Go Back
An overhead shot of a light-colored bowl brimming with Vietnamese Garlic Noodles, generously garnished with vibrant green scallions and sesame seeds, resting on a patterned napkin with chopsticks to the right.

Vietnamese Garlic Noodles Recipe

Bitty
Experience noodle nirvana! Slippery noodles coated in an intensely savory, garlicky, buttery sauce with umami & sweetness. This easy-to-follow recipe recreates the beloved Vietnamese-American restaurant classic right in your kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese-American
Servings 4
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot (for noodles)
  • Large Skillet or Wok (12-inch or larger recommended)
  • Colander
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Whisk or Spoon
  • Tongs or Large Spoons (for tossing)

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles:

  • 1 lb 450g Spaghetti (Regular or thin recommended, see notes)
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 tsp Neutral Oil Optional, for preventing sticking after draining

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup 1 stick or 113g Unsalted Butter
  • 8-10 large cloves Garlic finely minced (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup - use fresh!)
  • 3 Tablespoons Premium Fish Sauce nuoc mam
  • 2 Tablespoons Oyster Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar or Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese See notes
  • 1 cup Reserved Starchy Pasta Water approx., use as needed

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro
  • Thinly Sliced Green Onions scallions

Instructions
 

  • Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually 1-2 mins less than package time). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain noodles well. Optional: toss drained noodles with 1 tsp neutral oil to prevent sticking.
  • Start Sauce: While noodles cook or just after draining, melt butter in a large skillet/wok over medium-low heat.
    A slightly angled, close-up shot of Vietnamese Garlic Noodles in a speckled ceramic bowl, garnished with green scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Chopsticks are placed on the right, and a partially visible garlic bulb rests on a gray surface in the background.
  • Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic to melted butter. Cook gently, stirring constantly, for 2-3 mins until fragrant and very lightly golden. DO NOT BROWN OR BURN. Lower heat if needed.
  • Combine Sauce Ingredients: Whisk fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper into the garlic butter. Stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer gently for 1 minute.
    An overhead view of a black bowl filled with Vietnamese Garlic Noodles, brightened with green peas, fresh cilantro sprigs, and chopped peanuts. Dark chopsticks are positioned on the right side of the bowl, set against a dark wooden table.
  • Add Noodles & Cheese: Add drained noodles and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sauce.
  • Toss: Using tongs, toss noodles continuously but gently for 1-2 minutes to coat every strand evenly.
  • Adjust Consistency: If sauce is too thick or noodles stick, add reserved pasta water, 1-2 Tbsp at a time, tossing until glossy and desired consistency is reached.
  • Taste & Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (pepper, fish sauce).
    A close-up, overhead shot of a generous serving of Vietnamese Garlic Noodles in a sleek black bowl, garnished with vibrant green scallions and cilantro, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Chopsticks rest on the right side of the bowl, which is placed on a dark wooden surface.
  • Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat. Transfer to serving platter/bowls. Garnish generously with cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Noodles: Spaghetti is commonly used for its texture. Asian egg noodles work but cook faster. Cook al dente.
Garlic: Use FRESH minced garlic for best flavor. Don't burn it!
Parmesan: Key to the Vietnamese-American version for umami and richness. Omit if preferred, but the flavor will differ.
Pasta Water: Essential for adjusting sauce consistency. Don't forget to reserve it!
Heat Control: Keep heat medium-low when cooking garlic and tossing noodles to prevent burning.
Variations: Add cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or beef. Add red pepper flakes with garlic for spice.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water/broth.
Keyword Garlic Noodles, Mì Xào Tỏ, Vietnamese Garlic Noodles