Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are a tasty treat filled with a buttery garlic flavor! They’re simple to make and mix well with vegetables or your favorite protein.
Whenever I have these noodles, I feel like a superstar chef! They’re quick to whip up, and who can resist that wonderful garlic aroma filling the kitchen? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Spaghetti is a great choice for this dish, but you could use egg noodles for a more traditional touch. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, rice noodles or quinoa noodles can work well!
Garlic: Garlic is the star here! Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the taste may be milder.
Butter and Oil: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. Feel free to substitute with coconut oil or even ghee if you want a different flavor. Mixing the two oils adds depth!
Sauces: If you can’t find fish sauce, soy sauce can be a good replacement, though it will change the flavor slightly. You can also try using tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Optional Ingredients: Shrimp and mushrooms add extra flavor, but you can skip them or replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or keep it vegetarian with more veggies.
How Do I Prevent Garlic from Burning While Cooking?
Burnt garlic can spoil your dish with a bitter taste, so it’s essential to cook it carefully. Here are some handy tips:
- Keep the heat around medium—too high can burn the garlic quickly.
- Stir the garlic constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- If you notice it getting brown too fast, lower the heat immediately.
Also, if you’re worried about overcooking, you can add the garlic after the oil is hot but before you add other ingredients, and keep a close eye on it!
How to Make Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
- 12 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Sauces and Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking. So, you can enjoy your delicious Vietnamese Garlic Noodles in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking your spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package instructions. You want them to be al dente, which means they should be just tender. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet or wok, warm up the vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This combination will help give your noodles a rich flavor.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the finely minced garlic into the heated pan. Gently sauté it, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant and turns a golden brown, but be careful not to let it burn. This should take around 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Mushrooms (if using):
If you’re adding mushrooms, toss them into the skillet now and cook until they become soft, which should take about 3 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Shrimp (if using):
Now, stir in the cooked shrimp. Cook just until they’re heated through, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds a lovely protein boost to your dish!
6. Mix the Sauces:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. This will be the savory sauce that coats your noodles.
7. Combine with Noodles:
Now, add the drained noodles into the skillet and pour the sauce mixture on top. Toss everything together well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
8. Final Cooking:
Cook the mixture for another 1-2 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Add Green Onions:
Once done, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh crunch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Vietnamese Garlic Noodles immediately. You can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil if desired. Enjoy this flavorful feast!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with rice noodles or even gluten-free options like zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a lighter version.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have fish sauce on hand, you can use extra soy sauce or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce as a substitute. It will slightly change the flavor but will still be tasty!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and substituting the fish sauce with more soy sauce. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or a little more butter if they seem dry.