Garlic Noodles

Name: Garlic Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 ounces wheat noodles, egg noodles, spaghetti, linguini (or sub gf rice noodles); ¼ cup hoisin sauce (or gf hoisin sauce); 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar); 3 tablespoons chinese cooking wine (or skip it); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free liquid aminos); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 medium garlic cloves, chopped; 1-2 bunches broccolini, split in half lengthwise, then cut into 2-3 inch pieces; 6 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced at a diagonal; 4 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

By:

dani

Published:

March 29, 2026

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Garlic noodles are a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that come together in a simple yet satisfying dish. With their irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s easy to understand why these noodles have become a go-to comfort food. The chewy texture of the noodles pairs perfectly with a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a dish that isn’t just flavorful but also visually appealing.

I first stumbled upon garlic noodles at a local Asian bistro, where their rich sauce and vibrant vegetables immediately hooked me. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that exact experience at home. Whether you’re in a rush for a quick weeknight dinner or craving something special to impress friends and family, this garlic noodles recipe ticks all the boxes—easy, budget-friendly, and downright delicious. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a scrumptious meal in just 30 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: A savory garlic sauce blended with hoisin and sesame oil creates a taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The gorgeous colors from fresh veggies make this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive dish for your next gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan diets and gluten-free needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 ounces wheat noodles (or gluten-free rice noodles): The base of your dish; wheat noodles are chewy and flavorful.
¼ cup hoisin sauce: This adds a sweet and savory depth—try going for organic to avoid unwanted additives.
1 tablespoon black vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity; rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
3 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine: Adds a lovely complexity to the dish; you can skip this if you prefer.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Essential for introducing depth and umami flavor; gluten-free liquid aminos are a great substitute.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: For a nutty aroma that enhances the dish; don’t skip this!
1-2 tablespoons olive oil: Prevents sticking and adds richness; extra virgin is best for its flavor.
8 medium garlic cloves, chopped: The star of your dish, creating that mouthwatering aroma.
Veggies—1-2 bunches broccolini, split in half and cut into 2-3 inch pieces: They add color and crunch; feel free to swap in mushrooms, bok choy, or other favorites.
6 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated): These add a fresh oniony taste; they’re bright and beautiful on top!
4 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: For garnish, lending a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Garlic Noodles

Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the 12 ounces of wheat noodles according to the package directions. After draining, toss them with a bit of toasted sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon black vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, and 3 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (if using). Whisk these ingredients until well blended; set this sauce aside.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the broccolini (or your selected vegetables) and stir-fry until tender-crisp—this should take 2-3 minutes. Push the veggies to the side of the wok and add the 8 chopped garlic cloves along with the white parts of the 6 scallions. Sauté everything together until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine Noodles and Sauce: Pour in the prepped sauce along with the cooked noodles. Toss everything together quickly to coat the noodles in the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until some noodles take on a nice crispy texture and stick slightly to the wok.
Season and Serve: Give your dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Once done, divide the garlic noodles among bowls, topping each with the green parts of the scallions and 4 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover garlic noodles can be stored at room temperature for a few hours or transferred to the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply microwave them for about 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Keep in mind the texture may soften slightly, so you might add a touch of olive oil or new veggies to refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid mushy noodles, be sure not to overcook them; they should be al dente when drained.
Using fresh garlic yields the best flavor, so try to use freshly chopped rather than pre-minced.
For a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or chili oil to the sauce!
If your noodles are sticky after tossing, a little extra sesame oil can help separate them nicely.
Always taste your noodles before serving so you can adjust the seasonings to your preference.

There you have it: a recipe for garlic noodles that is as simple to prepare as it is delicious to eat! Full of flavor and quick to whip up, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or proteins to make it your own; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy a cozy night in with this delightful dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any type of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! Wheat noodles, spaghetti, linguini, or gluten-free rice noodles all work beautifully in this recipe. Choose what you love or what you have on hand—just be mindful of cooking times!

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Thankfully, this garlic noodles recipe is easily vegan. Just ensure your hoisin sauce is vegan-friendly (many are) and skip the Chinese cooking wine if you’d like. You can also add tofu for extra protein.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

If you’re in a bind, you can create a makeshift sauce by mixing together soy sauce, a little sugar, and peanut butter or another natural sweetener to mimic hoisin’s sweet and savory notes.

How should I adjust for leftovers?

If you’re reheating garlic noodles that have been refrigerated, add a splash of water or oil while reheating to reintroduce moisture, ensuring they don’t dry out. You can also stir in fresh veggies to give them a revitalizing upgrade!