Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles are about to become your new favorite 10-minute comfort food miracle. This simple recipe transforms ordinary instant noodles into something absolutely magical with just butter, garlic, and a splash of chicken stock.
I still remember the first time my youngest grandson asked me to “make those special noodles again” after I whipped up this recipe on a particularly busy Tuesday. There’s something so satisfying about watching a few humble ingredients come together to create pure comfort in a bowl. The rich, garlicky butter coats every strand of noodle, while the chicken stock adds depth that makes this taste like it took hours instead of minutes – almost like the complex flavors you’d find in my Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles but even simpler. What started as a quick fix for hungry kids has become one of our most requested family recipes. You’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles Recipe
This recipe has been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years, especially when I need something quick and satisfying that actually tastes homemade. The beauty of these garlic butter ramen noodles lies in their simplicity – you probably have everything you need right in your pantry.
Ready in just 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when everyone’s hungry and time is short
Only 5 ingredients needed – no complicated shopping lists or hard-to-find items required
One-pan cooking method – less cleanup means more time with your family
Kid-approved flavor – even the pickiest eaters in my family devour these buttery, garlicky noodles
Budget-friendly comfort food – transforms inexpensive instant ramen into something truly special
Infinitely customizable – add an egg, some vegetables from my Roasted Veggie Chickpea Bowls, or cheese to make it your own
This creamy, comforting bowl of noodles proves that the best recipes don’t always need fancy ingredients – sometimes magic happens with just butter, garlic, and a little kitchen wisdom.
Ingredient Note List
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter because it gives you complete control over the saltiness, especially since both the chicken stock and ramen noodles already contain sodium.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic makes all the difference in this recipe, creating that aromatic base that transforms ordinary ramen into something extraordinary.
Chicken Stock: Using quality chicken stock instead of water adds incredible depth and richness that makes these garlic butter ramen noodles taste restaurant-worthy.
Salt and Black Pepper: These simple seasonings help balance the flavors and bring out the best in the garlic and butter combination.
Instant Ramen Noodles: Any brand works perfectly since we’re discarding the flavor packets and creating our own delicious sauce.
Fresh Parsley: The bright, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle herb flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully – just like it does in my Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Recipe where fresh herbs make all the difference.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles
Step 1. I always start with a cold pan when making garlic butter ramen noodles because it helps the garlic cook evenly without burning.
Step 2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to your cold skillet, then place it over medium heat.
Step 3. My grandmother taught me to stir constantly as the butter melts and the garlic begins to sizzle – you want that beautiful light golden color, not brown.
Step 4. I’ve found that adding the chicken stock, salt, and pepper at this point creates the perfect flavorful base for the noodles.
Step 5. Once the mixture comes to a gentle boil, add your ramen noodles and stir every 20-30 seconds to help them separate.
Step 6. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated but a small amount of that garlicky stock remains – this concentrated flavor technique also works wonderfully in my Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef for similar rich results.
Step 7. Remove the pan from heat and stir in that final tablespoon of butter along with the fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover garlic butter ramen noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for 1-2 days. The texture is definitely best when served immediately, but leftovers still make a satisfying quick meal.
In my experience, freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe since the noodles can become mushy when thawed. It’s such a quick dish to make fresh that I prefer just making a new batch when we want it again.
For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop method – just add a splash of chicken broth or water to a pan and gently warm the noodles over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but add a tiny bit of liquid to prevent them from drying out.
Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles
Ready in just 10 minutes, these Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles are buttery, garlicky, and full of flavor. A quick and budget-friendly recipe that transforms instant noodles into a satisfying comfort dish for kids and adults alike.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to a cold skillet.
Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until garlic turns light golden but not brown.
Add chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add ramen noodles and cook, stirring every 20–30 seconds to loosen.
Continue cooking until most liquid has evaporated, leaving just enough to coat noodles.
Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use unsalted butter and reduced sodium stock to control saltiness. Start garlic in a cold pan for even cooking. Best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles
Chicken Marinade: The mild, protein-rich chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, garlicky noodles and makes this into a complete, satisfying meal.
Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry: This sweet and savory shrimp dish complements the garlic butter flavors perfectly while adding extra protein and Asian-inspired flair to your meal.
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad: The crisp, refreshing cucumber salad provides a perfect cooling contrast to the rich, buttery noodles and adds authentic Asian restaurant vibes.
Scrambled Eggs: In my kitchen, I often top these garlic butter ramen noodles with a soft scrambled egg for extra protein and creaminess.
Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry: This double-protein stir fry creates an impressive, restaurant-style meal when served alongside the buttery noodles.
BBQ Chicken Sliders: For a fun fusion approach, these mini sandwiches make a great side that both kids and adults love with the comforting noodles.
FAQs
How many calories are in garlic butter ramen noodles?
Each serving contains approximately 380-420 calories, depending on the exact brand of ramen noodles and amount of butter used, making it a reasonably light comfort food option.
Are garlic butter ramen noodles healthy?
While this recipe is more nutritious than regular instant ramen thanks to the chicken stock and fresh garlic, I recommend enjoying it as an occasional comfort food and pairing it with vegetables for better nutritional balance.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully in this recipe and creates a delicious vegetarian version of these garlic butter ramen noodles with the same rich, savory flavor – similar to how I use vegetable stock in my Parmesan Zucchini Potato Muffins for vegetarian-friendly results.
Why did my garlic turn bitter in this recipe?
If your garlic tastes bitter, it likely got too hot and burned – I always recommend keeping the heat at medium and stirring constantly to achieve that perfect light golden color instead of brown.
