Asian Garlic Noodles

Savory, earthy, umami and tart, these cold noodles have a few inherent similarities to the takeout classic chilled sesame noodles – while being overall more nuanced and refined in flavor.

And there’s no need to go on an Asian ingredients shopping extravaganza to make Asian garlic noodles at home. You probably have much of what you’ll need in your pantry right now.

Asian Garlic Noodles Ingredients

Scroll all the way down for the full recipe.

• Cucumber: Cucumber delivers a freshness that pairs so well with the garlic sauce. Use Kirby cucumbers or English cucumbers for the best crunch.
• Cilantro or Basil: While I think this Asian garlic noodles recipe works best with cilantro, I realize that particular herb can be polarizing – and isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Finger shredded fresh basil can also do the trick.
• Neutral Oil: This is just used to make the shredded omelette topping. I used grapeseed oil – but really, any neutral cooking oil will work.
• Egg: You’ll want one large whisked egg. Try to use pasture raised eggs from farms that go the extra step of getting the Certified Humane credential. It really matters!
• Dry Spaghetti: 8 oz is about 1/2 a typical box of pasta from the corner shop. My preference for this recipe is thin spaghetti – but in a sec, we’ll discuss other noodle options you can use.
• Garlic Noodle Sauce: A mix of garlic, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, chili oil, salt, and sesame seeds.

How to Make Garlic Noodles

1. First, gather all of your cooking tools and ingredients.
2. Then bring a large, salted pot of water to boil.
3. Meanwhile, mix all of the garlic sauce ingredients in a small bowl, stir well and set aside.
4. In a small pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp oil. Once the oil is hot, add the whisked egg. Swirl it around in the pan so that the egg covers the entire cooking surface of the pan. Once the omelette is approaching fully cooked, flip it over briefly and turn the heat off.
5. Transfer the omelette to a cutting board, cut it into thin strips and set aside.
6. Once your water is boiling, add the noodles and cook until al dente (there should be approximate cooking times listed on the box instructions). Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water.
7. Next, transfer the drained cold noodles to a large bowl.
8. Add the garlic sauce and toss well until the noodles are evenly coated.
9. Finally, transfer the garlic noodles to a serving bowl or platter and top with the sliced egg, cucumber and fresh cilantro (or basil).

What Other Types of Noodles Can I Use?

Now, I’ve already gone on the record with my preference for boxed dry thin spaghetti noodles for this recipe. And, considering the long history of noodles in general, it’s not surprising that Italian pasta works well in Chinese garlic noodles.

That said, you can really use whatever you like best (and have handy in your pantry). Some other options to consider include:

• Chinese egg noodles
• Soba or ramen noodles
• Fettuccine, linguine or angel hair pasta

Garlic Noodle Additions and Variations

Same goes for additional ingredients or proteins. This noodle recipe is intentionally simple (and I dare say perfect) as it is. However, you could easily round it out with an additional protein or the flavor enhancer of your choice.