Are you craving a flavorful, yet simple dinner that won't keep you chained to the stove all evening? Look no further! This Vietnamese Garlic Noodles recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with delicious garlicky goodness, and satisfying enough to become a family favorite. This homemade dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and healthy meal. Get ready to elevate your quick dinner ideas with this amazing recipe!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces dried egg noodles (or your favorite type of noodle)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you love garlic!)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more brown sugar for sweetness or more fish sauce for a stronger umami flavor.
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Combine and Toss: Add the cooked noodles to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the noodles are evenly coated.
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Serve and Garnish: Divide the garlic noodles among bowls. Garnish generously with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Garlic Noodles:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Al dente noodles hold their shape better and absorb the sauce more effectively.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to experiment with the amount of each ingredient to create your perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, green onions, and cilantro add a vibrant flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Toast the sesame seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply dry-toast them in a pan over medium heat until fragrant.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be delicious additions to this dish.
- Add vegetables: Stir in some chopped carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it vegan: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and omit the fish sauce for a delicious vegan version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
This easy Vietnamese garlic noodles recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these noodles are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade cooking experience!