Garlic Noodles Recipe

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Ah, garlic noodles. Just saying the name makes my stomach rumble in anticipation. Picture this: you’re wandering through a bustling street market, the scent of savory garlic filling the air, tantalizing your taste buds.

You get closer, and there it is—the stall serving up steaming bowls of garlic noodles, each strand glistening with flavor. Trust me; these noodles are a dish that brings warmth to your soul.

What Are Garlic Noodles?

Garlic noodles are a tasty treat that originated from Vietnamese cuisine, often found in Vietnamese restaurants, especially in California. But these noodles are not bound by cultural borders; they’ve been embraced worldwide.

The beauty of garlic noodles lies in their simplicity. They traditionally combine buttery goodness, the punch of garlic, and just a hint of savory depth from sauces like oyster and fish sauce. When you take that first forkful, it’s a burst of flavor that dances on your palate.

I first stumbled upon garlic noodles during a visit to San Francisco’s famed food scene. The garlic aroma captured me, pulling me into a little restaurant nestled among the vibrant streets. I didn’t know what to expect, but one bite and I was hooked. I didn’t just taste the noodles; I felt the experience. It was comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Noodle Recipe

I can’t stress enough how much you will adore this recipe. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a culinary wizard. If you’ve got about 30 minutes, you’re ready to serve a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
Versatility: This dish is a chameleon! You can easily mix it up with proteins or veggies to suit your preferences.
Comfort Food: Think of this dish as your favorite blanket on a chilly day. It’s cozy and satisfying.
Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and soy sauce creates a depth that keeps you longing for more.

Let’s whip up some delicious garlic noodles!

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these mouthwatering noodles to life:

6 cloves garlic, finely minced (yes, plenty of garlic!)
1/4 cup chopped green onions for bright flavor
30g / 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to create that rich base
2 teaspoons oyster sauce (opt for vegetarian oyster sauce if needed)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (tightly packed for a cheesy finish)
2 teaspoons fish sauce (you can swap it with soy sauce)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for just a pinch of warmth)
1 1/2 teaspoons Maggi seasoning (or again, soy sauce works)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (adds a nutty touch)
1/4 cup reserved noodle cooking water (to get that perfect texture)
Noodles: 140g / 5oz dried ramen or noodle cakes (about 2 cakes)

Step 1: Cooking the Noodles

Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, toss in your noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This stage is crucial—undercooked noodles will hold on to the sauce better.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Meanwhile, grab your minced garlic. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly, throw in your garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. Be cautious; you want it fragrant but not burnt. The aroma will have you salivating in no time.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauces

After the garlic has turned golden, it’s time to pour in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, and Maggi seasoning. Stir for about a minute to blend the flavors. This mixture is the heart of your dish, where all the magic happens.

Step 4: Combine the Noodles

Once the noodles are ready, reserve about a half cup of cooking water, and then drain the rest. Add the noodles directly into the skillet with the garlic and sauce. Toss everything together, letting the noodles soak up all those delicious flavors. If it seems a bit dry, add a little of that reserved water until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Now for the pièce de résistance. Stir in your grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the noodles. Finally, sprinkle the green onions over the top and give everything one last toss.

And there you have it! A big bowl of garlic noodles ready to serve.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overcook the Garlic: It should be fragrant, not burnt. Keep an eye on it while it cooks.
Use High-Quality Sauces: The flavor of your sauces really matters. Go for fresh and high-quality options when possible.
Reserve Noodle Water: Always keep some noodle cooking water handy. It helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Even a mix of seasonal veggies can spice it up.
Savor Immediately: Garlic noodles are best fresh off the stove. They tend to lose some texture the longer they sit.

Nutrition Information

One serving of garlic noodles, which generally ranges around 300-400 calories, provides a satisfying combination of carbs, fats, and protein depending on the additions you make.

With healthy fats from butter and optional proteins, this dish can fit nicely even in a balanced diet. Plus, garlic is known for its wonderful health benefits!

Can I Store Garlic Noodles?

Absolutely! If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just know that the noodles might absorb more sauce and become a bit less saucy the next day. To reheat, sprinkle a little water and microwave or stir in a saucepan until warmed through.

What Can I Serve with Garlic Noodles?

Garlic noodles are versatile, pairing beautifully with many dishes. Here are some great options:

Grilled Chicken: Marinated chicken adds protein and complements the flavors beautifully.
Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp drizzled with garlic butter would be a match made in heaven.
Vegetables: A side of sautéed greens or roasted veggies offers balance and health.
Asian-style Meatballs: The sweet and savory flavors will go hand-in-hand with your noodles.
Steak: Marinated grilled steak is another satisfying option.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to shake things up with your garlic noodles. Here are some ideas:

Add Protein: Toss in chicken or shrimp for heartier meals. Just sauté them in the skillet first, set aside, then incorporate them back in with the noodles.
Vegetarian Twist: Load up on fresh veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Sauté them along with the garlic for an extra crunch.
Spicy Kick: For those who like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil on top just before serving.
Asian Style: Incorporate hoisin sauce or Sriracha for an Asian inspired twist. It enhances the umami factor beautifully.
Cheesy Goodness: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese. Just crumble and mix them in after cooking.

Garlic Noodles Recipe

Ah, garlic noodles. Just saying the name makes my stomach rumble in anticipation. Picture this: you're wandering through a bustling street market, the scent of savory garlic filling the air, tantalizing your taste buds.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Total Time 11

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Vietnamese

Servings

Calories 175 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan
A mixing bowl

Ingredients

6 cloves garlic finely minced (yes, plenty of garlic!)

1/4 cup chopped green onions for bright flavor
30 g / 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to create that rich base
2 teaspoons oyster sauce opt for vegetarian oyster sauce if needed

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese tightly packed for a cheesy finish
2 teaspoons fish sauce you can swap it with soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for just a pinch of warmth

1 1/2 teaspoons Maggi seasoning or again, soy sauce works
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil adds a nutty touch
1/4 cup reserved noodle cooking water to get that perfect texture

Noodles:

140 g / 5oz dried ramen or noodle cakes about 2 cakes