Easy, sweet, salty, and super garlicky, these Vegan Garlic Noodles might just become your new favorite go-to meal. With just 5 ingredients, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as a satisfying lunch option. The rich flavors from the garlic and coconut milk combine beautifully, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and coconut milk provides a creamy texture with a punch of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the garlic or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to suit your taste.
- Dietary Friendly: This recipe is oil-free, nut-free, gluten-free (with appropriate pasta), and can be made soy-free, making it accessible to many diets.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy your Vegan Garlic Noodles as leftovers! They store well in the fridge for up to five days.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious Vegan Garlic Noodles efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs or forks
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the pasta evenly until al dente.
- Skillet: Used for sautéing garlic and mixing the noodles with the sauce seamlessly.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic and green onions quick and easy.
- Tongs or forks: Perfect for tossing the noodles with sauce without breaking them.
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 8 oz pasta of choice (see note 1)
Flavor Boosters
- 1 small head garlic, minced or sliced thinly (use less or more to taste)
- 1/2 bunch green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (see note 2)
- 3 tbsp reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce (or use no-soy)
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce, optional
How to Make Vegan Garlic Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin cooking your pasta in a large pot on the stove. When the pasta is fully cooked, drain it and return it to the pot until the sauce is ready. Everything else can be made in the meantime.
Step 2: Prepare Garlic and Onions
Chop your garlic and green onions, keeping the green parts of the onion separate from the white parts.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for about one minute. Add the minced garlic with a tablespoon of water. Stir continuously. If the garlic starts to stick, add more water as needed. Cook until very fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Next, add the white parts of the onion; if necessary, add another tablespoon of water. Sauté for about three minutes while stirring often.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add coconut milk and tamari or soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well and heat for one minute. Then incorporate the green parts of the onion into the mixture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Finally, add your cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together using tongs or forks until well combined.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot! You can sprinkle with vegan Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or extra green onion if desired.
Enjoy this delightful dish fresh! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When reheating, add a little coconut milk or water for moisture.
How to Serve Vegan Garlic Noodles
Vegan Garlic Noodles are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Mint: For a refreshing twist, try adding chopped mint leaves.
Add Protein
- Tofu: Crispy tofu cubes can add a delightful texture and extra protein.
- Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas provide a crunchy contrast and boost nutrition.
Garnish Creatively
- Chili Flakes: Sprinkle chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Lime Wedge: Serve with lime wedges for an added zesty flavor.
Pair with Vegetables
- Sautéed Broccoli: Lightly sautéed broccoli complements the noodles well.
- Stir-Fried Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and crunch.
How to Perfect Vegan Garlic Noodles
To achieve the best results with your Vegan Garlic Noodles, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Al Dente Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed with sauce.
- Adjust Garlic Level: Feel free to modify the amount of garlic based on your preference for intensity.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different sauces like tamari or hoisin for unique flavor profiles.
- Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Adding seasonal veggies can enhance both taste and nutrition.
- Serve Immediately: These noodles taste best when served right after cooking, as they may lose their texture over time.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Garlic Noodles
Complement your Vegan Garlic Noodles with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.
- Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy, these spring rolls pair beautifully with garlicky noodles.
- Green Salad with Sesame Dressing: A refreshing green salad brings balance to the rich flavors of the noodles.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick stir-fried bok choy adds a nutritious touch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Grilled Eggplant Slices: Smoky grilled eggplant offers a hearty complement to the noodles’ flavors.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup creates a comforting dining experience alongside the main dish.
- Roasted Cauliflower Steaks: Seasoned roasted cauliflower provides a tasty, satisfying side that’s easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Vegan Garlic Noodles, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the Pasta: If you leave the pasta in boiling water too long, it can become mushy. Always follow the package instructions for al dente texture.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily. Stir continuously and add water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Using Too Much Soy Sauce: While tamari or soy sauce adds flavor, too much can make the dish overly salty. Measure carefully and adjust to taste.
- Not Separating Green Onion Parts: Mixing the green and white parts of green onions too early can lead to uneven cooking. Sauté the white parts first for better flavor distribution.
- Neglecting Leftover Storage: Forgetting to store leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Allow the noodles to cool before sealing them for storage.
Freezing Vegan Garlic Noodles
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Portion out servings for easier reheating later.
Reheating Vegan Garlic Noodles
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place noodles in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of coconut milk or water. Add noodles and stir until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Vegan Garlic Noodles that might help you as you prepare this delicious meal.
Can I make Vegan Garlic Noodles gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for regular pasta.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost protein content, consider adding tofu or edamame during cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Vegan Garlic Noodles store well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time.
How can I customize my Vegan Garlic Noodles?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and texture.
What sides pair well with Vegan Garlic Noodles?
These noodles pair beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Garlic Noodles are an easy, flavorful dish that anyone can enjoy. With just five ingredients, they offer incredible versatility. Feel free to customize them with your favorite vegetables or proteins. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting yet simple—give it a try!
Vegan Garlic Noodles
Vegan Garlic Noodles are a quick and delicious meal that combines the rich flavors of garlic and coconut milk with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying lunches, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. With a creamy texture and a punchy flavor, these noodles offer a delightful experience for all who try them. Whether you serve them plain or topped with fresh herbs and vegetables, Vegan Garlic Noodles will soon become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 small head garlic, minced or sliced
- 1/2 bunch green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 3 tbsp reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce (or no-soy option)
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Chop garlic and green onions, keeping their white and green parts separate.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté minced garlic in water until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add white onion parts and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk and tamari/soy sauce; heat for one minute.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet; toss until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like vegan Parmesan cheese or chili flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
