These Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are a tasty treat! They’re packed with flavor from fresh garlic and a hint of soy sauce, making each bite a delicious surprise.
I love how quick and easy these noodles are to make. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy lunch. Trust me, you’ll want to whip these up again and again! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Spaghetti or thin egg noodles are great for this recipe. I personally prefer using thin egg noodles for a more traditional texture. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, rice noodles work well!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder in a pinch, but you’ll miss that fresh kick.
Sauces: Soy sauce gives a deep umami flavor, and oyster sauce adds sweetness. If you’re vegetarian, simply omit the oyster sauce and use mushroom soy sauce instead for a similar taste. Fish sauce can also be replaced with more soy if needed.
Shrimp: This is optional, but shrimp adds a nice protein element. You can use chicken, tofu, or just keep it vegetarian with extra veggies if you prefer. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Herbs: Fresh Thai basil or cilantro adds a fresh finish. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil will work, or even parsley for something different!
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Garlic?
Sautéing garlic correctly brings richness to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, heat your skillet over medium heat before adding butter and oil. This helps evenly distribute heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for only 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- When it turns golden and fragrant, it’s perfect! Burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Taking this care with your garlic will ensure your noodles are bursting with flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles or thin egg noodles
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8-10 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tsp garlic chili sauce or Sriracha (optional)
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Extras:
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Fresh Thai basil or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dish for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking the spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set aside. This is the base for your garlic noodles!
2. Heating the Pan:
In a large skillet or wok, add the butter and vegetable oil. Heat them over medium heat until they’re nicely melted and working together. This will give your garlic a lovely flavor base to cook in.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté gently. You want to cook it just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—it can become bitter if overcooked!
4. Adding Proteins and Veggies:
If you’re using shrimp and mushrooms, now’s the time to add them! Stir-fry everything together until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, and the mushrooms are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Mixing in the Sauces:
Next, stir in the garlic chili sauce (if you like a little heat), soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix everything well so that all the ingredients are coated in the vibrant sauces.
6. Tossing the Noodles:
Take those cooked noodles you set aside and toss them into the skillet. Give everything a good mix, ensuring that all the noodles are coated in that delicious garlic sauce.
7. Seasoning to Taste:
Sprinkle in some freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it another toss to distribute the flavor evenly. This is the moment to adjust seasoning if you feel like it!
8. Plating Up:
Transfer the garlic noodles to serving bowls. Garnish them generously with chopped fresh Thai basil or cilantro for that fresh, aromatic finish.
9. Going the Extra Mile (Optional):
If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for that extra layer of flavor. It pairs beautifully with the garlic!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Vietnamese Garlic Noodles warm and enjoy every delicious bite. This dish is sure to be a hit!
Now you’re ready to create a deliciously satisfying dish in no time. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While this recipe typically uses spaghetti or thin egg noodles, you can also opt for rice noodles, udon, or even whole wheat options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these noodles vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and fish sauce. You can substitute the oyster sauce with mushroom soy sauce and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added texture and flavor!
Can I Prepare the Garlic Noodles Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp and noodles separately in advance. Refrigerate them in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat everything in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking!
