Name: Amazing Korean Style Garlic Noodles in 30 Min
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 8 oz Korean wheat noodles (or ramen, instant noodles, or cold noodles); 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 6 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced; 1 small head baby bok choy, chopped; 2 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste); 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Korean Style Garlic Noodles have become my absolute go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. I remember the first time I tried them at a local Korean spot – the intense garlicky aroma, the perfectly chewy noodles coated in that glossy sauce, and the subtle kick of spice just blew me away. I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, and this Korean garlic noodles recipe is the result of many delicious experiments. It’s so easy, you’ll be whipping up this flavor-packed dish on repeat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Style Garlic Noodles

You’re going to adore this Korean Style Garlic Noodles recipe for so many reasons! It’s a flavor explosion that’s incredibly quick to make:

Incredible Taste: The savory, garlicky, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce coats every strand of noodle beautifully.
Super Speedy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will gobble up these flavorful noodles.
Healthy-ish Option: Packed with veggies like shiitake mushrooms and bok choy for added nutrients.
Customizable Spice: Easily adjust the gochugaru and gochujang to your preferred heat level.
Versatile Dish: This garlic noodles Korean style recipe works great as a main or a side dish.
Authentic Flavors: Experience a true taste of Korea with this simple yet delicious garlic noodles Korean style recipe.

Ingredients for Korean Style Garlic Noodles

Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing Korean food garlic noodles:

8 oz Korean wheat noodles – or ramen, instant noodles, or cold noodles if you can’t find specific Korean wheat noodles.
2 tablespoons sesame oil – a little goes a long way for that nutty flavor.
4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced – don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s key!
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced – adds a lovely warmth and zing.
6 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced – these add a wonderful meaty texture and earthy flavor.
1 small head baby bok choy, chopped – for a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant green color.
2 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated) – the white parts go in for sautéing, the green for garnish.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil – for sautéing the aromatics and mushrooms.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – the salty, umami base of our sauce.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce) – adds depth and a touch of sweetness; a crucial element for that authentic taste.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – for a subtle tang to balance the richness.
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – this is where the gentle heat comes from.
1 teaspoon sugar – just a touch to enhance the sweetness and balance the spice.
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – for a deeper, slightly fermented chili flavor and a beautiful red hue.
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish) – adds a nice crunch and nutty finish.

How to Make Korean Style Garlic Noodles

Whipping up these incredibly flavorful Korean Style Garlic Noodles is easier than you think! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get this dish from your stovetop to your table.

Step 1: Boil your noodles according to the package instructions until they are perfectly al dente. I like to use Korean wheat noodles for their chewiness, but ramen or even instant noodles work wonderfully. Once drained, rinse them under cold water and toss with a tiny bit of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together. This is a crucial step for the best texture in your easy Korean garlic noodles.
Step 2: While the noodles cook, let’s make that magic sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon gochugaru, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon gochujang. This combination creates that signature sweet, savory, and slightly spicy profile that makes these noodles so addictive.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced 4 cloves fresh garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and the white parts of the 2 sliced scallions. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell that amazing garlicky, gingery aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 4: Toss in your sliced 6 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get nicely browned and tender. The mushrooms soak up all those delicious aromatics.
Step 5: Add the chopped baby bok choy to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. You want the bok choy to be wilted but still retain a vibrant green color and a little crunch.
Step 6: Now it’s time for the star of the show! Add your cooked noodles into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce all over everything. This is where the transformation happens, and you’re well on your way to making some truly easy Korean garlic noodles.
Step 7: Stir and toss everything together for about 1-2 minutes. You want to make sure every single noodle is coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Let the sauce bubble and caramelize slightly on the noodles; it’s the best part!
Step 8: Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish your beautiful Korean Style Garlic Noodles with the green parts of the sliced scallions and the optional 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Korean Style Garlic Noodles

To elevate your homemade Korean Style Garlic Noodles from good to absolutely unforgettable, try these expert tips:

Don’t overcook your noodles! They will continue to cook in the sauce, so aim for al dente.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most pungent and authentic flavor. Pre-minced versions just don’t pack the same punch.
Taste your sauce before adding it to the noodles and adjust seasonings as needed – a little more sugar, spice, or soy sauce can make all the difference.
For a richer flavor, feel free to use butter along with or instead of vegetable oil when sautéing the aromatics.

What’s the secret to perfect Korean Style Garlic Noodles?

The real secret to perfect Korean Style Garlic Noodles lies in the sauce balance – achieving that ideal mix of savory, sweet, garlicky, and spicy. It also helps to use good quality noodles and not overcook them.

Can I make Korean Style Garlic Noodles ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chop all your vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Cook the noodles and combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Korean Style Garlic Noodles?

A common pitfall is using too little garlic or not sautéing it properly, which dulls the flavor. Another mistake is overcooking the noodles, leading to a mushy texture. Finally, ensure your sauce is well-balanced before tossing it with the noodles.

Best Ways to Serve Flavorful Korean Garlic Noodles

These Korean Style Garlic Noodles are so versatile, they can be the star of the show or a fantastic supporting player. I love serving them as a main course, perhaps with a simple fried egg on top for extra richness. They also make a wonderful side dish to grilled meats like bulgogi or kalbi, adding that burst of garlicky, savory goodness to the meal.

For a truly balanced and satisfying experience, consider pairing these noodles with a light, refreshing Korean cucumber salad (oi muchim) or some steamed edamame. The crisp, cool salad perfectly cuts through the richness of the noodles, making each bite even more delightful. These noodles are truly a treat!

Nutrition Facts for Korean Style Garlic Noodles

Here’s a nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delicious Korean Style Garlic Noodles. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 350-400
Fat: 15-20g
Saturated Fat: 3-5g
Protein: 8-10g
Carbohydrates: 45-55g
Fiber: 4-6g
Sugar: 8-10g
Sodium: 800-1000mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Korean Style Garlic Noodles

Got leftovers of these amazing Korean food garlic noodles? Great! Properly storing and reheating ensures you can enjoy them just as much the next day. First, let your noodles cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer them into an airtight container. You can keep these delicious garlic noodles Korean style recipe leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just make sure to press out as much air as possible!

When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your friend for a quick fix. Just place the noodles in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between. If you prefer a slightly crisper texture, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil, tossing until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Style Garlic Noodles

What makes these Korean Style Garlic Noodles authentic?

What makes these Authentic Korean garlic noodles so special is the combination of gochujang and gochugaru, which gives them that signature sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavor profile that’s characteristic of many popular Korean dishes. The shiitake mushrooms and bok choy also add classic elements often found in Korean home cooking.

Can I add protein to my Korean Style Garlic Noodles?

Absolutely! These noodles are a fantastic base for adding your favorite protein. I love tossing in some leftover shredded chicken, pan-fried tofu, or even a fried egg right on top. Grilled shrimp or thinly sliced steak also work wonderfully to make these Korean Style Garlic Noodles a more substantial meal.

Are Korean Style Garlic Noodles spicy?

They have a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the gochugaru and gochujang, but it’s a pleasant warmth rather than overwhelming heat. You can easily control the spice by adjusting the amount of Korean chili flakes and paste. If you prefer them less spicy, simply reduce the quantity of these ingredients!

What kind of noodles are best for Korean Style Garlic Noodles?

While Korean wheat noodles are ideal for their chewy texture, don’t worry if you can’t find them! Ramen noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti can work in a pinch. The key is a noodle that can stand up to the rich, flavorful sauce without becoming mushy. Experiment to find your favorite for this delicious Korean food garlic noodles dish.

Variations of Korean Style Garlic Noodles You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Korean Style Garlic Noodles, you might want to explore some delicious variations! These noodles are incredibly adaptable, and you can easily tweak them to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. If you’re wondering what are Korean garlic noodles beyond the classic recipe, consider these ideas:

Spicy Kick: For those who love extra heat, double the gochugaru and gochujang, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Creamy Garlic Noodles: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a rich, creamy texture that complements the savory garlic.
Vegetarian/Vegan Twist: Ensure you use vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce instead of regular oyster sauce. You can also swap the ground turkey for additional mushrooms, firm tofu, or plant-based protein crumbles.
Quick Pan-Fried Version: If you don’t have fresh bok choy, you can skip it or use frozen stir-fry vegetables for an even quicker meal.