Description
Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi) are a flavorful side dish featuring tender lo mein noodles tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a perfect balance of umami from oyster, soy, and fish sauces. Enhanced with a touch of Parmesan and fresh green onions, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for elevating any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb refrigerated lo mein noodles (see notes)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12-15 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 green onions, sliced and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil in preparation for the noodles.
- Cook garlic: In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to keep the garlic flavor fresh and mild.
- Blanch noodles: Drop the refrigerated lo mein noodles into the boiling water, lightly agitating to separate them but careful not to break. Boil for no more than 30 seconds.
- Combine noodles and garlic butter: Using tongs, quickly transfer the noodles from the boiling water directly into the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Add sauce and season: Whisk the prepared sauce again, then pour it over the noodles ensuring all sugar is included. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss and stir thoroughly to evenly coat the noodles in the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions to the noodles. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vietnamese Garlic Noodles, or Mì Xào Tỏi, make an excellent side dish with their buttery and garlicky umami flavor, perfect for complementing grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.
- Use refrigerated lo mein noodles for their texture and ease of preparation. If unavailable, fresh Chinese egg noodles can be substituted.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster and fish sauce with mushroom-based or soy sauce alternatives.
- Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, nutty touch but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 787 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
