Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are a tasty dish filled with flavor! These noodles are crispy, garlicky, and are often mixed with veggies for a healthy twist.
Cooking these noodles is a breeze, and the smell of garlic sizzling in the pan is just magical! I love adding a bit of soy sauce for an extra kick—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: For this dish, yakisoba or ramen noodles work wonderfully. If you can’t find them, you can use spaghetti or rice noodles as a quick substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor! However, if you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove should do it. Just add it while cooking to avoid burning.
Oyster sauce: This adds a rich umami taste. If you’re vegetarian or don’t have it, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
Eggs: Topping the noodles with fried eggs adds a lovely creaminess. If you’re avoiding eggs, try a fried tofu or avocado for a different texture.
How Do You Get the Noodles Crispy and Flavorful?
Getting those noodles perfectly crispy requires a few key steps. Start by ensuring your pan is hot enough before you add the noodles. Here’s how:
- Use a well-seasoned skillet or wok to achieve even heating.
- Make sure to add the noodles in batches, if necessary, to avoid crowding. This helps them fry instead of steaming.
- Add the sauce at the right time: to achieve caramelization, let the noodles sit without stirring for a minute after adding the sauce. This will enhance their flavor.
How to Make Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried yakisoba or ramen-style noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
For Topping:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick meal that comes together in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
If you’re using dried noodles, follow the package instructions to cook them until they’re al dente, then drain and set aside. If you’re using fresh noodles, just loosen and separate them before cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Stir-Fry the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes to heat them through. Stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. This will be the flavor booster for your noodles!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and toss well to coat all the noodles evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes to achieve a slight caramelization on the noodles. You’ll love the rich, savory smell!
6. Fry the Eggs:
In a separate small pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up to your preferred doneness. A runny yolk adds a lovely creaminess to the dish!
7. Plate and Serve:
Transfer the noodles to a plate and top each serving with a fried egg. This is the best part!
8. Final Touches:
Garnish with sliced green onions, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and add sesame seeds if you like. This adds crunch and flavor!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles hot and dig in! They’re perfect as a main dish or a side. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While yakisoba or ramen noodles are traditional, you can use any type of noodle you have on hand, such as spaghetti or rice noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can also work well.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm them in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Can I Make This Without Eggs?
Yes! If you’re looking to omit eggs, you can replace them with sautéed tofu or avocado slices for a creamy texture. You can also simply serve the noodles on their own, as they’re delicious by themselves!
