Vegan garlic noodles are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for any time of day. With tender noodles tossed in a garlicky, umami-rich sauce, this recipe delivers big flavor without any animal products. Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for a delicious meat-free meal, these noodles are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: Packed with garlic, sesame, and soy sauce for a savory umami kick.
- Versatile: Pair with veggies or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Vegan and Dairy-Free: Delicious and suitable for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Noodles (spaghetti, rice noodles, or your favorite type)
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and nutritional yeast (if using).
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add neutral oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic and pour the sauce over them. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the noodles to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or additional nutritional yeast. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil for a spicy version.
- Protein Boost: Top with tofu, tempeh, or edamame for added protein.
- Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Peanut Twist: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the noodles.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the noodles may change after freezing.
FAQs
1. What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Spaghetti, ramen, rice noodles, or udon work well. Choose what you prefer or have on hand.
2. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
3. Can I make this oil-free?
Yes, sauté the garlic in vegetable broth or water instead of oil.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
5. What can I serve with these noodles?
Pair with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or vegan spring rolls.
6. Can I add a sweet element?
The maple syrup in the sauce adds a touch of sweetness, but you can increase the amount if desired.
7. How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk for a creamier sauce.
8. Are these noodles good for meal prep?
Yes, they store well for up to 3 days, making them great for quick meals during the week.
9. Can I add more garlic?
Absolutely! Adjust the garlic to your taste—more garlic means more flavor.
10. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add chili oil, fresh chilies, or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy version.
Conclusion
Vegan garlic noodles are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple ingredients and bold taste, they’re a go-to meal for busy days or lazy evenings. Customize them with your favorite veggies and proteins for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try today!
PrintVegan Garlic Noodles
These Vegan Garlic Noodles are a quick, easy, and delicious dish packed with umami flavors. Made with a simple garlicky sauce, tender noodles, and a hint of sesame, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting meal anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or noodles of choice (rice noodles or udon work well)
- 3 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (vegan-friendly)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of the reserved cooking water.
- Stir in the green onions and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Transfer the noodles to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add protein with tofu, tempeh, or edamame.
- For extra veggies, stir in spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers while sautéing the garlic.
- You can use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a lower-sodium option.