These Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are packed with flavor and super easy to make! With tasty garlic and colorful veggies, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.
Trust me, the garlic aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen! 🍜 I like to top mine with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch. Enjoy a plateful with friends or just for yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using fresh yakisoba noodles for the best texture. If you can’t find them, ramen or yellow egg noodles work nicely too. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions!
Garlic: Garlic is the star of this dish! If you’re not a fan of strong garlic flavor, start with fewer cloves and adjust to your taste. Some people also enjoy adding garlic powder for extra garliciness.
Oils: While vegetable oil is great, you can use canola or peanut oil if you prefer. If you want an added depth, try blending a bit of sesame oil with your cooking oil.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce are crucial for flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free alternative!
Chili Flakes: If you like a little heat, the chili flakes are perfect. But if heat isn’t your thing, feel free to leave them out or replace them with a dash of black pepper.
How Do I Get the Noodles Just Right?
Cooking noodles properly is key to a great dish! Here’s how to make sure they come out perfect:
- Follow the package instructions for boiling or steaming. Fresh noodles usually don’t take long, just a few minutes. You want them slightly undercooked because they will continue to cook when fried.
- After cooking, drain and toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking. This makes a big difference!
- When adding them to the skillet, make sure the skillet is hot. This helps to give them a nice, slightly crispy texture.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to whip up some delicious Japanese garlic fried noodles! Enjoy cooking! 🍜
How to Make Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Noodles and Oils:
- 8 oz fresh yakisoba noodles (or ramen/yellow egg noodles)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh Ingredients:
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 10 minutes to cook everything. So, you’ll have a delicious plate of Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles ready in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
First, follow the instructions on the noodle package for cooking. If you’re using fresh noodles, simply loosen them with your fingers and set them aside.
2. Heat Up the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot but not smoking!
3. Add Garlic and Onions:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and the white parts of the sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Add Sliced Onions:
Now, toss in the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent. This adds a nice sweetness to the dish!
5. Combine with Noodles:
Next, add the cooked noodles into the skillet. Give them a good toss to mix everything together, making sure the noodles absorb the flavors from the garlic and onions.
6. Add the Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili flakes if you like a little heat. Toss everything again to ensure the noodles are evenly coated. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and the noodles begin to brown slightly.
7. Final Seasoning:
Season your dish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove. Garnish your noodles with the green parts of the green onions and sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top if you like. They add a lovely crunch!
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles hot and enjoy your delicious creation! Perfect as a main dish or a delightful side.
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While yakisoba noodles are traditional, you can substitute with ramen, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the noodle type you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can warm them up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with a bit more soy sauce or use hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor. Mixing soy sauce with some mushroom or soy-based alternatives can also work well for a vegetarian option.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Yes! If you like it spicy, add more red chili flakes or even a drizzle of sriracha at the end. You can also toss in some sliced fresh chilies while stir-frying for an extra kick!