These incredibly tasty yet uncomplicated Garlic Noodles represent an Asian-inspired creation that gained fame thanks to Thanh Long restaurant in San Francisco, as popularized by Kenji Lopez-Alt. Add a fried egg and some vegetables to turn them into a speedy meal, or serve them as a superb Asian side dish that complements virtually anything!
Garlic noodles
Here’s another outstanding illustration of a fusion Asian dish that skillfully combines both Asian and Western elements to craft a truly delectable creation. Bursting with robust garlic notes, it harbors a concealed gem: parmesan cheese. That’s right, parmesan. When melded with Asian condiments like oyster sauce, fish sauce, and Maggi seasoning (or soy sauce), along with a generous serving of garlic, it imparts a delightful burst of savory flavor as it melts into the sauce. Surprisingly, it harmonizes beautifully with the Asian flavors!
Ingredients in Garlic Noodles
Here’s the essential lineup for crafting Garlic Noodles. While there are numerous noodle choices available, my personal preference leans towards ramen or noodle cakes, as depicted below.
Noodles – As mentioned earlier, this recipe offers flexibility with noodle choices, whether they’re dried or fresh (straight from the fridge). You can even opt for spaghetti, as there are plenty of recipes that feature pasta! However, my personal favorite remains ramen or noodle cakes, like the ones shown above. Their textured surface allows the sauce to adhere more effectively.
Speaking of spaghetti – it certainly works and tastes decent, but it doesn’t provide the same chewy texture as traditional noodles. Nonetheless, I would still proceed with spaghetti if it were my only option!
Garlic – A generous amount is required; we’re talking about 2 full tablespoons of finely minced garlic. The garlic’s unmistakable flavor is a must in this dish!
Fish sauce – This savory sauce boasts more complex layers of flavor compared to soy sauce. However, if you don’t have fish sauce on hand, soy sauce can be substituted. Opt for light or all-purpose soy sauce, avoiding the use of dark soy sauce as it can be overpowering. For further insight into different soy sauce varieties, you can read more here.
Maggi Seasoning – This is a savory Asian sauce that can be likened to a blend of soy sauce and Asian Worcestershire sauce. You can typically find it in the Asian section of larger grocery stores such as Coles or Woolworths, or at Asian specialty stores. It’s a versatile sauce used in Southeast Asian cuisine, enhancing the flavors of noodles, stir-fries, and it also happens to be the secret ingredient in Banh Mi Sauce.
If you need to substitute it, opt for soy sauce (again, light or all-purpose, not dark soy sauce). However, keep in mind that if you replace both the fish sauce and Maggi Seasoning, you may compromise some of the dish’s distinctive flavors.
How to make Garlic Noodles
In the video, you’ll observe me following a simple process: boiling the noodles and preparing the sauce using the same saucepan. This method works perfectly because the sauce comes together in a matter of minutes. However, at times, I prefer to get the sauce started while the noodles are cooking and then combine them in a separate pan. Feel free to choose the approach that suits your preference.
Don’t forget to save some of the noodle water—Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Just before draining them, scoop out a mugful of the cooking water (this will be used to create the sauce later). Aim for at least 1/2 cup or more, with 1/4 cup designated for the recipe and some extra, just in case.
After draining the noodles, leave them in the colander while you quickly whip up the sauce (it takes hardly a minute).
Sautéing the garlic – In the same saucepan, melt the butter and then sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds or until its aroma becomes irresistibly enticing.
Sauce – Now, introduce the fish sauce, Maggi seasoning, oyster sauce, and the reserved 1/4 cup of noodle cooking water. Stir to blend the sauce ingredients; there’s no need to simmer or cook it further. The noodle cooking water plays a crucial role in thickening the sauce, thanks to the starch it contains, ensuring it adheres nicely to the noodles.
Noodles & parmesan – Add the noodles and parmesan cheese to the sauce, then toss everything for about 30 seconds or until the sauce coats the noodles evenly instead of pooling at the bottom of the saucepan. The parmesan will seamlessly meld into the sauce, rendering the noodles glossy and loose. If the mixture becomes sticky or overly thick (perhaps due to excessive heat or over-tossing), simply introduce a splash of noodle cooking water to restore the desired consistency.
Finally, toss in the green onions and serve your delectable creation immediately!
To serve
Transform these garlic noodles into a speedy meal by complementing them with a fried egg or boiled egg slices, along with a side of fresh greens. In the image at the top, you’ll spot broccolini, which I boiled alongside the noodles and then tossed in Asian Sesame Dressing (a pantry staple, right?).
Alternatively, consider this as the quintessential side dish that pairs seamlessly with virtually any Asian main course requiring a starchy accompaniment. Imagine it alongside Sticky Chinese Wings, Chinese BBQ Pork, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Steaks, Golden Turmeric Fish, or Asian Glazed Barramundi! I’m sure you can envision numerous other delectable combinations. What culinary visions come to mind?
