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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
I made this tonight! And let’s be clear, my husband is the cook! It was SOOOO good. I though I hated ginger but I love it!
Love to hear that!! Thank you for trying this one, Stacia! xTieghan
This was yummy! I did change it, but only because of availability of items. I used ghee because I know it can handle a higher heat. Also, couldn’t find brown rice noodles, except in those individual packages with the seasonings. I used a fresh wheat ramen noodle. Anyway, I would make it again. Thanks!
Thank you Karen!! So glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
So easy and delicious !
Thank you so much Rhonda! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious! I opted to add a few extra cloves of garlic (huge garlic fan), but overall the recipe was very straight forward and rewarding. Felt like a much tastier (maybe healthier) alternative to your quick pasta/ramen night.
Thank you Laura!! So glad you loved this one! xTieghan
Ok, so i made this for dinner tonight…my 16 year old who won’t even look at zucchini ate it up!! I told him when he was done there was an entire one and he couldn’t believe it! It was super easy, very tasty and I had everything! I could see adding some chicken to it or really any meat or shrimp! Thank you for another great one!
Wow love to hear that!! I am so glad this turned out well for you and your family, Yvette!! Thank you! xTieghan
This is delicious! I needed to use up some meat in my freezer, so I marinated some duck in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, seared that, and added it in, but I will definitely make this recipe with eggs and tofu (same marinade as above) too! It came together so fast, which is my favorite part.
Thats the best! I am so glad this turned out so well and you were able to use up what you have!! Win win! Thank you Lizzi! xTieghan
Delicious, once again! We made this for dinner tonight. I have never made an Asian type dish before. Never have cooked with ginger, sesame seeds, or ramen noodles but I went off it and it was great. We will make this a weekly staple in our home. The zucchini is a nice summer touch and I will probably also use broccoli, carrots and snap peas. Perfect comfort food. I highly recommend.
I am so happy this turned out so well for you, Ting Ting! Thank you for trying it!! I hope you continue to love my recipes! So happy you have been ? xTieghan
We made this tonight and drizzled sriracha over it! Delicious and easy, thank you!
Thank you so much Eve! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Loved this recipe! I made this a few months ago and swear there was white miso paste in the recipe?
Hey Amina,
Were you thinking of this recipe?
https://fett-weg.today/creamy-sesame-miso-ramen/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> xTieghan
Oh that looks tasty too. If you look at the other comments, people ask about the miso paste. In any case, I’ve been adding about a tablespoon and its delicious!
Thanks so much Amina!
Forgot to rate it ?
Oh my gosh, so good!!! I had this for lunch and dinner!! Was so amazing (even without basil). Thanks for another great recipe.
Oh my gosh, so good!!! I had this for lunch and dinner!! Was so amazing (even without basil). Thanks for another great recipe.
Thank you Liz!! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Would cutting down a little on the butter be problematic if we were trying to make this a bit lighter?
Hey Kam,
I would cut it down a touch but not too much. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can’t wait to try it. Hoping my veggie kids love it and find inspiration in it.
Yes me too! Thank you Michael! xTieghan
yum! love this as a great pantry meal for those days when you don’t have enough time to hit up the grocery store. I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you so much Casey! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Ooh I love the addition of zucchini! I make this *all* the time from Super Simple! I like to add grilled shrimp
Thank you so much Christy!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan