These soy and garlic noodles are what to make when you’re hungry now and the fridge is nearly empty. Hot noodles get tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce of soy sauce, garlic, oil and a pinch of sugar, and the whole thing is done in about 10 minutes.
Every ingredient is a pantry staple, and the dish costs very little per bowl. It also takes well to add-ins, so it’s a good way to use up the last egg, a handful of frozen vegetables or leftover chicken.
Eat them as they are, or top with an Easy Fried Egg to make them a meal.
Ingredients and Swaps
- Noodles: Ramen (without the seasoning packet), lo mein or thin spaghetti. Thin noodles cook fastest and keep this to 10 minutes.
- Soy sauce: Regular or low-sodium. With regular soy sauce, taste before adding any salt.
- Garlic: Garlic powder keeps it quick. For a stronger flavor, use 2 minced fresh cloves and warm them in the oil for 30 seconds first.
- Oil: Vegetable or olive oil. Swapping 1 teaspoon for toasted sesame oil adds a nutty, takeout-style flavor.
- Sugar: It balances the salt. Honey or brown sugar works too.
Tips for the Best Quick Noodles
- Save some cooking water. A few spoonfuls of the starchy water help the sauce coat the noodles.
- Mix the sauce while the noodles cook. Whisk it in the bottom of the serving bowl or a cup so it’s ready to go.
- Toss while hot. Hot noodles absorb the sauce. Cold noodles just get coated.
Prices are from Walmart’s and ALDI’s websites for stores in Columbus, Ohio, checked in October 2026. Ohio’s grocery prices are within about 1% of the national average, so you may pay more or less depending on where you live, and prices change often. Here’s how we price our recipes.
Cost: Ingredients – $0.82 from Walmart, $0.81 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.40 to $0.41
10-Minute Soy & Garlic Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
- While the noodles cook, whisk together the soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, sugar and red pepper flakes.
- Scoop out ¼ cup of the cooking water, then drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
- Pour the sauce over the hot noodles and toss well, adding a spoonful or two of the cooking water to help the sauce coat the noodles.
- Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve right away, topped with green onions.
Notes
- Add a fried or scrambled egg for extra protein.
- Stir in frozen vegetables during the last 2–3 minutes of boiling.
- Use toasted sesame oil in place of some of the oil for a richer, nutty flavor.
Easy Add-Ins
- Vegetables: Add a cup of frozen stir-fry vegetables, peas or broccoli to the pot for the last 2–3 minutes of boiling.
- Protein: A fried or scrambled egg, leftover chicken, or a handful of shelled edamame.
- Toppings: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds or a drizzle of hot sauce.
For more fast noodle ideas, see our Instant Ramen Upgrade and Garlic Parmesan Buttered Noodles.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or soy sauce, or toss in a hot skillet for a minute or two.
- Leftovers are also good cold, like a simple noodle salad.
Top it with a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk.
Soy and Garlic Noodle Questions
Can I use regular spaghetti?
Yes. Regular spaghetti takes 9–11 minutes to boil, so the dish will take closer to 15 minutes total.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use rice noodles and tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
