If you adore bold flavors and crave quick, satisfying meals, then this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly tender noodles infused with an irresistible garlicky sauce that’s both savory and a little spicy, all whipped up in under 15 minutes using your trusty Instant Pot. This dish strikes the ideal balance of comforting and exciting, boasting layers of flavor from toasted sesame oil, umami-rich oyster sauce, and that delightful kick of red chili. Whether you’re looking for a solo treat or a crowd-pleaser, these noodles bring the kind of warmth and flavor that make every bite feel like a hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish keeps it refreshingly simple, relying on a handful of ingredients that each play a vital role in building authentic, irresistible flavor. From the silky, slurpy noodles to the punchy garlic and bold sauces, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious and memorable meal.
- 2 tablespoons Oil or Butter: I favor avocado oil for its lightness and smooth texture, perfect for sautéing without overpowering the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a warm, nutty depth that instantly elevates the noodles with its aromatic touch.
- 8 ounces Thin Spaghetti or Canton Noodles: These absorb the sauce beautifully while cooking quickly and maintaining a great bite.
- 8-10 cloves Garlic, finely diced or minced: The heart of the dish, delivering that punchy, savory aroma that every garlic lover dreams of.
- 2 Scallions or Green Onions, white and green parts separated, chopped: The white parts lend gentle sweetness during cooking, and the green tops offer freshness as a garnish.
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce: Provides the essential salty umami flavor that binds everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (vegan alternative available): Gives a luscious, slightly sweet depth and glossy finish to the noodles.
- 1/2-1 tablespoon Red Chili Sauce (Sambal Oelek recommended): Brings a vibrant, spicy note—feel free to adjust depending on your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar: Balances out the savoriness with a touch of sweetness that harmonizes all the flavors.
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water: The cooking liquid that softens the noodles and dilutes the sauce just right.
- Salt to taste: Always the final touch to perfect the seasoning just for you.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Instant Pot
Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. This initial step is crucial for building flavor—it’s where you awaken the oils and infuse them with aromatic garlic and scallions, creating the foundation of your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add your chosen oil along with the toasted sesame oil to the pot. As soon as the oils shimmer, toss in the minced garlic and the white parts of your scallions. Sauté them gently until they become fragrant and a little golden, releasing that intoxicating garlicky aroma that promises deliciousness.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
Next comes the fun part—break your spaghetti noodles in half so they fit neatly into the pot. Arrange them in a zigzag pattern to prevent clumping and make sure they cook evenly. This clever placement is a simple trick to obtain perfectly tender noodles every single time.
Step 4: Layer in the Sauces and Seasonings
Once your noodles are in place, pour over the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar right on top. These ingredients will mingle as the noodles cook, creating a luscious, deeply flavorful sauce. Resist the urge to stir just yet so the noodles can soften properly.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Pressure Cook
Pour in the vegetable broth or water carefully, ensuring the noodles are covered by the liquid. Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it for 5 minutes on high pressure. When the timer goes off, perform a quick release to prevent overcooking. Give the noodles a good stir and let them rest for 2 minutes inside the pot to fully absorb the sauce and thicken up beautifully.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give it a taste and adjust salt if needed—this simple step ensures the flavors pop just how you like. Before serving, sprinkle the fresh green parts of the scallions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top for an irresistible finish that’s both colorful and texturally inviting.
How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and texture make all the difference, so don’t skimp on the garnishes. Chopped green scallions brighten the dish visually and with their mild sharpness. Toasted sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and nutty aroma that complements the sauces perfectly. If you want an extra touch of heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes does wonders.
Side Dishes
These garlic noodles pair wonderfully with simple proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, balancing hearty with light. For a vegetarian angle, steamed or stir-fried veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli add wonderful crunch and freshness. A crisp Asian slaw or a cucumber salad can offer contrast to the warmth and richness of the noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this dish a step further by serving it in shallow bowls with an artful swirl of the sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. For an interactive experience, set out bowls of garnishes and toppings to let everyone customize their plate. You might also try layering the noodles under a fried egg for a breakfast twist that’s totally crave-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic noodles stash beautifully in an airtight container and keep well in your fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making reheated servings just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last for about 1 to 2 months. Keep in mind that noodles might lose a bit of firmness, but the sauce will remain delicious and comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the noodles and gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to redistribute the sauce and prevent drying out. Add fresh garnishes afterward for that just-made feeling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti or Canton noodles work best for this recipe’s texture and cooking time, you can experiment with rice noodles, udon, or even egg noodles. Just be mindful of their cooking times and adjust the pressure cooking accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the oyster sauce for a vegan-friendly alternative, such as mushroom-based or vegetarian oyster sauce, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this recipe easily adaptable.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe?
The heat level is flexible. The red chili sauce adds a mild to moderate kick, but you can easily dial it down or up by adjusting the amount or choosing a different chili paste depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I cook this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Definitely! You can prepare garlic noodles on the stovetop by sautéing the garlic and scallions in a pan, cooking the noodles separately, and then mixing everything with the sauces and broth. However, the Instant Pot streamlines the process and infuses the flavors beautifully in one pot.
What can I add to make this a more complete meal?
Adding cooked proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu makes this dish heartier. You can also stir in steamed vegetables or toss in crunchy nuts for textural contrast. This recipe is very versatile and invites plenty of creative tweaks.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe will become a go-to when you want something fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade but impresses like you’ve spent hours working on it. Easy to customize and packed with big flavors, these noodles are pure comfort food magic. So grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into a bowl of garlicky, saucy goodness that’s sure to brighten up any mealtime!
Print
Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Instant Pot Garlic Noodles recipe delivers a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring thin spaghetti infused with a rich garlic, soy, and sesame sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, these garlicky noodles are cooked perfectly under pressure, making them a quick weeknight meal or a savory side dish.
Ingredients
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons Oil or Butter (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (vegan if needed)
- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon Red Chili Sauce (Sambal Oelek recommended)
Noodles and Broth
- 8 ounces Thin Spaghetti or Canton Noodles
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 8–10 cloves Garlic, finely diced or minced
- 2 Scallions or Green onions, white and green parts separated, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode to begin warming up your cooking surface.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add both the oil and toasted sesame oil into the Instant Pot. Once heated, sauté the finely minced garlic along with the white parts of the chopped scallions until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Noodles: Break the spaghetti noodles in half to fit into the pot. Lay them in a zigzag pattern inside the Instant Pot, ensuring even coverage and easier cooking.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, red chili sauce, and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the noodles to layer the flavors.
- Pour Broth and Cook: Pour the vegetable broth or water into the pot, covering the noodles completely. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Rest: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of pressure. Open the lid carefully, stir the noodles to evenly distribute sauce and moisture, then let them rest for 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Garnish the noodles with the green parts of the scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use thin spaghetti or Canton noodles for best results; thicker noodles may require slightly longer cooking time.
- For a vegan version, substitute oyster sauce with a vegan alternative.
- Sambal Oelek adds heat, but you can adjust the chili sauce quantity according to your spice preference.
- Breaking spaghetti allows it to fit better in the Instant Pot and cook evenly.
- If not using an Instant Pot, similar noodles can be prepared on stovetop, but cooking times will vary.
