These Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles are tasty and super quick to make! With garlic, soy sauce, and your favorite veggies, they’re packed with flavor and ready in no time.
Let’s face it, who can resist the smell of garlic sizzling in the kitchen? I love loading mine up with colorful veggies for a fun twist. Perfect for a busy weekday dinner! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Yakisoba noodles are ideal, but feel free to substitute with ramen or lo mein noodles. If you’re gluten-free, you could use rice noodles for a delicious twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder is a handy substitute in a pinch. I always love the rich aroma of sautéing fresh garlic in oil, adding so much depth to the dish.
Vegetables: Cabbage or bok choy works well here, but you can also use bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas. Use whatever veggies you have on hand to make it colorful and nutritious!
Oyster Sauce: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute with mushroom sauce or simply skip it. The soy sauce still provides great flavor!
Egg: I like the creamy texture of a fried egg on top. For a vegan version, skip the egg or try a tofu scramble for protein.
How Do I Get the Perfect Bite with Noodles?
Cooking the noodles perfectly is crucial to enjoy a great texture. Here’s what you need to know:
- If using dried noodles, boil according to package instructions until just al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy later.
- Draining and rinsing them in cold water stops the cooking process, keeping them firm.
- When stir-frying, ensure your pan is hot enough. This helps the noodles develop a nice chewy texture and avoid sticking.
Remember to toss the noodles continuously in the pan so they heat evenly and soak up all that garlic goodness!
Delicious Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) fresh or dried yakisoba noodles (or ramen/lo mein noodles)
For Stir-Frying:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup sliced cabbage or bok choy (optional for veggies)
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for umami depth)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 fried egg (sunny side up) per serving
- A pinch of chili flakes or togarashi (optional for some heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare this delightful dish in just about 15 minutes! You’ll spend around 5 minutes cooking the noodles, and 10 minutes stir-frying everything together. Don’t forget to add a few minutes if you want to whip up some fried eggs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
If you’re using dried noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. If you have fresh noodles, simply loosen them with your hands and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely minced garlic and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can get bitter!
3. Incorporate the Veggies:
Add the sliced cabbage or bok choy to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. This adds great crunch and flavor to your dish!
4. Toss in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing everything together to combine well with the garlic and veggies. Just make sure the noodles are nice and hot throughout.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and black pepper. Pour this delicious sauce over the noodles.
6. Final Stir-Fry:
Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
7. Fry the Egg:
In a separate small pan, fry each egg sunny side up until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny, as this makes a lovely topping!
8. Serve:
Transfer the garlic fried noodles to serving bowls and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Top each bowl with a fried egg and sprinkle with chili flakes or togarashi for a bit of heat, if desired.
Enjoy your quick and tasty Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles right away! Perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week!
Can I Substitute the Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While yakisoba noodles are traditional, you can use ramen or lo mein noodles instead. For a gluten-free option, rice noodles work quite well too!
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
If you want to skip the oyster sauce, you can either omit it entirely or use mushroom sauce for a similar umami flavor. Soy sauce alone will still give you a tasty result!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to help revive the noodles.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Definitely! To make it vegan, simply omit the fried egg and you can add tofu or chickpeas for extra protein instead. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based!
