If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dish that will make your whole kitchen smell irresistible, the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This recipe takes everything you love about classic garlic noodles—rich butter, savory sauces, and that unbeatable garlicky aroma—and transforms it into a one-pot wonder that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re after a cozy weeknight dinner or a reliable crowd-pleaser for last-minute guests, this dish brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table with almost no effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing depth, texture, or a pop of color. Don’t skip any—these staples work together to create noodle magic!
- Spaghetti or linguine (8 oz): Choose your favorite long pasta for the perfect slurp; breaking it in half helps it cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): This adds a rich, creamy base and helps the garlic infuse every strand of noodle.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The hero of this recipe, garlic delivers the bold, savory punch you crave.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings that essential salty, umami balance to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a hint of sweetness; use a vegan substitute if needed.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and round out the sauce.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Just a drizzle imparts a nutty aroma that lingers in every bite.
- Water or low-sodium vegetable broth (2 cups): Broth adds more flavor, but water keeps things simple and clean.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle heat, this adds a subtle kick.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Brightens the dish and adds a fresh, crisp finish.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): A sprinkle on top completes the look and adds a pleasant crunch.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once it’s hot, toss in the butter and let it melt until it’s beautifully foamy. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned—this brings out its sweet, mellow side and sets the stage for the entire dish.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Press Cancel to stop the sauté function. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then add the water or broth. Give everything a good stir, making sure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined. This fragrant mixture will coat every noodle and infuse them with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Break your spaghetti or linguine in half and layer it into the pot in a crisscross pattern. This step keeps the pasta from clumping together as it cooks. Gently press the noodles down into the liquid so they’re submerged, but don’t stir—this helps the noodles cook perfectly without sticking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Noodles
Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) for just 4 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to finish. This method delivers perfectly tender noodles every single time.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Open the lid and use tongs to gently toss the noodles, making sure they soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce. If the sauce seems a bit loose, let the noodles sit for 2–3 minutes—the sauce will thicken up beautifully as it cools. Now you’re ready to serve up a bowl of pure comfort!
How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe to the next level with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of kick. These little extras add color, crunch, and a burst of freshness that makes every bite special.
Side Dishes
This noodle dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with simple sides. Think sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or a medley of stir-fried vegetables. For a plant-based feast, try steamed broccoli or crispy tofu on the side. Each option complements the noodles without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe looks stunning served in deep bowls with chopsticks, but you can get creative! Try piling the noodles onto a platter and letting everyone serve themselves, or portion them into cute ramekins for a fun appetizer. For a party, swirl the noodles into nests and top with extra garnishes for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, honestly!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or late-night snack the next day.
Freezing
While these noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Cool the noodles completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about one month. Just note that the texture may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavor will still shine.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the noodles in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen them up. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch more butter or sauce if desired.
FAQs
Can I make the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the regular spaghetti or linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta and always use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. The results are just as delicious.
What protein can I add to make it a complete meal?
For a heartier dish, stir in sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or cubes of crispy tofu right before serving. These proteins soak up the sauce and turn your noodles into a full, satisfying meal.
Can I double the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe as long as you don’t fill your Instant Pot past the recommended maximum fill line. Adjust the noodles and liquid proportionally, but keep the cooking time the same.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
It’s easy! Use plant-based butter and look for a vegan oyster sauce alternative. Every other ingredient is naturally vegan or has an easy swap, so you’ll have a plant-powered version with all the same great taste.
Why did my noodles come out sticky?
If your noodles are a bit sticky, it’s likely they weren’t layered in a crisscross pattern or didn’t have enough liquid to move around. Make sure to follow the layering step and gently toss the noodles after cooking to help separate them.
Final Thoughts
If you love quick, satisfying meals that never skimp on flavor, you owe it to yourself to try the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe. It’s comfort food at its easiest and most delicious. Gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and let these noodles work their magic—you’re in for a treat!
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Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Garlic Noodles recipe is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make Asian-inspired main course that combines tender pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce enhanced by soy and oyster sauces. Perfect for busy weeknights or simple gatherings, it’s a delicious dish that can be customized with proteins or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cooking Liquid
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Base: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once the pot is hot, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, then press Cancel to stop sautéing.
- Mix the Sauce and Add Pasta: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water or vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Break the pasta in half and layer it in a crisscross pattern inside the pot to prevent it from clumping. Press the pasta gently into the liquid but avoid stirring.
- Pressure Cook the Pasta: Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set to Pressure Cook (Manual) mode for 4 minutes. After cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Toss and Thicken: Open the lid carefully. Gently toss the noodles in the sauce to evenly coat and help the noodles absorb the remaining liquid. Let the noodles sit for 2–3 minutes if you want the sauce to thicken further.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the garlic noodles warm, topped with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
Notes
- Add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or stir-fried vegetables to transform this into a full meal.
- For a vegan version, substitute unsalted butter with plant-based butter and replace oyster sauce with a vegan oyster sauce alternative.
- Break the pasta in half and layer it carefully to avoid clumping during pressure cooking.
- Do not stir pasta into the liquid before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
