These Korean garlic noodles are a tasty mix of chewy noodles and the vibrant flavor of garlic. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and you’re in for a treat!
Making these is a breeze! I love whipping them up for a quick dinner when I’m too tired to cook fancy stuff. They always hit the spot! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Fresh or dried ramen noodles work best for this dish due to their chewy texture. If you can’t find ramen, try using udon or any thin wheat noodles. I also enjoy using rice noodles when I want a gluten-free option!
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use sriracha or chili garlic sauce, but be careful with the amounts, as these can be spicier!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here for that wonderful aroma. If you’re in a pin, garlic powder can substitute, but the taste won’t be as vibrant. I often use extra garlic because I love that strong flavor!
Eggs: The fried egg on top is optional, but it brings a nice richness. For a quick alternative, you can leave it out or use scrambled eggs instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of your dish. Here’s how to sauté garlic safely:
- Heat the oil over medium, not high, heat. This helps control the cooking of the garlic.
- Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat!
- Make sure to add the noodles soon after the garlic is fragrant to prevent burning.
By taking your time and watching closely, you can keep that lovely garlic flavor without any bitterness!
How to Make Korean Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried ramen noodles or thin wheat noodles
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (black and/or white), for garnish
- 2 eggs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. With quick steps to fry the garlic, mix the sauce, and cook the noodles, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights or a delicious weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by boiling some water in a pot. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them in a colander, and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep them firm. Once done, set them aside.
2. Preparing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar or honey. Stir it well until everything is mixed and smooth. This sauce is what will make our noodles flavorful!
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to become fragrant but not browned – burning garlic can taste bitter!
4. Mixing in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss them together with the garlic, making sure that the noodles are coated in the flavorful oil.
5. Adding the Sauce:
Pour your prepared sauce over the noodles and gently toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes just to warm through and let the flavors meld together.
6. Adding Green Onions and Seasoning:
Stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste for that extra pop of flavor.
7. Frying the Eggs:
If you want eggs, take a separate small pan and fry the eggs sunny side up or to your preference. The richness of the egg will complement the garlic noodles beautifully!
8. Serving:
Divide the warm noodles into serving bowls, topping each serving with a fried egg if you’re using them.
9. Garnishing:
Garnish with extra chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add a nice crunch and flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Your delicious, garlicky Korean noodles are ready to eat! Serve them hot and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!
This dish is a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors with a wonderful garlic aroma. It’s not only quick to make, but also satisfying and flavorful!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the ramen noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Gochujang?
No problem! If you don’t have gochujang on hand, you can use sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Just start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as these alternatives can be spicier.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply skip the fried egg topping. You can also enhance the dish with extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a bit of oil to keep the noodles from drying out and heat them gently on the stove or in the microwave.
