Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles are one of my favorite meals. When I think about comfort food, this dish comes to mind. The creamy cheese and the rich garlic flavor make it so delicious. I love to cook Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles when I want something quick and tasty. It always brings a smile to my face and fills my kitchen with a wonderful smell.
Memories in the Kitchen
I remember the first time I made Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles. It was a rainy day, and I wanted something warm and cozy. I found some leftover noodles in my fridge and thought, “Why not add cheese and garlic?” I tossed them in a pan with butter, garlic, and soy sauce. As the noodles cooked, I could already smell the tasty mixture. I added cheese, and it melted beautifully. That moment made me realize how easy it is to create something special.
A Family Favorite
Now, Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles are a family favorite. My kids love to help me in the kitchen when I make this dish. They get excited when they see me melting the cheese and stirring in the garlic. We often enjoy this meal together on busy weeknights. It’s amazing how a simple dish like Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles can bring us all together at the dinner table, laughing and sharing stories.
Sometimes, I invite friends over for dinner and serve Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles. They always ask for the recipe because they love it so much! I enjoy showing them how easy it is to make. Each time I share this dish, I feel happy knowing I can create joy through food. Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles are more than just a meal; they are a way to connect with those I love.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles
- Use fresh garlic and green onions for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste.
- Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different noodle types, such as soba or udon, to switch up the texture and flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy for extra nutrition and color. Sauté them in the garlic butter before adding the noodles.
- For a spicier kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when incorporating the sauce.
- Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost, making it a more filling meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the noodles.
Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles
4
servings5
minutes6
minutes225
kcal11
minutesIndulge in the irresistible flavors of our Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles! Bursting with aromatic garlic, rich Parmesan, and authentic Asian sauces, this quick and simple recipe transforms ordinary noodles into a savory masterpiece. Perfect for busy weeknights or a delightful side dish, these noodles offer a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you’re adding a fried egg or pairing it with vibrant broccolini, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these lip-smackingly delicious noodles that are both healthy and affordable!
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
4 5-ounce packages dried ramen or noodle cakes
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Flavor Base
4 tbsp unsalted butter
12 cloves garlic minced to a fine consistency
4 tsp oyster sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce as a substitute)
4 tsp fish sauce (or soy sauce as an alternative)
3 tsp Maggi seasoning (can be replaced with soy sauce)
- Liquid and Garnish
1/2 cup reserved noodle cooking water add more if needed
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- Alternative Ingredients:
Noodles: Substitute with egg noodles spaghetti, or rice noodles for different textures.
Unsalted Butter: Use plant-based butter or margarine to make it dairy-free.
Oyster Sauce: Replace with vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce for a vegetarian version.
Fish Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce to make it vegetarian or vegan.
Maggi Seasoning: Use soy sauce as an alternative if unavailable.
Parmesan Cheese: Omit for a vegan diet or use nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative.
Directions
- Cooking the Noodles – Begin by bringing a large saucepan of water to a boil according to the package instructions for your chosen noodles. Add the noodles and cook until they reach al dente texture, usually about 5-7 minutes. Before draining, carefully reserve half a cup of the cooking water, which will be used to create the sauce.
- Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step infuses the butter with rich garlic flavor, forming the base of your sauce.
- Building the Flavor Profile – Incorporate the oyster sauce, fish sauce, and Maggi seasoning into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Stir well to ensure all the sauces are fully blended, enhancing the umami depth of the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce as desired.
- Combining Noodles and Sauce – Return the cooked and drained noodles to the saucepan containing the sauce. Sprinkle in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and sliced green onions. Toss the noodles thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the savory sauce, about 1-2 minutes of mixing.
- Adjusting Consistency and Serving – If the noodles appear too dry, add the reserved cooking water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. This helps to moisten the noodles and distribute the sauce evenly without pooling. Serve the garlic noodles hot, optionally topping with a fried egg or sautéed broccolini for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- stainless steel cookware set
- measuring cups and spoons
- box grater
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 225kcal
- Fat: 12.5g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20.5mg
- Sodium: 1267.5mg
- Potassium: 121.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 22.5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Vitamin A: 300IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ-Cheesy Asian Garlic Noodles
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes! You can substitute the noodles with gluten-free alternatives, such as rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These noodles can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, use plant-based butter, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast, and replace the oyster and fish sauces with soy sauce.
What can I serve with these noodles?
These noodles pair well with a side of steamed vegetables, an Asian salad, or some dumplings for a complete meal.
How can I adjust the sodium content?
To reduce sodium, you can use low-sodium soy sauce instead of oyster sauce and fish sauce, and limit the amount of Maggi seasoning used in the recipe.
