Garlic rice noodles are one of those dishes that never let me down — quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect as a side or a full meal if you want to bulk it up with a protein and veggies. I still remember the first time I had something like this at a small Asian bistro; the simplicity of garlic and soy tossed with silky noodles just stayed with me. Once I started making it at home, I realized how versatile and budget-friendly it could be.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Rice Noodles
What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. Some nights, it’s a quick side dish with grilled chicken or pork; other nights, I’ll toss in shrimp and broccoli and call it dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that fits whatever mood or pantry situation you’re in. Plus, these noodles soak up the garlicky, buttery soy sauce in the best way — each bite is packed with that savory-sweet goodness.
Serving Suggestions
The first time I made these at home, we had them alongside some grilled pork, and it felt like a restaurant-quality meal without the price tag. The second time, I tossed in some sautéed shrimp and steamed broccoli — that one became a weeknight favorite.
If you’re meal prepping, make a double batch and portion it out with different proteins for the week. Think shredded rotisserie chicken one day, crispy tofu another, and maybe even leftover steak slices for a heartier meal.
Add-Ons and Garnish Ideas
This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can keep it simple or get creative:
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Stir in a splash of fish sauce or oyster sauce for deeper flavor.
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Sprinkle red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for some crunch and heat.
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Toss in fresh veggies like broccoli, snow peas, red peppers, or green beans.
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For a twist, sprinkle on parmesan cheese or drizzle with hot sauce for a fusion kick.
One of my guilty pleasures is topping it with a fried egg and letting the yolk mix into the noodles. Trust me, it’s heavenly.
My Favorite Tips and Variations
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Pick your noodle wisely: Medium-width rice noodles work perfectly here — not too thin, not too thick.
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Don’t boil the noodles: Soak them in warm water until they’re just pliable. Boiling can make them gummy.
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Make it a meal: Stir in shrimp, chicken, or tofu right before serving.
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Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy for freshness and crunch.
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Add some spice: A spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a drizzle of sriracha can make a big difference.
About the Ingredients
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Rice Noodles: They give the dish that classic chewy texture, and they’re naturally gluten-free.
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Butter: I love using real butter here — it adds richness. If you want a nutty twist, try toasted sesame oil.
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Shallot: Sweet and mild, but if you only have onions, those will work fine too.
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Garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred garlic will save you time on busy nights.
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Brown Sugar: A little bit balances out the garlic and soy without making the dish sweet.
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Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but use low-sodium if you prefer. For gluten-free, try coconut aminos.
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Green Onions: They’re not just a garnish; they add a bright, fresh bite that ties it all together.
Ingredient Swaps That Work
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Use angel hair pasta or ramen noodles if that’s what you have.
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Swap coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
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Add extra veggies like shredded carrots or snap peas to make it more colorful and filling.
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Toss in leftover rotisserie chicken or tofu to make it a hearty main dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
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8 oz rice noodles
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3 tbsp butter
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1 shallot, diced
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6 tsp garlic, minced
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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2 green onions, sliced
Preparation
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Prepare rice noodles al dente according to package directions, then set aside without rinsing.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves, then pour in the soy sauce and let it simmer for a minute.
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Toss in the noodles and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they’ve absorbed the sauce.
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Top with green onions and serve hot.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm them in a skillet with a touch of butter or soy sauce to bring the noodles back to life.
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Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these — the noodles lose their texture and turn mushy.
FAQs About Garlic Rice Noodles
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the noodles and sauce separately, then toss them together just before serving to keep them fresh.
What if I don’t have rice noodles?
No problem. Thin spaghetti, ramen, or even udon noodles will work. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this less salty?
Absolutely. Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste as you go. You can also dilute the sauce with a splash of water if needed.
How do I add more protein?
Stir in cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, crispy tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg. It turns the side dish into a full meal.
What veggies work best in this dish?
Bell peppers, snow peas, bok choy, or shredded carrots are my favorites. They cook quickly and add nice texture.
Garlic Rice Noodles
These garlic rice noodles are buttery, savory, and full of umami flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Do not rinse; set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in the brown sugar, letting it melt into the buttery garlic mixture.
- Pour in the soy sauce and let it simmer for a minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently so they soak up all that garlicky sauce. Let them cook for another 3–5 minutes until well coated.
- Plate and garnish with fresh green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 181Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 23mgSodium 743mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 3g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This garlic rice noodles recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s fast, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or turning it into a full meal, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. Once you make it a couple of times, you’ll probably start tweaking it to suit your own taste — and that’s when it truly becomes yours.
