Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
If you are craving a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, look no further than this Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe. It brilliantly transforms humble instant ramen noodles into a rich, buttery delight infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and the freshness of parsley. Perfectly comforting yet elegant enough to impress yourself on a weeknight, this dish is a staple for anyone who loves quick and delicious meals with a punch of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this unforgettable Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe. Each component works harmoniously, lending richness, depth, and a pop of color to your dish, making it as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness while adding creamy richness that coats every noodle perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic minced finely provides that pungent, savory kick essential for the dish’s signature flavor.
- Chicken stock (33% less sodium): A flavorful liquid base that adds moisture and subtle savory notes without overpowering the garlic butter taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the natural flavors without making anything taste too salty.
- Black pepper powder: A touch of ground black pepper for mild heat and earthiness that balances the richness.
- Instant ramen noodles: The quick-cooking staple that turns into a buttery, garlicky noodle dish, with the flavor packets discarded for a cleaner palette.
- Fresh or dried parsley: Bright, fresh parsley or its dried counterpart adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note to finish off the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
Start by adding 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to a cold medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly—this little patience moment is worth it because as the garlic gently browns, it releases an irresistible aroma and deepens its flavor without burning.
Step 2: Add Chicken Stock and Seasonings
Once your garlic turns lightly golden, pour in the chicken stock along with salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil so the broth combines beautifully with the buttery garlic base, setting the tone for your noodles.
Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Now slide your ramen noodles into the bubbling broth. Stir consistently every 20 to 30 seconds, ensuring they separate and cook evenly. Keep going until most of the liquid has evaporated—this part is key to coating the noodles thoroughly in that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Parsley
After you turn off the heat, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the parsley. This final addition makes the noodles glossy, rich, and fragrant, while the parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch that lifts the overall flavor profile.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe, consider topping it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little crunch or heat. A few thinly sliced green onions can also add freshness and color, making every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, sautéed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas, or even a simple side of steamed broccoli. These sides not only add balance to the richness but also introduce additional textures and nutrients to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your garlic butter ramen in a charming bowl garnished with a wedge of lemon on the side—squeezing a bit of citrus right before eating adds a burst of brightness. You can also twirl the noodles into neat nests on the plate and drizzle an extra spoonful of melted butter over the top for that restaurant-style wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though they tend to disappear fast), store your garlic butter ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to 2 days, ready to be enjoyed again without losing much flavor.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing tends to affect the texture of the noodles and the butter sauce. If you must freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month, but expect some changes in texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken stock to help loosen up the garlic butter sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and bring back the comforting buttery flavor.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option or want a lighter flavor. It still provides the necessary liquid and depth without changing the fundamental appeal of the Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe.
Is it necessary to discard the ramen flavor packets?
Yes, for this recipe, discarding the flavor packets is best since they contain seasoning that may clash with the fresh garlic butter sauce and can make the dish overly salty or artificial tasting.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can turn this recipe into a more substantial meal. Just toss your protein in during the final step to warm it through before serving.
How can I make the dish spicier?
For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or drizzle some chili oil over the finished noodles. Both methods bring heat without overwhelming the delicate butter flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The garlic and parsley flavors still shine beautifully in this variation.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about a dish that can come together quickly yet taste so indulgent. This Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe encapsulates that feeling, bringing simple ingredients to life with love and bold flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual lunch, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it just might become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
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Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles recipe offers a quick and delicious twist on traditional instant ramen. Cooked with savory garlic sautéed in butter, enriched with chicken stock, and finished with fresh parsley, it transforms simple noodles into a comforting, flavorful meal in just 11 minutes.
Ingredients
Butter & Garlic
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (or use 4 medium)
Liquid & Seasonings
- 1 and ½ cups chicken stock (33% less sodium)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper powder
Noodles & Garnish
- 2 (3 ounces) packages instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Add Butter and Garlic: Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic into a cold medium-sized skillet or pan. Turn the heat to medium and stir constantly to ensure the garlic cooks evenly without burning until it becomes lightly golden and aromatic.
- Add Stock and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock along with the salt and black pepper. Increase heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps infuse the flavors and prepares the liquid for cooking the noodles.
- Cook Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the boiling liquid. Stir every 20-30 seconds to separate the noodles and promote even cooking. Continue until most of the liquid has evaporated, and the noodles are tender yet flavorful, absorbing the garlic butter and stock essence.
- Finish Dish: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the fresh or dried parsley. This step enriches the dish with extra buttery goodness and a fresh herbal aroma.
- Serve: Transfer the garlic butter ramen noodles to serving bowls and enjoy hot for a comforting and satisfying meal ready in minutes.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor, but dried parsley works well as a convenient alternative.
- Discard the flavor packets from the instant ramen to avoid excess sodium and artificial flavors.
- Serve with a side of steamed veggies or a boiled egg for added nutrition and variety.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
