These Vietnamese Garlic Noodles are quick and tasty! Made with fresh noodles, garlic, and a hint of soy sauce, they’re full of flavor and super satisfying.
You won’t believe how easy these are to whip up! I like to top mine with a sprinkle of green onions and maybe some shrimp for a special touch. Yum! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using egg noodles for their rich flavor and texture, but you can easily switch to thin wheat noodles or even rice noodles if you prefer gluten-free options. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw them properly before cooking. For a vegetarian version, tofu or sautéed veggies can be a delicious substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free dish, consider using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Both will work well with the garlic flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for this dish to provide that aromatic kick. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really makes it shine!
Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce add unique flavors. If you’re avoiding fish products, you can replace fish sauce with additional soy sauce or use a vegetarian fish sauce substitute.
How Do You Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp is simple, but timing is key to prevent overcooking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a hot skillet and add vegetable oil. Make sure it’s shimmering before adding the shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Don’t crowd the pan—cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they sear nicely.
- Remove them as soon as they’re cooked to avoid making them rubbery!
With these tips, you’ll whip up a batch of delicious Garlic Noodles with perfectly cooked shrimp that will impress anyone sitting around the table!
Vietnamese Garlic Noodles with Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles or thin wheat noodles
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crushed red pepper flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you approximately 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner while still being packed with delicious flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles or thin wheat noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Once they are cooked, drain them and set aside for later.
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. This will be our flavorful sauce that brings everything together!
3. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
4. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn!
5. Combining Everything:
Now, return the cooked noodles and shrimp back into the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the noodles and shrimp, then toss everything together well to coat the ingredients evenly in the sauce.
6. Adding Green Onions:
Stir in the sliced green onions and continue to cook for another minute to warm everything through and to let the flavors blend.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the noodles hot, garnished with extra green onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Enjoy your delicious Vietnamese Garlic Noodles!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
How to Store Leftovers?
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the dish with sliced fresh chili peppers or Sriracha for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
What Noodles Work Best for This Recipe?
Egg noodles or thin wheat noodles are perfect, but you can also use rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times!