These Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are packed with flavor! Made with chewy noodles, garlic, and colorful veggies, they’re a fun and tasty dish that’s super easy to whip up.
Honestly, who can resist that garlicky aroma wafting through the kitchen? I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for extra crunch—it makes them even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Fresh or dried yakisoba or ramen noodles are the best for this dish. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or rice noodles work as alternatives, but be mindful that the textures will differ.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could be used, but fresh gives the best taste!
Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are my favorite as they add a unique flavor. However, button mushrooms or even other varieties like cremini can substitute easily.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce create a great depth of flavor. If you need a vegetarian option, swap oyster sauce for mushroom sauce or soy sauce. Mirin is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness.
Sesame Oil: This adds a lovely nuttiness; however, if you don’t have it, you could use a bit of peanut oil or skip it altogether.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry?
Getting the stir-fry just right is key to this dish. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients. This helps the garlic cook quickly and prevents burning.
- Stir-fry in batches if your pan isn’t big enough. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Toss the ingredients frequently for even cooking, and don’t be afraid to push them to the side to make room for the noodles.
Stir-frying is all about speed and heat, so have everything ready before you start cooking!
Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) fresh or dried yakisoba or ramen noodles
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for any weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
First, cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside for later.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. This will give your noodles a lovely flavor!
3. Stir-Fry the Garlic and Onions:
Add the finely minced garlic and the white parts of the sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant—just be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry everything for about 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and cooked through.
5. Incorporate the Noodles:
Now, push the garlic, mushrooms, and onions to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the cooked noodles. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes to heat through.
6. Mix the Sauce:
While the noodles are heating, in a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin (if using), sesame oil, and sugar. Once mixed, pour this sauce over the noodles, tossing to coat everything evenly.
7. Final Stir-Fry:
Stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Make sure the noodles are well-coated and delicious!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the garlic fried noodles to serving plates. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoy your savory and garlicky Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While yakisoba and ramen noodles are traditional choices, you can substitute them with spaghetti or rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for fresh versus dried options.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option, or use additional soy sauce with a touch of sugar for sweetness. This will still deliver that umami flavor!
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be great additions. If using raw protein, cook it first before adding the garlic and vegetables to ensure everything is properly cooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to help prevent drying out.
