I absolutely love this garlic butter ramen noodles recipe. Top Ramen noodles tossed with unsalted butter, garlic, and soy sauce create an easy healthy kid friendly meals option perfect for a simple lunch or dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes, each bite thrills me.

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I’ve been tinkering around in the kitchen trying out quick and tasty meals, and this Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles recipe really caught my eye. I figured, why not turn a humble package of Top Ramen noodles (any flavor but tossing that seasoning packet) into something truly delicious?

With just 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 3 minced garlic cloves, the dish comes together in only 10 minutes. I love how the butter and garlic meld together creating a rich sauce that clings to every noodle, and a splash of soy sauce gives it an extra oomph.

Sometimes I like a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and a little sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor if I’m feeling indulgent. This recipe is perfect as a quick dinner idea, a fun meal for singles, or even a creative side dish that kids can enjoy.

Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, it’s super quick and easy to make—even on those busy days when I don’t have much time. I love how the garlic butter totally coats the noodles and creates this yummy, rich flavor that makes even the simplest meal feel fancy. Also, it’s really versatile; I can serve it as a main dish or even a side, and it always hits the spot whether I’m cooking for myself or for friends and family. Lastly, I appreciate that even with just a few ingredients, every bite is full of flavor which makes it a comforting meal even when I’m not feeling my best.

Ingredients

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Top Ramen noodles provide hearty carbohydrates that give energy and a satisfying texture.
Unsalted butter adds creamy richness and essential fats for absorbing garlic flavors.
Fresh garlic cloves boost the flavor profile and offer antioxidants benefits.
Soy sauce delivers a salty umami taste, though its sodium content is high.
Red pepper flakes brings an extra spicy kick that livens this simple dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese offers a savory twist and a bit of extra protein.
Fresh chopped parsley provides brightness and vitamins to balance the robust flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

1 package Top Ramen noodles (use any flavor but toss the seasoning packet)

2 cups water

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Boil 2 cups of water in a medium pot and add the Top Ramen noodles. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they start getting soft but not fully cooked.

2. While the noodles are cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat.

3. Stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves into the melted butter and cook them for about 1-2 minutes until they smell really good.

4. Once the noodles are nearly done, drain them and add them into the butter and garlic pan.

5. Mix in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and add the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

6. Season everything with some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Toss the noodles well so that they all get an even coating with the garlic butter sauce.

8. If you want, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles and stir until the cheese is nicely melted.

9. Serve your noodles hot right away.

10. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley if desired and dig in!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium pot for boiling the water and cooking the noodles
2. Colander or strainer for draining the noodles
3. Frying pan for melting the butter and cooking the garlic
4. Measuring cups and spoons to measure out water, butter, soy sauce, and spices
5. Knife to mince the garlic cloves
6. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the noodles with the garlic butter sauce
7. Grater if you want to add grated Parmesan cheese
8. Serving bowl or plate for serving the finished dish

FAQ

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Just be sure to stir them gently while they cook and don't overcook them, cause that makes 'em clumpy.

Can I use any kind of noodles instead of Top Ramen?

Yeah, you can, but Top Ramen gives a nice texture. If you use another, just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Is it okay to substitute salted butter for unsalted butter?

Sure thing, though you might wanna reduce the extra salt later in the recipe so it doesn't get too salty.

Do I really need to add red pepper flakes?

Not at all, they are just extra if you like a bit of heat. Feel free to leave them out if it's too spicy for you.

What's the best way to boost flavor at the end?

Toss in a bit of grated Parmesan and some fresh chopped parsley after cooking. It really makes the dish pop!

The Best Noodles With Butter And Garlic Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken broth can be used instead of water to add more flavor, especially if you like a richer taste.
You can swap unsalted butter for olive oil or ghee if you want a different twist on the flavor.
If you dont have soy sauce on hand, try tamari or coconut aminos. They work pretty good as substitutes.
Instead of red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper is a solid choice for bringing a bit of heat.
If Parmesan is hard to find in your area, Asiago or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives.

Pro Tips

1. Try to keep an eye on the noodles while they’re simmering, as overcooking them can make the dish mushy. I’ve found that underdone noodles soak up the garlic butter better, so aim for that perfect al dente texture.

2. Don’t be afraid to tweak the heat. If you like your noodles spicy, you can add a little extra red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce – just be sure to adjust it slowly so you don’t overdo it.

3. A neat trick is to reserve a small cup of the pasta water before draining. Mixing a bit of that starchy water into your garlic butter can help the sauce stick to every noodle, making the dish more flavorful.

4. When you’re garnishing with parsley or adding Parmesan, do it right before serving so the freshness of the herbs and the creaminess of the cheese really shine. If you let them sit too long, you might lose that burst of flavor you want.