Crispy Garlic Topping

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small garlic clove, very thinly sliced

Noodles

• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 large shallot, finely minced
• Spice seasoning (see below for recipe)
• 1 packet ramen noodles or maggi noodles
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt
• ¼ cup coconut milk (optional, for a saucier noodle dish)
• Crispy garlic topping
• Thinly sliced green onions or minced cilantro, for garnish

Spice Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (or 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper)
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (or ¾ teaspoon ground cumin)
• ½ teaspoon whole coriander seeds (or ¾ teaspoon ground coriander)
• 1 whole cardamom pod (or ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom)
• ¼ cinnamon stick (or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder