These Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are a tasty treat! They have a rich garlic flavor and are super easy to whip up in no time. Just think of a warm hug on a plate!
Every bite is packed with deliciousness, and the smell of garlic roasting is simply irresistible. I often add some veggies or proteins to make it even better. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: You can use yakisoba or ramen noodles for this dish. If you can’t find either, spaghetti or udon could work too! Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different noodles have varying cook lengths.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for the intense flavor it provides. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, though it won’t give the same robust taste.
Oils: Vegetable oil is an excellent base for frying, but sesame oil adds a delightful nutty flavor. You could also use olive oil in a pinch, but it may alter the flavor a bit.
Sauces: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar. For a vegetarian option, there are mushroom-based oyster sauces available.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fried Noodles?
Getting crispy, flavorful noodles depends on proper cooking techniques. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use a hot skillet or wok: The higher temperature helps the noodles fry instead of steam.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. This ensures optimal frying and flavor.
- Keep tossing: Stir the noodles frequently to mix with garlic and prevent sticking.
- Let them char: Allowing some parts to get a little charred adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Following these tips will keep your noodles flavorful and wonderfully textured every time! Enjoy cooking your Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles!
Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried yakisoba noodles or ramen noodles
For Cooking:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or togarashi for heat
For Garnish:
- Optional: sliced green onions (green parts)
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
If you’re using dried noodles, follow the package instructions and cook them until they’re al dente. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. If you’re using fresh noodles, simply loosen them gently with your hands.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat. This helps create a nice sear on the garlic, giving the dish amazing flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Onions:
Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced garlic and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns golden brown, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Stir-Fry the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them frequently to mix with the garlic and ensure they heat through evenly.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, sugar, and black pepper until well combined.
6. Sauce the Noodles:
Pour the sauce over the noodles in the pan. Toss everything well to make sure all the noodles are evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
7. Final Cooking:
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the noodles to absorb the flavors and get a light char. Yum!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give your noodles a taste. If you’d like, add a bit more soy sauce or a pinch of chili flakes for some extra kick.
9. Garnish:
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish your noodles with the green parts of the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the noodles hot, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful plate of Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles! Perfect for sharing or indulging yourself!
This simple recipe showcases the beautiful garlic flavor combined with a touch of umami and sweetness, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While yakisoba or ramen noodles are traditional choices, you can also use spaghetti or udon noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness. There are also vegetarian oyster sauce options made from mushrooms if you prefer a plant-based alternative.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or oil to help regain some moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! You can add more chili flakes or togarashi to suit your spice level. You might also consider adding diced bell peppers or stir-fried vegetables to enhance the flavor and add a little heat if you enjoy a more robust dish.
