Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)

Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi) are the perfect side dish for any occasion! With their rich flavor and delightful texture, these noodles make a fantastic accompaniment to your favorite proteins or can be enjoyed on their own. The buttery, garlicky sauce brings an umami punch that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious dish in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic and sauces creates a robust flavor that elevates any meal.
• Versatile Dish: These noodles pair perfectly with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Their irresistible taste will have everyone coming back for more at family dinners and parties.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference while preparing Vietnamese Garlic Noodles. Gather your kitchen essentials before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet or wok
• Tongs
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling the noodles quickly and efficiently.
• Skillet or Wok: Perfect for sautéing garlic and tossing the noodles in sauce without overcrowding.
• Tongs: Help in transferring noodles from pot to skillet without breaking them apart.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for combining sauces, ensuring an even blend before adding it to the noodles.

Ingredients

To create flavorful Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi), gather these ingredients:

• 1 lb refrigerated lo mein noodles (see notes)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 12-15 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp soy sauce (I recommend low sodium)
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp white granulated sugar
• 1½ tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 green onion (sliced and chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

How to Make Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Keep it boiling as you continue with the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic; it should only be lightly cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Once boiling, add the lo mein noodles to the pot. Lightly stir to separate them but avoid overworking them. Boil for no more than 30 seconds. Use tongs to quickly transfer the noodles into the skillet with garlic butter.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Whisk the sauce again and pour it over the hot noodles in the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly so all noodles are coated evenly with the sauce.

Step 6: Finish Up

Turn off the heat. Add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions into the skillet. Toss again until well mixed and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese Garlic Noodles as a delightful side dish that complements any meal!

How to Serve Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)

Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi) are not just a delightful dish on their own but also a versatile side that can complement various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Grilled Chicken

• Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken for a delicious protein pairing. The savory flavors of the chicken enhance the garlic noodles beautifully.

As a Base for Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Use the noodles as a base for colorful stir-fried vegetables. Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a vibrant and nutritious addition.

Pair with Shrimp

• Complement your garlic noodles with sautéed shrimp. The seafood adds a touch of elegance and brings out the umami notes in the dish.

Accompany with Beef Stir-Fry

• Serve with tender beef stir-fry for a hearty meal. The flavors of garlic and beef blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying combination.

Top with Fried Egg

• Add a fried egg on top of the noodles for extra richness. The runny yolk adds creaminess that enhances every bite.

Enjoy with Salad

• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light meal. The crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast to the rich garlic noodles.

How to Perfect Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in Vietnamese Garlic Noodles is key to impressing your guests or simply enjoying them yourself. Here are some tips to help you master this dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality butter make all the difference in flavor. Opt for freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced options.

• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Boil your lo mein noodles just until tender. Overcooking can make them mushy, losing their desirable chewy texture.

• Control Heat: When cooking garlic, keep it on medium heat to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish.

• Balance Flavors: Adjust sauce ingredients according to taste preferences. If you enjoy more sweetness, add an extra pinch of sugar, or if you prefer saltiness, increase soy sauce slightly.

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add various toppings like sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and crunch.

• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the noodles right after cooking while they’re hot and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)

Vietnamese Garlic Noodles pair wonderfully with many dishes, making meal planning easier and more delicious! Here’s a list of side dishes that complement them perfectly.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers
   Juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs and spices provide an excellent protein option alongside the noodles.

2. Vegetable Spring Rolls
   Fresh spring rolls filled with crisp vegetables offer a refreshing bite that balances out the richness of the noodles.

3. Beef Pho Soup
   A warm bowl of beef pho adds depth to your meal, featuring aromatic broth that pairs well with garlic flavors.

4. Sautéed Bok Choy
   Lightly sautéed bok choy drizzled with soy sauce gives you leafy greens that add both color and nutrition to your plate.

5. Teriyaki Salmon
   Sweet and savory teriyaki salmon offers contrasting flavors that harmonize beautifully with Vietnamese Garlic Noodles.

6. Tofu Stir-Fry
   A tofu stir-fry packed with colorful vegetables provides an excellent vegetarian option that complements the dish well.

7. Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
   Crispy wings glazed in sweet chili sauce provide an exciting flavor contrast alongside the buttery noodles.

8. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds freshness and crunch, making it an ideal side dish choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi), it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using too much garlic – While garlic is key to this dish, overdoing it can make the flavors overwhelming. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste.
• Not boiling noodles enough – If you undercook the noodles, they will be too firm and not absorb the sauce properly. Boil them just until they’re softened, about 30 seconds.
• Skipping the sauce mixture – Combining sauces and sugar in a bowl before adding them to the noodles ensures even distribution. Don’t skip this step for optimal flavor.
• Overcooking garlic – Garlic should be cooked just until fragrant, not browned. Overcooking will lead to bitterness; keep an eye on it while in the skillet.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Taste your noodles before serving! You may need more salt or pepper depending on your preference. Adjust as necessary for perfect seasoning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Vietnamese Garlic Noodles in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)

• Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place noodles in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe container, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi).

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes! You can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti or any other long noodle variety.

How spicy are Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi)?

This recipe is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers if you prefer some heat.

What can I serve with Vietnamese Garlic Noodles?

These noodles pair well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables as a delightful side dish.

Are there vegetarian options for Vietnamese Garlic Noodles?

Absolutely! You can replace meat-based sauces with mushroom sauce and omit cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Garlic Noodles (Mì Xào Tỏi) offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that make them a fantastic side dish or even a meal on their own. With easy customization options like adding vegetables or proteins, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try!