These Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are a tasty treat packed with flavor! They’re quick to whip up and feature fresh garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of butter that just makes everything better.
I love how these noodles are perfect for any meal, whether it’s a side dish or a main course. Plus, the amazing smell of garlic will have everyone running to the table! 😂
Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: You can use spaghetti or egg noodles for this dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but I encourage you to use fresh for a bolder flavor!
Sauces: Soy sauce brings depth; use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. Instead of oyster sauce, try mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version. Fish sauce is a unique flavor, but you can skip it if you don’t like seafood.
Shrimp: Shrimp adds protein, but you can easily use cooked chicken, tofu, or leave it out for a veggie-only dish. You might also try using chickpeas for a different twist!
Scallions: If you don’t have scallions, green onions or chives are good alternatives. They add a nice crunch and flavor!
How Do You Avoid Burning Garlic When Cooking?
Cooking garlic requires some attention since it burns easily. Start by heating your oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the minced garlic (and ginger if using) and stir it constantly. This prevents it from sitting too long in one spot and burning.
- Keep an eye on color; golden is perfect, but as soon as you see brown, take it off the heat!
- If you notice it starting to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
By controlling the heat and stirring often, you’ll get those fragrant, golden bits that elevate your noodles instead of a burnt taste!
Delicious Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp ginger, finely minced (optional)
For the Sauces:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
For Protein (Optional):
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
For Flavor and Garnish:
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time. Overall, you should plan for about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them well and set aside. Remember, you want them a little firm since they’ll cook a bit more in the pan!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and broth. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This sauce is packed with flavor, so don’t skip this step!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and ginger (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn—burnt garlic can be bitter!
4. Cook the Shrimp (If Using):
If you’re adding shrimp, toss them into the skillet now. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, then pour over the prepared sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Mix in Flavor Enhancers:
Stir in the butter, chopped scallions, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes while tossing gently to allow all the flavors to combine deliciously.
7. Add the Shrimp Back:
Gently mix the cooked shrimp back into the noodles, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
8. Season and Serve:
Finish by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional scallions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges if you like a citrusy kick!
Enjoy these savory, garlicky noodles that are sure to please anyone at the dinner table!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and egg noodles work great, you can also use rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian garlic noodles, simply omit the shrimp and fish sauce. You can enhance the umami flavor by adding more oyster sauce or using mushroom sauce as a substitute for the oyster sauce. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious!
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 in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just sauté the veggies along with the garlic before adding the noodles for a tasty and colorful addition!
