Name: Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 oz. dry ramen noodles (or Pad Thai rice noodles); 3 to 4 cups small broccoli florets (sub 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms); 1 whole bunch green onions (scallions), trimmed and thinly sliced, divided; 4 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced; 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger; 2 Tbsp. neutral cooking oil, divided; 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter; 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (or 1 to 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil); 1/4 to 3/4 tsp. chili flakes (depending on desired level of spice) (sub chili oil); 1/4 cup lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1/2 cup shelled edamame (optional for added protein); Fried or soft-boiled eggs for serving (optional); Chili oil for garnish (optional)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor—that’s exactly why the Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe has become one of my go-tos for busy weeknights. It’s quick, it’s vibrant, and it’s got that perfect garlic-scallion punch that wakes up your taste buds instantly.

A round gray bowl filled with a single layer of cooked beige noodles mixed with bright green steamed broccoli florets scattered on top, garnished with chopped green onions and sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and red chili flakes. A black and gold chopstick rests diagonally inside the bowl near a green lime wedge on the right side. The bowl sits on an orange cloth on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there is a small white bowl with chopped green onions on the top right, a small white bowl with red sauce on the far right, and a small brown dish with more sesame seeds on the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this quick garlic scallion noodles recipe has saved dinnertime in my house. It’s irresistibly simple, yet it looks like you put a lot of effort into it. Plus, it's got just enough spice and freshness to keep things interesting.

Speedy preparation: You can have this meal ready in about 20 minutes, perfect when time’s tight but you want something tasty.
Simple ingredients: Everyday pantry staples like garlic, scallions, and soy sauce come together to create big flavor.
Customizable: Whether you’re adding broccoli, edamame, or eggs, you can tweak it to suit what you have or what you’re craving.
Comforting yet fresh: The butter and garlic give richness, while the scallions and chili flakes add brightness and a gentle kick.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe really lies in how the ingredients balance each other. Creamy butter and fragrant garlic bring warmth and depth, scallions add fresh crunch, and soy sauce ties it all together with savory umami. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element makes a difference.

Flat lay of dry ramen noodles arranged in a loose nest, a small white bowl of neutral cooking oil, fresh small broccoli florets, a pat of unsalted butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a whole bunch of fresh green onions (scallions) with some thinly sliced scallions beside it, peeled garlic cloves and a few thin garlic slices neatly placed on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of freshly grated ginger, a small white bowl containing red chili flakes, a small white bowl filled with lower-sodium soy sauce, shelled bright green edamame in a simple white bowl, a small white bowl of toasted sesame seeds, two whole uncracked brown eggs, arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ramen or Pad Thai rice noodles: These noodles cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully, making your noodles flavorful without getting mushy.
Neutral cooking oil: Like canola or vegetable oil, it’s perfect for sautéing without overpowering the garlic or scallions.
Broccoli florets: I love the crunch and earthy flavor they bring; you can swap with shiitake mushrooms for something a little meatier.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the sharpness of garlic and chiliflakes wonderfully.
Green onions (scallions): The star of this dish, giving it that vibrant, oniony freshness that makes every bite pop.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced or sliced, garlic is the heart of the sauce—you’ll want that strong aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Freshly grated ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and brightness that balances the buttery sauce beautifully.
Chili flakes: The perfect little heat element—adjust to your spice preference or swap for chili oil for a different texture.
Lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari: The saltiness needs to be controlled here, so I always use low sodium to keep the noodles from getting too salty.
Shelled edamame (optional): A great way to sneak in extra protein and a nice pop of color.
Toasted sesame seeds or sesame oil: These add a nutty aroma and subtle crunch that make all the difference.
Fried or soft-boiled eggs (optional): I swear by a runny yolk to make the noodles even more luscious and satisfying.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play with this Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I toss in mushrooms for a meatier texture or go heavy on sesame oil for a deeper nutty flavor. You should definitely jazz it up to match your mood!

Variation: Once, I swapped broccoli for sautéed shiitake mushrooms, and it added such a lovely earthiness to the dish—great if you want a heartier vibe.
Mild vs. spicy: If you’re not big on heat, I recommend starting with just a pinch of chili flakes; you can always drizzle chili oil later to control the spice level better.
Protein options: Besides eggs, cooked chicken or tofu can make this a complete meal if you want something more filling.
Gluten-free: Use rice noodles and tamari soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-friendly without losing any of its signature flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe

A light gray frying pan with a white handle holds one layer of bright green broccoli florets that are slightly charred and roasted, showing different sized pieces scattered inside the pan. The pan is on a white marbled surface, with no other objects around. The broccoli has a fresh, crisp texture with some small dark brown spots from roasting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook Your Noodles Just Right

Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your noodles according to package instructions—usually 3 to 4 minutes for ramen or rice noodles. Be careful not to overcook; you want them just tender but still with a little bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside so they’re ready to soak up the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli to Crisp-Tender Perfection

While your noodles cook, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for crisp-tender—still bright green with a slight crunch. Once done, transfer them to a bowl and bring the heat down to medium.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add the butter and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Then stir in two-thirds of the sliced scallions, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Let these cook for about 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and everything softens—this part really awakens the aromas around your kitchen!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Next, pour in the soy sauce and toss in the cooked noodles, broccoli, edamame (if using), and sesame seeds. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss everything together, coating the noodles perfectly in that buttery, garlicky sauce. Keep it moving so nothing sticks to the pan.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Divide the noodles into bowls, then sprinkle the remaining scallions on top. I like to add a soft-boiled egg or crispy fried egg because the yolk adds a creamy richness that's just irresistible. If you want a little extra heat, drizzle some chili oil over the top and dig in!

Top Tip

After making this Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe dozens of times, I’ve found a few little tricks that take it from good to absolutely crave-worthy. These tips helped me avoid common mishaps and get those flavors just right every single time.

Don’t overcook the noodles: I learned the hard way that mushy noodles kill this dish’s charm. Keep an eye on the clock and taste frequently—al dente is your best friend.
Use low-sodium soy sauce: It’s tempting to grab regular soy sauce, but low sodium helps keep the flavor balanced and prevents the dish from tasting too salty.
Toast your sesame seeds: This little extra step adds a nutty fragrance that lifts the whole dish—don’t skip it!
Save scallions for garnish: Adding most scallions to the sauce brings flavor, but leaving some fresh on top preserves crunch and a fresh burst in each bite.

How to Serve Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe

garlic scallion noodles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing these noodles with a perfectly soft-boiled egg—the runny yolk creates a rich sauce when mixed in. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra sliced scallions adds beautiful texture and freshness. For some zing, I drizzle chili oil or soy sauce right before serving.

Side Dishes

In our house, I love pairing this noodle dish with simple pickled cucumbers or a quick Asian slaw for crunch contrast. Steamed dumplings or grilled chicken skewers also make excellent companions if you want to turn it into a bigger feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving these noodles in individual ramen bowls with pretty scallion curls on top, alongside small dishes of chili oil, lime wedges, and roasted peanuts. It feels fancy but is totally down-to-earth comfort food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent the noodles from sticking, I toss them with a little sesame oil before refrigerating—it helps keep them loose and flavorful.

Freezing

Freezing this noodle dish isn’t my first choice because noodles can get mushy after thawing, but if you must, freeze portions without the egg garnish and add fresh egg when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I find reheating on the stovetop works best—toss the noodles gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to loosen them up, warming everything through without drying out the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes dry the noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of noodles in the Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe?

Absolutely! While I usually use ramen or Pad Thai rice noodles, you can swap in soba, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this dish vegan?

To make it vegan, skip the butter and eggs. Instead, sauté the garlic and scallions in a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil. You can add tofu or extra vegetables to boost protein and texture.

What’s the best way to get the soft-boiled egg perfect?

I like to bring water to a gentle boil, add eggs for exactly 6 minutes, then move them to an ice bath immediately. This timing yields a slightly set white with a creamy, runny yolk perfect for drizzling over noodles.

Can I make the noodles ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the noodles ahead but toss them with a bit of oil to keep from sticking. Store separately from the sauce and vegetables, then reheat together just before serving for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Garlic Scallion Noodles Recipe has become my little secret weapon for days when I want comfort food that’s fast, flavorful, and customizable. It’s like a warm hug in noodle form. I hope you give it a try soon—you might even find it becoming one of your own favorite easy meals to whip up when life gets busy.