20-Minute Satisfying Garlic Ginger Noodles
A fast, aromatic noodle dish with a perfect balance of buttery richness, sweet soy, and fresh ginger. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s flavorful, satisfying, and ideal for quick weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- 1 Skillet or frying pan
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- 1 Grater or microplane (for ginger)
- 1 Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 ounces spaghetti or preferred noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon scallions chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously season it with salt. Add the spaghetti (or your chosen noodles) to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until it reaches al dente—tender yet slightly firm to the bite. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once done, drain the noodles in a colander and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
- Melt the Butter Base: While the noodles are cooking, place a medium skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan gently to coat the bottom evenly. The butter should foam lightly but not brown, creating a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Aromatics: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30–60 seconds until they become fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can develop a bitter taste. This step releases the essential oils and flavors that make the dish aromatic and savory.
- Combine the Sauces: Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce directly into the skillet. Stir continuously to combine the ingredients thoroughly. The heat will help the honey melt and blend with the soy and hoisin, creating a silky, slightly sweet, and savory sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Scallions: Add the chopped scallions into the skillet and stir well. The scallions provide a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of vibrant color. Allow them to cook for about 30 seconds to soften slightly while maintaining their brightness.
- Toss the Noodles: Add the drained noodles directly into the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs or a wooden spoon, gently toss the noodles to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the buttery garlic-ginger sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Taste the noodles and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting, as the soy and hoisin sauces already contribute saltiness and depth of flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the noodles to serving plates or bowls.Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds, additional chopped scallions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra aroma. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full flavor and buttery texture of the sauce. These noodles pair well with stir-fried vegetables, tofu, or grilled protein for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with rice noodles, soba noodles, or whole wheat pasta.
- Adjust honey and hoisin sauce to taste for a sweeter or more savory profile.
- Fresh ginger is preferable for the best flavor, but pre-grated ginger works in a pinch.
- Garlic cooks quickly—avoid burning it to keep the sauce smooth and aromatic.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or extra scallions for added texture and presentation.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately, but it can be reheated gently without losing flavor.
