Vietnamese garlic noodles are buttery, savory, garlicky noodles with a rich umami flavor. They are often made with egg noodles, spaghetti, or thick wheat noodles tossed in a sauce made from garlic, butter, oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sometimes Parmesan cheese.
These noodles are quick, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish or main dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces noodles, spaghetti, or egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Black pepper to taste
How to Make Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles — Boil noodles according to package directions. Reserve a little noodle water, then drain.
Step 2: Make the Sauce — In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic — Melt butter in a large pan. Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add Noodles — Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss with the garlic butter.
Step 5: Add Sauce — Pour in the sauce mixture and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
Step 6: Finish — Add Parmesan if using, black pepper, and green onions. Toss and serve hot.
Add-In Ideas
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Chicken
- Mushrooms
- Fried egg
- Chili crisp
- Sesame oil
- Broccoli
Vietnamese Garlic Noodles vs San Francisco Garlic Noodles
Vietnamese garlic noodles and San Francisco garlic noodles are closely related. San Francisco-style garlic noodles are especially associated with Vietnamese-American restaurants and often include butter, garlic, umami sauces, and Parmesan.
Vietnamese garlic noodles are fast, savory, and packed with garlic flavor. With butter, umami sauces, and noodles, this dish is easy enough for weeknights but flavorful enough for special meals.