Name: Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 ounce spaghetti; 6 Tablespoons butter; 12 cloves garlic, minced (about 1/4 cup); 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 Tablespoon fish sauce; 1 Tablespoon u0022less sodiumu0022 soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar, packed; 2 stalks green onion, chopped; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

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Vietnamese garlic noodles are a savory, buttery noodle dish infused with rich garlic flavor and a hint of umami seasoning. (Umami is a savory, rich flavor often described as “meaty” or “brothy.” It enhances depth and fullness in food.)

Vietnamese garlic noodles are typically made with egg noodles, butter, garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes oyster sauce, the dish balances sweetness, saltiness, and nuttiness. It’s often served as a side or topped with shrimp, crab, or beef for a satisfying main course. This Vietnamese and American fusion garlic noodle recipe is incredibly quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

These butter garlic noodles can be made in under 20 minutes and are perfect for those who want a quick bite without sacrificing any flavor. My family absolutely loves this dish! As garlic lovers this dish really delivers.

This recipe was adapted from Megan @ takestwoeggs.com

Ingredients

Noodles: While this dish is typically made with egg noodles, we like using spaghetti noodles because they absorb the garlic flavor well and do not fall apart when tossed in the sauce. Linguine and angel hair pasta work as well.
Butter: Who doesn’t love the ultimate flavor combination of garlic and butter? If using salted butter avoid making the dish overly salty by using “less sodium” soy sauce. However, if regular soy sauce is all you have, then be sure to use unsalted butter.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always the best choice for the richest and most fragrant flavor. However, pre-minced garlic can be substituted if that’s all you have.
Oyster sauce: An essential ingredient that adds an earthy, slightly sweet, and salty taste. Oyster sauce can be found in the Asian section at your local grocery store.
Fish sauce: An essential ingredient that adds an umami salty flavor to the noodles and can be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store.
Soy sauce: This dark, salty condiment adds a deep umami flavor to dishes and is widely used in Asian cooking.
Toasted Sesame oil: A dash of toasted sesame oil adds umami flavor and toasted nuttiness.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and balance to the Vietnamese garlic noodles.
Green onion: Adds additional aromatics to the noodles.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will require a little more prep but the final flavor is so much better than with pre-shredded cheese which contains added preservatives to keep the cheese fresh.

Additions

While everyone in my family loves this simple recipe, my son likes to spice it up. He often adds red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil.
For variety and a more well-balanced meal, I like to add protein. After sauteing the garlic, add uncooked shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken or beef. Once the protein cooks, add the sauce mixture and continue following the instructions.

Equipment

Only a few basic, common kitchen items are needed.

Medium to large pot: To cook the pasta.
Large skillet or wok: Make sure to use one that can hold 12 ounces of pasta.
Cheese Grater: You will need a grater to freshly shred the block of Parmesan cheese.
Sharp kitchen knife: To cut the green onions and dice the garlic.

Storage

If you have any food left over, these noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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