These Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are packed with flavor! With tasty garlic, soft noodles, and a hint of soy sauce, they are both simple and satisfying.
Who wouldn’t love a dish that’s quick to make and delish? I always whip these up when I’m in a hurry but still want something yummy. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using fresh ramen or yakisoba noodles for the best texture. If they’re not available, spaghetti or udon noodles can work too! Just make sure to adjust cooking times.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder gives some flavor too, but fresh really shines in this dish.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth, but if you’re looking for a low-sodium option, go ahead and use that instead. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative too!
Oyster Sauce: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using mushroom sauce as a substitute. It’ll give you a similar umami flavor without the seafood.
Sesame Oil: This adds a nice nuttiness to the dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, vegetable oil works, but you may miss that unique flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Fried Eggs?
Fried eggs are a delicious complement to garlic noodles. Here’s how to ensure they turn out great:
- Use a nonstick pan to avoid sticking. Heat it on medium heat and add oil.
- Crack the egg gently in the pan to keep the yolk intact.
- Cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny, about 2-3 minutes. Covering the pan for a minute helps cook the whites evenly.
- Use a spatula to carefully slide the egg onto the noodles without breaking the yolk.
With these tips, you’ll have a lovely fried egg sitting perfectly atop your noodles!
How to Make Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) fresh or dried Japanese-style ramen noodles or yakisoba noodles
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
For the Fried Egg:
- 1 egg (per serving)
- Optional: a pinch of chili powder or shichimi togarashi for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll be enjoying this delicious bowl of noodles in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside to cool.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful sauce for your noodles. Set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and has a slight golden color. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over them. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Add Green Onions:
Stir in the chopped green onions, saving some for garnish. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the noodles.
6. Cook the Eggs:
In a separate nonstick pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry them sunny-side up until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve:
To serve, plate the garlic fried noodles and top each portion with a fried egg. Garnish with the reserved green onions and a sprinkle of chili powder or shichimi togarashi for an extra kick if you’d like!
8. Enjoy:
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles!
This dish is full of savory flavors from the garlic and sauces, paired with the richness of a fried egg making for an easy, delightful meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While ramen or yakisoba noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with udon, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can use hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar, or even mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option. They’ll provide a nice flavor to the dish.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas along with the noodles. Just sauté them before adding the garlic for a nutritious boost!