These Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are bursting with flavor! They mix buttery goodness with a hint of garlic, creating a tasty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Honestly, who can resist a plate of delicious noodles? I love to enjoy them as a side or even as a main dish. Perfect for sharing—or not, if you want to keep them all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti or Egg Noodles: I prefer egg noodles for their rich texture, but spaghetti works perfectly too! If you’re avoiding wheat, look for rice noodles as a great gluten-free option.
Garlic: The more, the merrier! Fresh garlic offers the best flavor. Need a quick fix? Jarred minced garlic can be used, though it lacks some freshness.
Butter and Olive Oil: This combo creates a rich sauce. If you want to lighten it up, consider using only olive oil or swapping with coconut oil for a unique flavor.
Sauces (Soy, Oyster, Fish): These add umami richness. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce and a plant-based fish sauce or tamari for soy sauce.
Shrimp: Optional, but I love adding it for protein. You can substitute with other proteins like chicken or tofu for a different twist.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic is a simple yet crucial step, and timing is key to avoid bitterness. Here’s how to achieve that perfect golden brown:
- Set your burner to medium heat and melt the butter with olive oil to create a nice base.
- Add the minced garlic and stir frequently. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- As soon as it turns fragrant and lightly golden (after about 2-3 minutes), remove it from heat if you’re worried about burning.
Remember, it’s better to err on the side of less cooking than risk scorching. A little care here goes a long way in flavor!
How to Make Vietnamese Garlic Noodles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8-10 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
For the Optional Protein:
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or basil (optional for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total: around 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 10 minutes to cook. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the spaghetti or egg noodles. Cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. When done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
In a large skillet or wok, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts completely. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and sauté it gently. Be sure to stir frequently so the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Just watch out for burning!
3. Cook the Shrimp (Optional):
If you’re using shrimp, this is the time to add them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. When they are ready, take them out of the skillet and set them aside for now.
4. Mix in the Sauce Ingredients:
In the same skillet, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if you want some heat!). Mix everything well to create a savory sauce base.
5. Combine the Noodles:
Add the drained noodles to your skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic sauce, coating them evenly. Let the noodles cook in the sauce for another 2 minutes to really absorb those wonderful flavors.
6. Add Back the Shrimp:
Return your cooked shrimp to the pan and toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp is well mixed with the noodles and sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious noodles with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro or basil if you’d like. Serve them hot, alongside lime wedges for a zesty squeeze just before eating!
This dish is bursting with garlic aroma, a delightful combination of umami flavors, and a bright finish from the herbs and lime. Enjoy your savory Vietnamese-inspired noodles!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and egg noodles are the most common choices, you can also use rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle used.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor, or simply use more soy sauce. If you’re looking for a vegan option, mushroom sauce works well too.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can make vegan garlic noodles by omitting the shrimp and using plant-based substitutes for the fish sauce (like soy sauce or a vegan version of fish sauce). Also, replace the butter with a vegan butter or olive oil.