I created a Garlic Noodles Recipe that pairs chewy egg noodles with a buttery garlic sauce. I mix unsalted butter, eight minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, and oyster sauce for a savory blend with a hint of sugar and pepper. This simple dish welcomes you with a unique and inviting flavor twist.

Jump to Recipe

I’ve been noodling around in the kitchen lately and thought I’d share this killer recipe I came across: Vietnamese Garlic Noodles, also known as Mì Xào Tỏi. It’s a real gamechanger if you’re looking for a quick side dish that can star on its own too.

I tossed in some 8 oz egg noodles with 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp vegetable oil, letting everything meld with the flavor-packed goodness of 8 finely minced garlic cloves. A splash of 1 tbsp soy sauce, a dash of 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and just a pinch of sugar really brings the sauce together.

Seasoning it up with salt and freshly ground black pepper makes it all the more addictive. It’s almost like a beautiful twist on those Asian Spaghetti Recipes you see online; a kind of easy Vietnamese creation that’s perfect with shrimp, chicken, or beef if you want to add protein.

This isn’t your regular garlic butter noodles, it’s a fresh take that even my American dinner nights have embraced.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, it’s super easy to make and takes only about 20 minutes so I can whip it up even on those really busy days. Second, I love how the noodles come out chewy and are soaked in that buttery garlic sauce which gives it an amazing flavor that I just cant get enough of. Third, it’s really versatile because I can easily pair it with shrimp, chicken or beef depending on what I’ve got in the fridge. Lastly, the whole process feels fun and a bit of a treat when the aroma of garlic and butter fills the kitchen, making it feel both special and totally comforting.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Egg Noodles: Packed with carbohydrates for energy and a satisfying chewy texture for every bite.
Unsalted Butter: Gives a melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and helps in browning the garlic just right.
Vegetable Oil: Has a high smoke point ensuring the butter doesnt burn, making cooking easier.
Garlic: Delivers a bold, piquant flavor and brings some health perks like boosting your immune system.
Soy Sauce: Offers a rich umami and salty depth with a touch of natural sweetness throughout.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a savory, slightly sweet kick that balances these noodles perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz egg noodles (or any noodles you like)

4 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp vegetable oil

8 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1/2 tsp sugar

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then cook the egg noodles as stated on the package until they become tender but still chewy. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil together with the unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter has melted.

3. Add the finely minced garlic to the pan and stir for about 1 minute until it smells really good, but be careful not to burn it.

4. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar until everything is nicely mixed.

5. Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet making sure they get well coated with the garlic sauce.

6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste then stir all the ingredients together for another minute.

7. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. Serve your delicious Vietnamese Garlic Noodles right away as a tasty side dish with your favorite shrimp, chicken, or beef.

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for boiling the noodles
2. A colander for draining the noodles
3. A large skillet or wok for making the garlic sauce and tossing the noodles
4. A cutting board and a knife to mince the garlic
5. A set of measuring spoons for the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and butter
6. A stirring spoon or spatula to mix and coat the noodles with the sauce
7. Optional: Kitchen tongs to help toss the noodles evenly in the skillet

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute the egg noodles? A: Yep, feel free to use any noodles you got. Spaghetti, rice noodles, or even ramen works just fine.

Q: Is fresh garlic a must-have? A: It's recommended because fresh garlic adds the best flavor. But if you're in a pinch, minced garlic from a jar should work too.

Q: How do I get the garlic just right? A: You wanna cook it until its lightly golden. Overcooking it makes the flavor bitter so keep it on a close watch.

Q: Can I add other ingredients? A: Sure, many people add veggies or protein like shrimp or chicken. Just stir them in and cook until done.

Q: Do I need to boil the noodles first? A: Yes, cook 'em like the package instructions say, drain well then toss with the butter, garlic and sauces.

Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have egg noodles, you can use spaghetti or ramen noodles as a solid swap
If you’re out of unsalted butter, try using margarine or even coconut oil for a different twist
You can replace vegetable oil with olive oil if thats what you have lying around
Don’t have soy sauce? Tamari is a good alternative and can still pack that umami flavor
If oyster sauce is missing, hoisin sauce might work well. You can mix it with a little soy sauce to balance the taste

Pro Tips

1. Be sure not to overcook the noodles, since they will continue cooking a bit when you toss them in the pan so keeping ’em al dente is key for texture
2. When using garlic, keep a close eye on it cause it can burn really fast and that bitter taste can ruin the dish so lower the heat if needed
3. Mix all your sauces and seasonings together before adding in the noodles so every strand gets a nice, even coating
4. If you want to mix it up try adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of chili flakes to bring in a bit of extra flavor and heat