These flavorful Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are quick to whip up and packed with sweet garlic goodness. With a touch of butter and soy sauce, they make a tasty side dish or light meal!
You might find yourself slurping these up in seconds! I love to add a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh twist. Remember to keep a fork handy—you’ll want every last noodle! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: You can use either spaghetti or egg noodles, but I love the chewy texture of egg noodles in this dish. If you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect here to control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or olive oil for a slightly different flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite the same.
Sauces: Oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce create a rich umami flavor. You can replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce, and for a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce instead of fish sauce.
Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, diced chicken or tofu would also be delicious. You can simply skip the protein for a vegetarian version!
How Can I Make Sure My Noodles Don’t Stick Together?
Preventing your noodles from sticking is essential for a great texture. Follow these simple steps:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, and make sure to salt the water before boiling. This helps flavor the noodles.
- Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them briefly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent sticking.
- When you add the noodles to the skillet, make sure the pan is hot, and use a little more sauce if necessary to keep everything moving.
Tossing the noodles in the sauce right away helps them absorb the flavors while keeping a nice texture. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
How to Make Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
For the Protein (Optional):
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 20 minutes total, including 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. If you’re using spaghetti, make sure to stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. This will give your noodles a burst of flavor, so set it aside for a moment while you prepare the shrimp.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. When they’re done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. You want to get those delicious flavors going in your pan!
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, toss in the minced garlic along with the white parts of the scallions. Sauté this mixture for 1-2 minutes just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic brown!
5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, then pour the sauce mixture over them. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure all the noodles are evenly coated with that tasty sauce.
6. Mix Everything Together:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the green parts of the scallions. Give everything one last toss and cook for another minute until everything is heated through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Vietnamese garlic noodles hot, garnished with sesame seeds and a few fresh lime wedges on the side if you’d like. Enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and egg noodles are traditional, you can also use rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different noodle types!
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp, feel free to use diced chicken, tofu, or keep it vegetarian by simply omitting the protein altogether. Just adjust the cooking time for chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftover Noodles?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply use plant-based butter, substitute the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. Your noodles will still be flavorful!
