These Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are a tasty treat! With a fragrant mix of garlic, butter, and soy sauce, they’re super easy to make and pack a punch of flavor.
Trust me, once you try these noodles, you’ll want to eat them every week! They’re perfect as a side dish or even a main meal when you’re feeling extra hungry. 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: While the recipe calls for spaghetti or egg noodles, feel free to use rice noodles for a gluten-free option or even whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist. I love using egg noodles for their rich texture, but spaghetti works just as well if that’s what you have!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute with a vegan butter or even coconut oil for a unique flavor. I usually keep this recipe simple with butter, but I love the richness it adds!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that authentic flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder in a pinch; just use about 1 teaspoon. But honestly, nothing beats fresh garlic in this dish!
Sauces: The mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce brings complexity. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, swap the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce and the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. These changes keep the dish flavorful while catering to dietary needs.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro or Vietnamese coriander adds a refreshing kick. If you don’t have either, parsley or even basil can work as a substitute. I personally enjoy the pop of cilantro in this dish!
How Can I Get the Garlic Just Right?
Getting that garlic just right is crucial in this recipe. You want it fragrant and golden, not burnt, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and spoil the whole dish. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start with a medium heat to gently draw out the flavors without cooking too fast.
- Keep an eye on the garlic and stir often, cooking for about 2-3 minutes.
- If you smell it getting too strong or see any black bits, lower the heat immediately. You want it soft and light golden, not dark brown.
This careful approach ensures the garlic remains aromatic and delightful, making your noodles shine!
Delicious Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
For the Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10-12 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or Vietnamese coriander, chopped
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Optional: sautéed scallops or shrimp (about 8 oz)
- Lime wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare, including 10 minutes to cook the noodles and another 15 minutes to prepare the sauce and combine everything. Super quick and easy for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are just al dente (they should have a little bite to them). Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. You’ll want them ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet or wok, add the cooking oil and heat it over medium heat. After a minute, add in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it’s fragrant and turns a light golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Create the Sauce:
Now, add the unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt and mix in with the garlic. Once the butter is melted, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing everything together well to form a flavorful sauce.
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the drained noodles to the skillet and gently toss them until they are well-coated with the sauce. Make sure every noodle gets some of that buttery garlic goodness!
5. Add Optional Protein:
If you’re using sautéed scallops or shrimp, now’s the time to gently fold them into the noodles, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. This adds a nice touch of protein!
6. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. These fresh herbs will give the dish a bright flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the garlic noodles immediately, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish as desired. Enjoy the rich flavors and the refreshing touch of lime!
This dish is a wonderful blend of aromatic garlic with savory, sweet, and spicy notes that are characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. Garnishing with fresh herbs adds both brightness and freshness. Yum!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the spaghetti or egg noodles with gluten-free options like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific noodles you choose.
What If I Don’t Have All the Sauces?
No worries! If you’re missing one of the sauces, you can still make a delicious version of these noodles. If you don’t have oyster sauce, just add a bit extra soy sauce for saltiness. If you’re short on fish sauce, consider adding a splash of lime juice for acidity instead!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the fish sauce and oyster sauce. You can substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. This will keep the dish flavorful and satisfying!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating!