and fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Flavor and toss
Add soy sauce or fish sauce (if using), plus a splash of reserved noodle water. Add cooked noodles and toss to coat. Drizzle with sesame oil or olive oil. Cook 1–2 minutes, tossing constantly until glossy and sauced.

Step 4: Garnish and serve
Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and any extras you like. Serve hot, straight from the pan or bowl.

Flavor Variations

• Add a fried egg, crispy tofu, or shredded chicken on top
• Swap in chili oil, Gochujang, or Sriracha for a spicy version
• Use miso paste or hoisin instead of soy sauce for sweet-salty umami
• Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for bulk
• Finish with lemon juice and parsley for a garlic butter Italian-style twist

Pro Tips

• Egg noodles or ramen work best for slurpability, but anything goes
• Garlic should be soft, not browned — watch the heat
• Toss noodles while hot to absorb flavor and stay saucy
• Soy sauce adds salt and umami — go easy and taste as you go
• Want crisp bits? Let the noodles sit undisturbed for 30 seconds before final toss

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Noodles are the minimalist hero of your pantry — endlessly adaptable and deeply satisfying. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, the butter and garlic always win.

Boil fast. Butter hard. Toss hot. 🧄🍜🧈🔥

🧄 Garlic Butter Recipes Collection

Explore them all → Rich, golden, and versatile — garlic butter is the flavor bomb your weeknight meals (and fancy dinners) need.

🔥 Garlic Butter Proteins (Main Dishes)

• Garlic Butter Shrimp – Fast, juicy shrimp with bold garlic butter flavor.
• Garlic Butter Chicken – Crispy thighs smothered in a buttery garlic glaze.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – Bite-sized skillet gold.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Quick-seared steak cubes in sizzling garlic butter.
• Garlic Butter Tilapia – Mild fish with a rich, buttery finish.
• Garlic Butter Salmon – Buttery, flaky salmon perfect for weeknight dinner.

🍝 Garlic Butter Pastas & Noodles

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Seafood and carbs in harmony.
• Garlic Butter Pasta – Minimalist magic with max flavor.
• Garlic Butter Noodles – A simple classic that pairs with anything.
• Garlic Butter Lobster Mac & Cheese – Rich, decadent, and over-the-top good.
• Garlic Butter Parmesan Fettuccine – Creamy, cheesy, and craveable.
• Garlic Seafood Pasta Bake – Bubbly and golden with garlic and seafood.
• Garlic Butter Seafood Lasagna Rolls – Creamy, rolled seafood pasta baked in butter sauce.

🍚 Garlic Butter Sides, Bases & Sauces

• Garlic Butter Rice – Buttery rice with bold flavor and fluff.
• Garlic Butter Sauce – Base for seafood, pasta, and more.
• Garlic Butter Seafood Boil Sauce – Bold, spicy, and ready for dunking.
• Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – Creamy with a garlicky punch.
• Garlic Butter Green Beans / Asparagus – Your favorite veg made crave-worthy.
• Garlic Bread with Homemade Garlic Butter Spread – Essential upgrade for any carb lover.

🌶️ Garlic Butter Fusion Recipes (Flavor Bombs)

• Garlic Butter Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and bold.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos – Crispy shells, buttery shrimp.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo – Creamy fusion of two comfort classics.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – Bright lemon and rich butter make magic.
• Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles – Lazy, comforting, deeply satisfying.