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15 Minute Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles with a little bit of “sneaky” zucchini veggies hidden throughout. These noodles are for those nights when you’re craving simple summer flavors, but are also looking for total comfort food in a bowl full of buttered noodles. This dish has brown rice ramen noodles tossed with golden caramelized garlic butter, shredded zucchini, a splash of soy sauce, and so much fresh garden basil. Not only are these noodles delicious, they’re also made easily using just 7 ingredients, and ready to eat in 15-minutes. Perfect weeknight noodle dinner!
These noodles are what I call “college student” food done healthier…thanks to the addition of brown rice ramen and plenty of summer zucchini. And while this recipe is the simplest, I can promise you that it’s also delicious. It’s a recipe you’ll make time and time again. Maybe on a rainy night (it’s currently downpouring) when you just need a bowl full of comfort in the form of buttered noodles.
Truly the perfect easy Monday night dinner to enjoy.
The Inspiration.
Growing up there were many summer nights that my mom would request buttered noodles tossed with my dad’s garden basil for dinner. Anyone who knows my mom knows that she practically survives off of bread and noodles with the addition of hot chocolate. Yes, some fruits and vegetables are mixed in too, but my mom loves noodles, pasta, and bread. Seeing as we spent a whole lot of time together growing up, I too love a simple bowl of buttered noodles with fresh basil tossed into the mix.
And Asher does as well. Apparently this “buttered noodle” trait runs with the girls of the family. My brothers could care less about any kind of noodle that doesn’t come with a side of meat.
Anyway, this is, of course, a simple concept. But every summer I try to come up with a new way to make buttered noodles feel special and exciting again. This year I’m pulling out an oldie recipe and giving it new life, enter these ramen noodles.
I first made these noodles over four summers ago and had completely forgotten about them. But when I walked over to the garden the other day and saw all the basil I was suddenly hit with a round of deja vu. And thus the idea to remake these noodles was born.
Garlic ramen, but with the addition of basil, shredded zucchini…to incorporate summer vegetables, and a splash of soy sauce. Was it too simple of an idea? Maybe.
But does it sound delicious? Yes…so very delicious!
So I went for it, and now we have 15-minute garlic butter ramen noodles to enjoy for dinner tonight. It’s going to be good.
The quick recipe run-down.
First, things first, the noodles.
Personally, I love using brown rice noodles, which are vegan and gluten-free. I know it might be hard to believe, but these really do taste just like the instant ramen noodles we loved as kids…just much healthier. You can find these noodles online, either on Amazon or Thrive Market. Or you can purchase them at Whole Foods, Costco, and in many grocery stores as well.
Of course, you can also use whatever your favorite brand of ramen is…hello to a little Top Ramen. That works too! Just discard the seasoning packet. You won’t need it for this recipe (though, in thinking about it, I imagine that could be good as well).
While the noodles are cooking, start in on the butter. If you can find it, use cultured butter (sometimes referred to as European butter). It’s my favorite butter to use for both cooking and baking, I especially love Vermont Creamery’s Cultured Butter. I’d also recommend my other go-to butter, Land O’Lakes Extra Creamy Salted Butter.
Now, melt the butter in a pan. Add the garlic and let it get golden and caramelized (the kitchen will smell like garlic butter…a wonderful thing). Toss in some fresh ginger and shredded zucchini. Now add the noodles, a splash of soy sauce, and finish it off with all that fresh summer basil. The basil is KEY here so please do not skimp on it. And please, use fresh. Trust me, it’s worth a market run for good fresh basil as it adds all the flavor to these noodles.
Serve the buttered noodles with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, and if you’d like, a soft boiled or fried egg.
Simplest summer dinner, but every twirl of noodles just kind of melts in your mouth.
Think buttery, slightly garlicky noodles, kicked up with ginger, seasoned with the slightest amount of soy sauce (that brings just the right amount of salty umami flavor), and heavy on the basil.
It’s all just delicious. Enjoy your 15-minute noodle dinner guys!
Looking for other summer ramen recipes? Here are a few ideas:
30 Minute Caramelized Shallot Beef Ramen Noodles
Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad
Lastly, if you make these 15 minute garlic butter ramen noodles, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
15 Minute Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles.
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 786 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 2-3 brown rice ramen noodles
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 2 small or 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 4 soft boiled or fried eggs (optional)
- toasted sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain. 2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden and caramelized, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the ginger, cooking another minute. Stir in the zucchini, cooking another 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini wilts into the butter. Stir in the ramen noodles, soy sauce, and basil. Gently toss to combine. Remove from the heat.3. Divide the noodles among bowls and top with sesame seeds, basil, and eggs, if desired. Eat immediately…enjoy!
Notes
Ramen Noodles: I love using brown rice ramen, which are vegan and gluten-free. You can find these noodles online either on Amazon or Thrive Market. Or you can purchase them at Whole Foods, Costco, and in many grocery stores as well.
This post was originally published on July 27, 2020
Love this recipe and that it only takes 15 minutes. I’m going to Whole Foods in hopes of finding the Ramen noodles packets. I LOVE my birthday and everything about it. My favorite birthday food item isn’t always the same because it’s usually a nice restaurant that I love but don’t get to go to very often, or trying a new restaurant! Uchi!! If you’re ever in Houston or Austin you have to check out Uchi. (the best sushi)
Whole foods should have them!!
Going out is always A good option!!
If I am ever there I will!! Thank you!!
hahaha whhhaatt? this is pretty amazing. I’m going to have to try this! I’m sure the zucchini noodles add a nice bite!
https://www.searedandshameless.com
Thanks Jessica!! Let me know what you think(:
A question please. I do not have white miso but I do have light miso – can I substitute? Thanks Tieghan!
Hey Carol!! I have never used light miso, but I am sure that will be just fine. Let me know if you have questions. Thanks!!
I soo need this in my life. I love ramen in all form whether it’s the instant kind or the authentic Japanese kind. It’s like a comfort food. So this is so totally my type of food. Plus it’s 15 minutes and it’s garlic butter. How can I possibly pass this up? And I think the youngest always gets special treatment. Birthday talk/celebration seem to last for weeks!
It’s SO comfort food, the best kind!
It seems that way with Asher! Haha
These noodles look so good! Perfect healthy-ish comfort food for when you just wanna eat but can’t be bothered to cook!
I’m not especially fussed with birthdays – it’s just another day of the year after all! But I do like to make an awesome meal. The best would be something Mexican – some kind of tacos and then churros for dessert! (And huevos rancheros for breakfast of course).
Thanks Sasha!!
I’m all about the meal!! Mexican!! Such a good choice!!
Oh this will be perfect ! I’m starting to plan my moving at the end of September. Between the unboxing, buying stuff, the empty fridge and pantry and all, I’ll not have much time to cook. So I like these quick recipes ! It’ll be easy to assemble yet will be better than takeout or calling for a pizza (which i know will happen…. but please not 5 days in a row!!!)
Also, i feel you for the birthdays. I’m exactly like you. I turned 25 this summer, and while for most it’s the perfect excuse to throw a big party, I’m glad we keep it low key. (well I did play with a real grizzly for my birthday!, but it was only me, the bear, my bf and the trainer, no crowd or anything ahah!)
That sounds so fun but so time consuming!! Got to avoid pizza five days in a row!! You can try a bunch if my quick easy recipes!! Hopefully they will be easy with all that moving!
You played with a grizzly!!?? That is so cool!! Im jealous!!
Really, favorite birthday dinner? Sorta hard to choose because one thing in life that should be varied is flavor and texture. But a favorite meal is my mother’s Split Pea Soup–where the peas are cooked down to the consistency of potato soup. Chunks of yukon gold potatoes, carrots, and kielbasa are nummy nuggets in the flavorful soup. Of course, crusty bread with butter on the side.
That sounds so so good!! Topping it off with dipping bread?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHER!!
I do like to go out to eat on my birthday. I guess my favorite dessert would be a fresh coconut cake. The kind with 7 minute frosting. Yum!!!
Ashers says THANKS!!
COCONUT CAKE!! YES, I love that!! So delish!!
The eggs look like rubber…
That’s what soft boiled eggs usually look like.
Sorry you don’t like the look, this is what soft boiled eggs look like.
I use ramen packs with the seasoning thrown away in my comfort, student style cooking too – so cheap and such a throwback!
Ah, yess they work great and it is a total throw back… not really for me, haha but I know thats college food!
I’m so down with this! Yay for quick and easy back-to-school food! Thanks a million for the continued inspirations Girl!
To answer questions 1 and 2; You took the words right out of my mouth for number 1, I don’t like my own birthday. I do love going crazy to celebrate someone else’s though. Number 2; Vanilla frosted chocolate cake will forever be my fave b-day dessert and for dinner I’d go for General tso chicken or fettuccine alfredo!
Haha, so funny we would celebrate the same way! AHH so into the fettuccine!! I usually go all chocolate but vanilla frosting could do!?
I cannot wait to make this! Thinking I might make it tomorrow and add a salmon fillet to the top, yum 🙂
Salmon fillet!!? That would be amazing!!
I wish I had this recipe back when I was a student, I lived off of Ramen noodles and the seasoning pack flavours became dull very quickly!
I love birthdays, even my own (despite the getting older bit) but I like them quiet, just a few people to enjoy good food and wine with. And it has to be chocolate cake. I don’t care what kind of cake, it just has to be full of chocolate!
Ah, yes this would have been perfect!
Sounds like we like similar birthdays! Absolutely has to be chocolate!
My son would love this so much!! ANd he’s only a third grader ahahah
http://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
You should make him it!! So cute that he would like this!!
These looks so delish, Tieghan! Well as I’ve mentioned before that rice is a staple in the Philippines? Well, noodles comes second especially during birthdays because it’s supposed to mean longer life for the celebrant, you know because of the long noodles? Yeah! In fact, I keep a couple of different kinds always in my pantry. Oh and happy bday to Asher! ?
Hey Sheila!! I think it is so fun that noodles are a birthday dish! I mean, YUM!! Thanks so much for sharing your story!! I will be sure to tell Asher you said Happy Birthday! Thank you!