These Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are a tasty blend of chewy noodles and bold garlic flavor. Tossed together with a hint of sauce, they’re simply delicious and super easy to make!
I love whipping these up for a quick lunch or side dish! They always have my family saying, “More, please!” It’s hard to resist that yummy garlic smell, isn’t it? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I love using spaghetti for its accessibility, but egg noodles give an authentic touch too. You can substitute with rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for balancing flavors. If you’re looking for a dairy-free substitute, you could use vegan butter or olive oil, both of which work nicely in the recipe.
Garlic: Fresh garlic shines in this dish. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic can work, but I always suggest fresh for the best flavor. You can use about 1 teaspoon of minced garlic from a jar for each clove.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential here, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. For a vegetarian version, replace the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce. Fish sauce adds authentic flavor, but feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan!
Shrimp: While shrimp adds protein, feel free to skip it or use tofu for a vegetarian option. Even diced chicken works great if that’s your preference.
How Can I Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic perfectly is key for flavor! Here’s what you need to do:
- Use medium heat. Too high, and your garlic will burn quickly.
- Keep your eye on it! Add the garlic right after the butter melts and let it cook for only about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir constantly. This keeps the garlic moving and helps prevent any pieces from browning too much.
Remember, once it starts to turn golden, it’s ready for the next step! A well-cooked garlic will give your noodles that amazing aroma and taste.
How to Make Delicious Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional for authentic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Optional Protein:
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil or cilantro leaves for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes of cooking for a total of roughly 30 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, so keep an eye on the time. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil and butter together over medium heat. Wait until the butter has melted and gives off a fragrant aroma before moving on!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the finely minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to turn golden and aromatic, but make sure to stir frequently so it doesn’t burn—burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Cook the Shrimp (if using):
If you’re adding shrimp, toss them into the skillet now. Cook them until they turn pink and are cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. When done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Create the Sauce Mix:
In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if using), sugar, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, letting the flavors meld together!
6. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Now, add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss them well in the sauce and garlic butter to make sure every noodle is coated nicely!
7. Add Shrimp and Green Onions:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix gently with the noodles. Finally, toss in the sliced green onions and give it another gentle toss.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the flavorful garlic noodles to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and egg noodles are popular choices, you can use rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you choose!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply skip the shrimp and use tofu or your favorite plant-based protein instead. You can also use a vegetarian oyster sauce or skip it altogether and add more soy sauce for flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat or the microwave, adding a splash of water to help create steam, which will keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added flavor and nutrition. Just toss them into the skillet after sautéing the garlic and before adding the sauces.