These Japanese garlic fried noodles are a tasty treat! With a hint of soy sauce and delicious garlic, they’re sure to please any noodle lover.
Every bite is packed with flavor! I love throwing in extra veggies to make it colorful or sharing them with friends. Who can resist a good noodle dish? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Use Japanese-style ramen for an authentic taste, but you can substitute with thin egg noodles or even soba noodles if you prefer. Just check the cooking times, as they may vary!
Garlic: Garlic is a star here, infusing the dish with flavor. For a milder taste, roasted garlic can be used instead, giving it a sweet touch.
Shrimp: I love using fresh shrimp, but frozen shrimp works just as well! If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try tofu or mushrooms instead.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is great, but if you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can offer a similar taste without the soy. Just be sure to taste as it may be less salty!
Chili Flakes: For spice lovers, chili flakes add a nice kick, but you can skip them for a milder version or substitute with freshly sliced chili for a different flavor.
How Can I Get the Perfectly Cooked Noodles?
Cooking the noodles right is key for a great dish! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Follow the package instructions but aim for slightly undercooked as they’ll finish cooking in the skillet.
- Once drained, rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from getting mushy.
- Lay them out gently; avoid clumping so they fry evenly later on.
This prep will ensure your noodles remain chewy and delicious. Happy cooking!
How to Make Japanese Garlic Fried Noodles with Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) Japanese-style ramen noodles or thin egg noodles
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 green onions, sliced thinly, plus extra for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
For Serving:
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later use.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well and set the sauce aside; it’ll add a lovely flavor to your noodles!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can become bitter.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry them until they turn pink and are cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Noodles:
In the same skillet, add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over them. Toss or stir-fry the noodles for about 2 minutes to ensure they’re evenly coated in the sauce and absorb all that delicious flavor.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp and sliced green onions to the skillet with the noodles. Stir everything together and cook for an extra minute to warm it all up.
7. Final Touches:
Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir to mix everything well.
8. Serve:
Transfer the noodles to serving plates. Feel free to garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a nice touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Japanese garlic fried noodles!
Each bite is a mix of savory garlic and tender shrimp, making this a delightful dish you will want to make again and again!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can swap the shrimp for chicken, beef, or tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is fully cooked through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and use tofu or add more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Additionally, ensure that your oyster sauce is replaced with a vegetarian alternative, like mushroom sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or a skillet, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them along with the garlic before adding the shrimp and noodles for a nutritious boost!