If you are looking for a deliciously simple yet irresistibly flavorful noodle dish, the Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe combines tender spaghetti coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with the umami depth of soy sauce and a hint of sweetness from sugar. It’s a straightforward dish that comes together quickly but delivers big on comforting and vibrant flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that elevate these garlic noodles from basic to unforgettable.
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine: Use your favorite long pasta for the perfect bite and texture.
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the noodles that bold, aromatic kick that defines the dish.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter creates a rich, silky sauce that coats every strand.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory depth without overpowering the delicate garlic notes.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances out the saltiness with a subtle touch of sweetness.
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a pleasant mild onion flavor.
How to Make Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente, just firm to the bite. Before draining the noodles, be sure to scoop out and save a cup of the pasta water. This liquid gold will help you create a smooth, glossy sauce in the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Then add the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about a minute. The moment your kitchen fills with the warm, fragrant aroma of garlic, you know you’re on the right path. Be careful not to burn the garlic to keep it sweet and mellow.
Step 3: Combine Noodles with the Garlic Butter
Once your noodles are drained, transfer them directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the sugar over the noodles. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated evenly. This step is where the flavors truly blend into something magical.
Step 4: Adjust the Sauce Creaminess
If the noodles seem a bit dry or sticky at this point, gradually add the reserved pasta water. It helps loosen the sauce, making it velvety and luscious without watering down the flavor. Stir continuously as you add the liquid until you reach your preferred creaminess.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Green Onions
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and toss in the thinly sliced green onions. They provide a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich garlic butter sauce, both in texture and taste. Serve your Kenji Garlic Noodles piping hot for the best experience.
How to Serve Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
While the green onions add a lovely crunch and color, you can also experiment with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you crave some heat. A drizzle of sesame oil right before serving can introduce a subtle, fragrant quality that complements the soy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
These garlic noodles shine as a star dish alongside grilled or roasted meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. They also pair wonderfully with sautéed or steamed veggies such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to create a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a colorful and impressive presentation, consider plating your Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of chopped herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty twist or add crispy fried shallots on top for an irresistible crunch that takes this simple dish to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the noodles soak up the sauce, they might thicken, so keep that reserved pasta water handy.
Freezing
While freezing garlic noodles isn’t ideal because of potential texture changes, you can freeze the noodles separately from the sauce. Thaw in the fridge overnight and recombine gently when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the noodles gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps revive the silkiness and keeps the noodles from sticking or drying out. Avoid the microwave if you can – it tends to make noodles gummy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, feel free to use other long noodles or even ramen noodles if you want a slightly different texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and choose a soy sauce that is vegan-friendly. The recipe remains just as tasty!
How can I make the garlic flavor less intense?
Simply reduce the amount of garlic or sauté it more slowly to mellow out the pungency. Roasting the garlic beforehand is another excellent option for a sweeter, milder taste.
What can I add to make this a complete meal?
Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the noodles, and toss in some steamed vegetables. This transforms the Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe into a hearty and balanced dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the noodles and garlic butter sauce separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
The Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe is a treasure trove of simple ingredients coming together in the most delightful way. It’s an easy, speedy dish that never fails to comfort and impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. Give it a try and watch your love for garlic noodles grow with every forkful!
Print
Kenji Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
Kenji Garlic Noodles is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce enhanced with soy sauce and a touch of sugar. Garnished with fresh green onions, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic notes, making it an easy and delicious meal to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle sugar on top. Toss gently to evenly coat the noodles with the sauce.
- Adjust Creaminess: If the noodles seem dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creamy texture is achieved.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and toss in the thinly sliced green onions. Serve the noodles hot for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti or linguine with any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine if preferred.
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste for a more or less intense garlic flavor.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps emulsify the butter and soy sauce, creating a silky sauce that coats the noodles well.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness; regular soy sauce can be too salty.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or grilled protein for a complete meal.
