If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, this Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It takes the humble instant ramen and transforms it into a rich, garlicky delight simmered in buttery goodness, enhanced with fresh parsley and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you need a speedy dinner or a warm snack, this dish combines simplicity with gourmet flair, proving that incredible meals don’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create its signature flavor and texture. Each item plays a starring role in turning quick ramen into a luscious, buttery masterpiece that’s both savory and comforting.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness for a smooth taste.
- Garlic cloves (3 large, minced): The heart of the dish, delivering that punchy, aromatic flavor that makes your taste buds dance.
- Chicken stock (1 and ½ cups, 33% less sodium): Adds depth and moisture, replacing plain water with a savory broth that infuses the noodles.
- Salt (â…› teaspoon): Just a pinch to enhance the delicate balance of flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper powder (â…› teaspoon): Offers a subtle heat and earthiness, complementing the garlic and butter.
- Instant ramen noodles (2 packages, flavor packets discarded): The convenient base that’s elevated by all the other fresh ingredients.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon minced) or dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to brighten the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Add Butter and Garlic
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a cold, medium-sized skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly as the butter melts, cooking until the garlic turns just lightly golden and fragrant. This step is crucial because it infuses the butter with that unmistakable garlicky aroma that will carry the whole recipe.
Step 2: Add Stock and Seasonings
Next, pour in the chicken stock along with the salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This savory broth serves as more than just cooking liquid; it’s what transforms the noodles from simple to spectacular by soaking into every strand with deep, rich flavor.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
Break up the instant ramen noodles and add them directly into the boiling broth. Stir every 20 to 30 seconds as the noodles soften and absorb the liquid. Cook until most of the broth has evaporated, creating a luscious coating on the noodles instead of a soupy texture. This technique gives the dish its wonderfully velvety consistency.
Step 4: Finish Dish
Once the liquid has mostly disappeared, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. The final addition of butter melts into the noodles, making the whole dish irresistibly silky.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
You’re ready to dig in! Serve the Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe hot to appreciate every comforting bite full of garlic-infused, buttery goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe even more, consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top for added texture and a burst of fresh flavor. A few red pepper flakes can also bring a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed or roasted vegetables for crunch and balance, or a light cucumber salad to contrast the rich butteriness. If you want more protein, topping your noodles with a soft-boiled egg or grilled chicken strips makes for a more filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these noodles in a shallow bowl with the buttery garlic sauce pooled underneath and the noodles artfully twirled on top. Garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a zesty hit. Offering chopsticks or a small wooden fork can make the whole experience feel cozy and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 2 days to maintain the fresh garlic flavor and butter richness. The noodles may absorb more moisture, so a quick reheat with a splash of broth or water helps revive their original texture.
Freezing
While ramen noodles don’t freeze beautifully because of texture changes, you can freeze the garlic butter broth separately in small portions. When thawed, cook fresh noodles and combine for a quick recreation of this delectable recipe.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a little chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir halfway through heating to keep the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable stock is a great substitute and will keep the dish vegetarian-friendly while still adding a rich, savory flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a vegan substitute, like plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use vegetable stock. The dish will still be flavorful and creamy.
Can I add vegetables to the Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe?
Definitely! Adding quick-cooking veggies like spinach, snap peas, or mushrooms midway through cooking will add freshness, color, and nutrition without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Try mixing in some chili flakes, Sriracha, or a drizzle of chili oil either while cooking or as a garnish for an exciting, spicy kick.
What’s the best type of noodles to use if I don’t have instant ramen?
You can use fresh ramen noodles or thin egg noodles as a substitute. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since fresh noodles cook faster and will absorb broth differently.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe that makes it perfect for any day you want a quick, satisfying meal without the fuss. Its buttery, garlicky richness paired with tender noodles is a match made in heaven, and I’m sure once you try it, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to this cozy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles recipe that combines buttery garlic flavors with tender ramen noodles, enhanced by chicken stock and fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting meal ready in just 11 minutes.
Ingredients
Butter & Garlic
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (or use 4 medium)
Broth & Seasonings
- 1 and ½ cups chicken stock (33% less sodium)
- â…› teaspoon salt
- â…› 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. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the garlic turns lightly golden and fragrant.
- Add Stock and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock, then add salt and black pepper powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Cook Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the skillet and cook, stirring every 20-30 seconds. Continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated and the noodles are tender.
- Finish Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with the minced fresh or dried parsley to add aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter ramen noodles hot and enjoy this simple, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Using unsalted butter allows better control over the dish’s saltiness.
- Discard the ramen flavor packets to avoid overpowering the garlic butter flavor.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.
- Fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor compared to dried parsley.
- Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning and noodles sticking to the pan.
