Vegan Garlic Noodles (5 Ingredients, 15 Minutes) – Simple, Savory & Satisfying

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If you need a fast, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in minutes, Vegan Garlic Noodles (5 Ingredients, 15 Minutes) might just become your new go-to recipe. Rich, savory, and deeply aromatic, these noodles prove that simple ingredients can create bold, crave-worthy results.

With just five pantry staples and one pan, this easy vegan noodle recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor in less time than it takes to order takeout. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or need a reliable last-minute meal, these quick garlic noodles will not disappoint.

Let’s dive into why this dish works so beautifully — and how to make it perfectly every single time.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Garlic Noodles

There are countless reasons this recipe stands out:

  • Only 5 simple ingredients
  • Ready in 15 minutes
  • Budget-friendly
  • Naturally dairy-free
  • Easily customizable

The magic of this plant based garlic pasta lies in balance. Garlic is sautéed until golden and fragrant, soy sauce adds umami depth, and the noodles absorb all that savory flavor for a silky, satisfying finish.

This dish is proof that minimal effort can still deliver maximum taste.

Ingredients

You only need five main ingredients to make this incredibly simple dish:

  • 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional but recommended for balance)

Optional garnish (not included in the 5 base ingredients):

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water if using spaghetti.

2. Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it — garlic can turn bitter quickly.

3. Add Soy Sauce and Maple Syrup

Stir in soy sauce and maple syrup. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 30 seconds to combine flavors.

4. Toss in the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles directly to the skillet. Toss well to coat evenly in the garlic sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and help the sauce cling.

5. Serve Immediately

Transfer to bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Vegan Garlic Noodles (5 Ingredients, 15 Minutes)

Quick and flavorful vegan garlic noodles made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook noodles until al dente and drain.
  2. Sauté garlic in oil until golden.
  3. Add soy sauce and maple syrup.
  4. Toss noodles in sauce until coated.
  5. Serve immediately with optional garnish.

Notes

Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness.

The Secret to Deep Garlic Flavor

The key to incredible vegan garlic noodles is properly sautéed garlic. Here’s how to get it right:

  • Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced.
  • Keep heat at medium, not high.
  • Stir constantly for even browning.
  • Remove from heat once golden — don’t let it darken too much.

Golden garlic creates nutty depth and aroma without bitterness.

How to Customize This Easy Vegan Noodle Recipe

While the five-ingredient base is delicious on its own, you can easily elevate it:

Add Vegetables

  • Broccoli
  • Snap peas
  • Bell peppers
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms

Sauté vegetables before adding garlic for extra texture and nutrition.

Add Protein

  • Crispy tofu
  • Edamame
  • Tempeh
  • Chickpeas

Make It Spicy

Add chili oil or red pepper flakes for heat.

Make It Creamier

Stir in a spoonful of tahini or vegan butter for a richer texture.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

When time is short, complicated recipes are the last thing you need. This 5 ingredient vegan dinner solves that problem beautifully.

You get:

  • Fast cooking time
  • Minimal cleanup
  • No complicated techniques
  • Big flavor payoff

It’s ideal for students, busy professionals, or anyone craving something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Best Noodles to Use

While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can also try:

  • Rice noodles
  • Udon noodles
  • Linguine
  • Ramen (discard seasoning packet)

Choose whatever you have on hand — the garlic sauce complements them all.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the texture.

These noodles are best fresh but still delicious the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat pasta.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just scale ingredients evenly.

Is maple syrup necessary?

It’s optional but recommended. A touch of sweetness balances the saltiness of soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Garlic Noodles (5 Ingredients, 15 Minutes) are everything a quick meal should be: simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With just pantry staples and one skillet, you can create a dish that feels comforting yet light, savory yet balanced.

Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Fast food doesn’t get easier — or tastier — than this.

Grab your garlic and let’s get cooking.

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