This garlic butter ramen recipe is one of those dishes that comes together fast, hits every craving, and just feels cozy.
You’re working with just a few ingredients, but they turn into something super flavorful, buttery, and a little savory with the garlic and soy sauce.
You can make it in one pan and be eating in 10 minutes. Let’s go.
What You’ll Need
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (any brand, discard seasoning)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for topping)
- Salt to taste (optional)
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe saved me on so many weeknights. It’s fast, it’s comforting, and the butter + garlic combo just never gets old. I used to whip this up after long days when I wanted something homemade but didn’t feel like cooking much. Still do.
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Uses pantry basics
- Super customizable
- Feels like comfort food but takes zero effort
- Garlic butter = magic
Servings & Time
Serves: 2
Total Time: 10 minutes
Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles – Recipe
Step 1: Boil the ramen noodles
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (no seasoning packets) and cook for 2–3 minutes until just soft. Don’t overcook. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter and sauté the garlic
In the same pot or a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 5 cloves finely minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring, until it’s golden and smells amazing.
Step 3: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes
Stir in 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional). Let it bubble for 30 seconds to blend flavors.
Step 4: Add cooked noodles back in
Toss the drained ramen noodles into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Use tongs to coat them fully. Let them sit for 1 minute so the sauce soaks in. Taste and add a little salt if needed.
Step 5: Finish with green onions and serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped green onions on top. Serve hot in bowls.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll keep cooking a little when you toss them with the sauce.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavor balanced.
- Let the garlic turn golden, not brown—it can get bitter if it burns.
- Add a splash of noodle water to the sauce if it seems dry.
- This tastes best right away—don’t let it sit too long.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife + cutting board
- Tongs or fork
- Measuring spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- Add protein: stir in a fried egg, shredded chicken, or sautéed shrimp
- Make it vegetarian: it already is!
- No brown sugar? Use honey or a pinch of white sugar
- Spice it up: Add sriracha or more chili flakes
Make Ahead Tips
This isn’t a great make-ahead meal—it tastes best fresh. You can prep the garlic in advance to speed things up though.
Leftovers & Storage
If you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the noodles. It won’t be quite the same, but still good.
Macros (Per Serving)
(Rough Estimate, varies by brand)
Calories: 430
Protein: 8g
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Butter carries flavor—especially garlic. When garlic is cooked in fat, its strong bite softens and sweetens. The soy sauce adds umami (the savory flavor), and the sugar balances it all out. The noodles soak it all up like a sponge.
Common Mistakes
- Burning the garlic: always cook it on medium, not high.
- Overcooking the noodles: 2–3 minutes is plenty.
- Skipping the sugar: it balances the salty soy sauce.
What to Serve With
- Steamed or pan-fried dumplings
- A simple cucumber salad
- Stir-fried veggies on the side
- A soft-boiled egg on top
FAQ
Can I use fresh ramen noodles?
Yes! Just cook them according to the package instructions.
What if I only have salted butter?
You can use it—just skip adding extra salt at the end.
Can I make it spicy?
Definitely. Add chili oil, more flakes, or sriracha.
Do I need to use two packs of noodles?
You can halve the recipe for one serving—just reduce everything by half.
Final Thoughts
This garlic butter ramen is proof that simple can be amazing. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep the ingredients around all the time. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out—drop a comment if you have any questions or fun twists!