If you’ve ever found yourself craving something comforting, speedy, and absolutely packed with flavor, these Garlic butter Ramen Noodles are a game changer. Imagine slurpable noodles swaddled in a buttery, garlicky sauce that tastes like pure happiness. This dish takes humble ramen and transforms it into something luxurious, thanks to a few simple ingredients and a handful of minutes. Whether you’re upgrading a solo lunch, treating yourself on a busy weeknight, or introducing friends to ultra-cozy flavors, Garlic butter Ramen Noodles always deliver the kind of savory joy that has everyone reaching for seconds.

Garlic butter Ramen Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a few basic pantry staples and a couple of fresh picks to bring this dish to life. Each ingredient has a job to do, infusing your noodles with layers of taste and a beautiful finish. Don’t skip out—these small details truly make Garlic butter Ramen Noodles sing!

Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Creates that silky, rich base and lets you control the saltiness.
Fresh Garlic (3 large cloves, minced): The star flavor—freshly minced garlic brings a zippy, aromatic kick.
Chicken Stock (1 and 1/2 cups, low sodium): Adds body and a savory boost; opt for lower sodium so your dish doesn’t overwhelm.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, but taste and adjust if needed, especially with salted butter or stock.
Black Pepper Powder (1/8 teaspoon): A little bit sharp, a little bit earthy—just enough to balance the richness.
Instant Ramen Noodles (2 packs, 3 ounces each, discard flavor packets): The quick-cooking backbone; leaves room for all your saucy goodness.
Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds a fresh, herby touch to finish everything off with color and brightness.

How to Make Garlic butter Ramen Noodles

Step 1: Start with Cold Butter and Garlic

Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and all the minced garlic into a cold, medium-sized skillet. This gentle start lets the garlic gradually infuse the butter with its wonderful aroma and flavor, giving you a more rounded, mellow garlicky base. By starting cold, you also reduce the risk of burning and ensure every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Gently Cook the Garlic

Set your skillet over medium heat and stir constantly as the butter melts. Keep a close eye—and nose!—on the garlic, looking for it to turn a soft golden color. Stirring helps everything cook evenly and prevents any harsh, bitter notes from developing. The kitchen will already smell amazing at this stage.

Step 3: Add Stock and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken stock, then sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil so the savoriness gets a chance to meld with all that buttery garlic. This step lays the foundational flavor for your Garlic butter Ramen Noodles, so give it just a moment to simmer and come together.

Step 4: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Place the dry ramen noodles (without flavor packets) right into the skillet. Stir every 20–30 seconds, breaking up the noodles so they separate and soak up that delicious broth. Watch as they transform, going from brick-hard to perfectly chewable and laced with flavor. This step is where all the magic happens in just a few quick minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parsley

When most of the stock has bubbled away—leaving just enough for sauciness—remove the pan from the heat. Swirl in your remaining tablespoon of butter and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The butter adds shine and extra silkiness, while parsley brings a pop of green and a hit of freshness. Admire your gorgeous Garlic butter Ramen Noodles before the final, rewarding step: serving and savoring!

How to Serve Garlic butter Ramen Noodles

Garnishes

For best results, shower your noodles with a little more fresh parsley, maybe a crack of extra black pepper, and even a sprinkle of grated parmesan if you’re feeling bold. You can also add a few red pepper flakes if you like heat, or delicate curls of lemon zest for brightness. These tiny touches turn every forkful into something special.

Side Dishes

Garlic butter Ramen Noodles are a satisfying meal on their own, but they also pair beautifully with simple sides. Try a soft-boiled egg nestling in the bowl, a crisp cucumber salad, or a handful of steamed broccoli. Everything plays nicely with those deeply savory, garlicky flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Garlic butter Ramen Noodles dinner-party-worthy by twirling portions high with tongs for a dramatic plate, topping with extra parsley and a twist of black pepper. Or serve family-style in a big platter so everyone can help themselves. For a cozy night in, pile noodles into your favorite large bowls and eat curled up on the couch—no fuss required.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, let your Garlic butter Ramen Noodles cool completely. Spoon them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The noodles will soak up more flavor as they sit, making them just as tempting the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can technically freeze this dish in a pinch. Place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just keep in mind that the noodles may soften a bit after freezing, so they’re ideal for quick lunches rather than company fare.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the Garlic butter Ramen Noodles in a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra chicken stock or water. Stir as they warm up, helping everything loosen and regain its original silkiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?

Absolutely! Vegetable stock is a great choice if you want to keep the dish vegetarian. It brings a different, equally delicious depth, so feel free to swap them based on what you have on hand.

Do I have to discard the ramen flavor packets?

Yes, discard the seasoning packets for this recipe. The homemade garlic-butter sauce is so flavorful that those extra seasonings aren’t needed and might even overpower the beautiful, buttery garlic notes you’re after.

Can I add protein to Garlic butter Ramen Noodles?

Definitely—this is a fun way to make the dish heartier! Stir in cooked shrimp, sliced grilled chicken, tofu cubes, or even a poached egg for a more filling meal. Just add your protein before finishing with parsley and that final swirl of butter.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while the noodles cook or drizzle a little chili oil over the finished plate. You could also stir in a dash of sriracha for a swift, saucy kick.

Will other herbs work instead of parsley?

For sure! Fresh chives, basil, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions bring their own unique twist. Mix and match according to your mood or what’s available in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Garlic butter Ramen Noodles have gained a reputation as a comfort food classic—they strike the perfect balance between fast, easy, and completely craveable. Give this recipe a try and let your taste buds experience that rich, garlicky magic. You might be surprised how often this one lands in your regular meal rotation!

Garlic butter Ramen Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy recipe for Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles that are delicious and flavorful. Perfect for a satisfying meal or a tasty snack!

Ingredients

Scale

For Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 large garlic cloves, minced (or use 4 medium)
1 and 1/2 cups chicken stock (I used 33% less sodium)
1/8 teaspoon salt (refer notes)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper powder
2 (3 ounces) packages instant ramen noodles (flavor packets discarded)
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Instructions

Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic into a cold medium-sized skillet or pan. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic turns a light golden color (be careful not to let it brown).
Place the ramen noodles and cook, stirring every 20-30 seconds to loosen the noodles. Cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and only a small amount of stock remains. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the remaining butter and chopped parsley.
Enjoy hot!