This garlic butter ramen is pure comfort food—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect meal when you’re craving something warm and cozy but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
The buttery garlic sauce coats every noodle, and the little kick from red pepper flakes makes it even better. Plus, you can make it in just 15 minutes!
If your family loves ramen but you want to upgrade it from just a simple seasoning packet, this is the way to do it. And trust me—once you try it, you’ll be making it all the time.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 packs instant ramen (discard seasoning packet)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Boil just until they’re bouncy—1-2 minutes less than the package says. They’ll keep cooking in the sauce.
- Save that pasta water! It helps thicken the sauce and makes everything coat the noodles perfectly.
- Want it extra garlicky? Add another clove or two—there’s no such thing as too much garlic!
- Make it a meal. Toss in a fried egg, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded chicken to bulk it up.
- Adjust the spice. If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot for boiling ramen
- Large skillet or pan
- Tongs for tossing noodles
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for mixing sauce
Substitutions & Variations
- No brown sugar? Swap with honey or maple syrup.
- Soy-free? Use coconut aminos instead.
- Want it creamy? Stir in a spoonful of butter at the end for extra richness.
- Gluten-free? Use rice noodles or gluten-free ramen.
Instructions
1. Cook the Ramen
Boil the ramen in a medium pot for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain, but save ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Melt the Butter & Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes, Soy Sauce & Sugar
Stir in 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
4. Toss in the Noodles
Add the drained ramen to the pan. Pour in ¼ cup reserved pasta water and toss with tongs until the noodles soak up the sauce. Add more water if needed.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or butter to revive the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving for too long—it can make the noodles rubbery.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—quick, easy, and unbelievably good garlic butter ramen! It’s the kind of meal you’ll keep coming back to, whether it’s for a cozy lunch or a late-night craving.
Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you liked it! Did you add any fun twists? I’d love to hear. 😊🍜