These Vietnamese garlic noodles are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick meal! With butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of cheese, they are simply yummy!
I can’t help but add in a bit more garlic—because, why not? 🍜 I love serving these noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp to make it extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: You can use spaghetti or thin egg noodles. I love using egg noodles for their texture, but you can easily swap them with rice noodles or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that bold flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute, though I find it doesn’t match the freshness.
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are perfect for this dish, but feel free to use chicken or tofu if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Fish Sauce: This adds depth to the dish, but if you’re avoiding it, you can use additional soy sauce or a vegan substitute like mushroom sauce.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch, but if you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or basil makes a nice replacement.
How Do You Get the Garlic Just Right Without Burning It?
Garlic can go from fragrant to burnt in seconds, so here’s how to handle it! First, make sure your skillet is at medium heat to control the cooking.
- Once the butter melts, immediately add the minced garlic and stir it constantly for about 1-2 minutes.
- If you notice it browning too quickly, lower the heat immediately. The goal is golden, not brown!
Keeping a close eye and stirring constantly will help you achieve perfectly cooked garlic that enhances your dish beautifully!
How to Make Vietnamese Garlic Noodles with Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or thin egg noodles
For the Sauce and Flavor:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes or chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp and Toppings:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking shrimp
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and delicious meal takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend approximately 15 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, and the delicious aroma will fill your kitchen while you whip it all together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. It’s important that they don’t get mushy, so keep an eye on the clock!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, about 2 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. This step adds a nice flavor base!
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Make sure you stir constantly to prevent burning—golden is the goal!
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Next, add the drained noodles back to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the lovely garlic butter. What a smell! Now it’s time to stir in your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss everything well to ensure the noodles are fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
5. Finish with Shrimp and Toppings:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them with the noodles and sauce until everything is well combined. If you like a little extra spice, sprinkle on the chili flakes! Then add the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions, giving it one last gentle toss. Yum!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your noodle dish to a serving bowl, and garnish with sesame seeds if you’d like. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze! These lemony bites will take your dish to the next level!
Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese Garlic Noodles with shrimp! They make for a perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful treat any day of the week!
Can I Use a Different Type of Protein?
Absolutely! If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with chicken, tofu, or even vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have fish sauce on hand, you can use more soy sauce or try a vegan mushroom sauce for a similar umami flavor. Your dish will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles as they heat through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and the fish sauce. You can add extra veggies or even serve it with some crispy tofu for a satisfying meal!