If you love bold, garlicky flavors with a silky, satisfying texture, then you are absolutely going to adore this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe. It perfectly combines a handful of simple ingredients into a comforting bowl of noodles that’s bursting with umami goodness and a little spicy kick. The pressure cooking method makes it unbelievably quick and fuss-free, turning pantry staples like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic into a seriously crave-worthy meal that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re whipping up weeknight dinner magic or impressing friends with a speedy side, these garlic noodles hit all the right spots with their rich sauce and perfectly tender strands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is a breeze, with every component playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the punchy garlic to the depth of the oyster sauce, each element enhances the dish in a unique way.
- 2 tablespoons Oil or Butter: I prefer avocado oil for its mild flavor and high smoke point, perfect for sautéing garlic without burning it.
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma that instantly elevates the noodles.
- 8 ounces Thin Spaghetti or Canton Noodles: Thin noodles absorb sauces beautifully and cook quickly in the Instant Pot.
- 8-10 cloves Garlic, finely diced or minced: The star ingredient that gives this recipe an irresistible savory foundation.
- 2 Scallion or Green onion, white and green parts separated, chopped: White parts add flavor during cooking, while green parts garnish for freshness and color.
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce: Provides that essential salty, umami depth that balances the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (vegan substitute if needed): Brings sweet-savory richness for complexity.
- 1/2-1 tablespoon Red Chili Sauce (Sambal Oelek used here): Gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water: Hydrates the noodles as they cook and infuses extra flavor.
- Salt to taste: Helps balance all the tastes and bring harmony.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Scallion Whites
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Pour in the oil and toasted sesame oil and let them heat just a bit before adding in the finely minced garlic along with the white parts of the scallions. Sauté these until the kitchen smells fragrant and the garlic starts to turn golden, which unlocks that deep, toasty flavor that’s crucial to these noodles. This step is where the foundations of your dish’s incredible aroma take shape.
Step 2: Add Noodles and Sauces
Break the thin spaghetti or Canton noodles in half so they fit nicely in the pot, laying them in a zigzag pattern to prevent sticking. Now pour over the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, red chili sauce, and sprinkle with brown sugar. This mix of salty, sweet, and spicy liquids will start absorbing into the noodles right away, setting up layered tastes that sing in every bite.
Step 3: Pressure Cook with Broth
Next, pour in the vegetable broth or water, making sure the noodles are fully submerged to cook evenly. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 5 minutes. When it beeps, do a quick pressure release, then give everything a good stir. Let it sit for about 2 minutes to thicken and allow the noodles to finish softening. This pressure cooking step is where the magic happens — tender noodles soaked in a garlicky, umami-rich sauce without any fuss.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust salt if needed because sometimes soy sauce alone is enough, but a pinch can perfect your balance. Just before serving, top your noodles with the fresh green parts of the scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and visual appeal. These finishing touches bring freshness and texture that make each forkful irresistible.
How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped scallions and sesame seeds add a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely contrast in texture. You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts for crunch or drizzle a little extra toasted sesame oil for a more pronounced nutty aroma. These small touches send the presentation and flavor over the top.
Side Dishes
This garlic noodle recipe pairs beautifully with a light side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. You can also add a protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to round out your meal. The noodles hold their own but love being complemented by vibrant, crisp veggies or a touch of meaty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more playful presentation, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a fried egg and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat. Or toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to add a fresh, herbal punch. The noodles also work as a flavorful base for stir-fried dishes, absorbing whatever toppings you add beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic noodles store exceptionally well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious. Simply give it a quick stir before chilling to distribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish but keep in mind that noodles may become slightly softer once thawed. Pack into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen garlic noodles will last about 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the garlic noodles gently on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave them covered for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Adding fresh garnishes after reheating helps revive the original brightness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti or Canton noodles work perfectly for quick cooking and sauce absorption, you can swap in rice noodles or udon in a pinch. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid amounts might need adjustment depending on the noodle type.
Is oyster sauce necessary or can I substitute it?
Oyster sauce adds a rich umami sweetness that really rounds out the flavor. However, if you prefer a vegan version, there are many vegan oyster sauces made from mushrooms or soy that work wonderfully without compromising taste.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a gentle heat from the Sambal Oelek. If you want it milder, reduce the chili sauce or leave it out completely. For extra heat, add chili flakes or a dash more chili sauce to your liking.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can prepare garlic noodles on the stovetop by sautéing the garlic and scallions, then cooking the noodles separately before tossing everything together with the sauces and broth. The Instant Pot simply speeds up the process and melds flavors beautifully.
What can I use instead of scallions if I don’t have any?
If scallions aren’t available, finely chopped shallots or leeks can be a great substitute for the white parts during cooking. For the garnish, fresh chives or even a sprinkle of finely chopped mild onion can add a similar bright, oniony finish.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe a try is one of those delightful cooking adventures that rewards you with a quick, flavorful meal every time. It’s a fantastic way to use everyday ingredients and transform them into something special and delicious with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your go-to comfort food that’s both satisfying and full of personality. Happy cooking!
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
This Instant Pot Garlic Noodles recipe offers a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender noodles cooked with a garlicky, savory sauce made from soy, oyster, and chili sauces. With a perfect balance of aromatic garlic, toasted sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness, these noodles make a delicious and effortless meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Oils
- 2 tablespoons Oil or Butter (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
Noodles
- 8 ounces Thin Spaghetti or Canton Noodles
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 8–10 cloves Garlic, finely diced or minced
- 2 Scallions or Green Onions, white and green parts separated and chopped
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (use vegan if needed)
- ½–1 tablespoon Red Chili Sauce (Sambal Oelek recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- Salt to taste
Liquids
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to Saute mode. Add the oil and toasted sesame oil. Sauté the minced garlic and the white parts of the scallions until fragrant, releasing their aroma to build the base flavor.
- Add Noodles and Sauces: Break the thin spaghetti noodles in half and place them in a zigzag pattern inside the Instant Pot to prevent clumping. Pour in light soy sauce, oyster sauce, red chili sauce, and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the noodles.
- Add Broth and Pressure Cook: Pour the vegetable broth or water ensuring the noodles are fully submerged. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 5 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release. Stir the noodles gently and let them rest inside the pot for 2 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with the green parts of scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and texture.
Notes
- Using thin spaghetti or Canton noodles works best for even cooking and easy absorption of the sauce.
- You can substitute oyster sauce with vegan oyster sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Adjust the amount of red chili sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Letting noodles rest after cooking helps the sauce thicken and enhances flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as noodles can absorb liquid and soften further if left too long.
