If you are craving a quick, flavorful dish that brings together the irresistible charm of garlic with the comforting texture of noodles, the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is an absolute gem you need on your culinary radar. This dish is a brilliant blend of bold garlic aroma, savory sauces, and perfectly cooked noodles, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day and comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner plans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe plays a vital role, creating a balance of flavors and textures that make the dish truly shine. From the rich oils to the spicy chili kick, every component is simple yet essential, promising a mouthwatering outcome that’s worth every bite.
- 2 tablespoons Oil or Butter: I used avocado oil for a mild taste and healthy fat content, providing the perfect base for sautéing garlic.
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- 8 ounces Thin Spaghetti or Canton Noodles: These noodles soak up the sauce beautifully and cook quickly under pressure.
- 8-10 cloves Garlic, finely diced or minced: The star of the recipe, delivering bold garlic punch.
- 2 Scallion or Green onions, white and green parts separated, chopped: Whites add sweetness during cooking, while greens freshen up the final dish.
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce: Brings a salty umami foundation to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (vegan if needed): Gives a deep savory richness and a slight sweetness.
- 1/2-1 tablespoon Red Chili Sauce (Sambal Oelek used): Provides a customizable spicy heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar: Balances the salty, savory, and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water: The cooking liquid that hydrates the noodles and blends all flavors.
- Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning and tying the dish together.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Instant Pot
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. This setting is perfect for infusing the oil with the aroma of garlic and preparing the base for your noodles. It gets things heated up just right to start building those fantastic flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add your chosen oil and toasted sesame oil to the warm pot. Next, toss in the finely minced garlic and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté this mixture until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, a tickling invitation to the taste buds and the first sign that something delicious is underway.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
While the garlic is working its magic, break your noodles in half to make them fit perfectly inside the Instant Pot. Place them in a zigzag pattern, which helps them cook evenly without clumping together. This simple technique ensures every strand will be perfectly tender.
Step 4: Add the Sauces and Sugar
Now it’s time for the sauce lineup. Drizzle the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili sauce evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top, which will help marry all the intense flavors into a harmonious blend as the noodles cook. It’s a deliciously balanced medley you’re building here.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Pour in the vegetable broth or water, making sure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid—this is crucial for even cooking. Seal the lid, set your Instant Pot to pressure cook for 5 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release when the timer goes off. Give everything a good stir, and allow the noodles to rest for 2 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly and flavors meld.
Step 6: Adjust and Finish
Give your garlic noodles a taste and add salt if needed. The finishing touch is tossing on the green parts of the scallions and sprinkling sesame seeds if you have them on hand, adding a lovely crunch and a fresh color pop. Your Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is now ready to delight.
How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The green scallion tops not only add vibrant color but also a burst of freshness that contrasts with the rich sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds contributes a delicate crunch and nuttiness, enhancing both texture and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These garlic noodles pair perfectly with light and fresh sides such as steamed vegetables, a crisp Asian slaw, or even crispy tofu for a satisfying vegetarian meal. They also make a fantastic companion to grilled meats or seafood, soaking up juices and balancing savory dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or slices of avocado. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to add a new herbaceous dimension. You could even elevate the dish by adding a drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They retain their flavor well but might thicken as the sauce sets. A simple stir and reheat works perfectly to bring them back to life.
Freezing
The noodles freeze well if you want to keep them longer. Divide them into portion-sized containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the noodles gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just add a few drops of liquid and cover to prevent drying out. Stir midway through heating for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti or Canton noodles work best for texture and cooking time, you can experiment with rice noodles, linguine, or even egg noodles. Just adjust the cooking liquid slightly based on the noodle type.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe can easily be made vegan by using vegan oyster sauce and vegetable broth. The sauces give plenty of savory depth without needing any animal products.
How spicy is the dish?
The spiciness depends on how much red chili sauce you add. Start with half a tablespoon if you prefer mild heat, or go up to a full tablespoon for more of a kick. Adjust according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
You can, but it won’t be quite the same easy, one-pot experience. On the stovetop, cook the garlic and scallions in a pan, add sauces, and boil the noodles separately before combining all ingredients.
Why do I need to break the noodles in half?
Breaking the noodles helps them fit into the Instant Pot more evenly and prevents clumping, ensuring they cook uniformly in the liquid and pressure environment.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to get creative with garnishes and sides, yet it stands strong all on its own. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and savor every garlicky, saucy bite just like I do.
Print
Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Instant Pot Garlic Noodles recipe featuring thin spaghetti or Canton noodles sauteed with garlic, scallions, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili sauce. Perfect for a fast and delicious meal with an Asian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Oils
- 2 tablespoons Oil or Butter (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
Noodles & Broth
- 8 ounces Thin Spaghetti or Canton Noodles
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water
Flavors & Sauces
- 8–10 cloves Garlic, finely diced or minced
- 2 Scallions (green onions), white and green parts separated, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (use vegan substitute if desired)
- 1/2–1 tablespoon Red Chili Sauce (Sambal Oelek recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode to prepare for cooking the garlic and scallions.
- Saute Aromatics: Add the oil and toasted sesame oil to the pot, then sauté the minced garlic and the white parts of the scallions until they become fragrant, releasing their flavors.
- Prepare the Noodles: Break the spaghetti noodles in half so they fit into the pot better, arranging them in a zigzag pattern inside the Instant Pot for even cooking.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Sprinkle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, red chili sauce, and brown sugar over the noodles to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, making sure the noodles are fully covered by the liquid. Seal the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Release and Rest: Perform a quick pressure release once the cooking time is complete. Stir the noodles gently and let them rest in the pot for 2 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the noodles and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use vegan oyster sauce for a plant-based version.
- Adjust the red chili sauce to match your preferred spice level.
- Breaking the noodles helps to cook them evenly inside the Instant Pot.
- Letting the noodles rest after cooking enhances flavor absorption.
- Use vegetable broth for more robust flavor or water for a lighter dish.
