Introduction: Can a 25-Minute Noodle Dish Be Bold and Weeknight-Friendly?
Craving a quick, flavorful noodle dish that rivals your favorite takeout? Hoisin Garlic Noodles, created by Hetty Lui McKinnon, combine the sweet-salty richness of hoisin sauce with nutty garlic and crispy noodles for a Cantonese-inspired meal. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 2,241 reviews, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Ready to whip up a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy? Let’s dive into this vibrant noodle recipe!
Overview: Why Hoisin Garlic Noodles Shine
Hoisin Garlic Noodles are loved for their bold flavors, quick preparation, and versatility. Here’s what makes them special:
- Time Requirement: 5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking, totaling 25 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires boiling, sautéing, and tossing, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: Hoisin sauce delivers a sweet-salty depth, bloomed garlic adds nutty richness, and crispy noodles provide texture. This recipe serves 4, perfect for weeknight dinners, vegetarian meals, or customizable feasts.
Ideal with toppings like tofu or eggs, or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Hoisin Garlic Noodles use simple ingredients for a bold, satisfying result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- Salt and black pepper: Seasons the dish.
- 14 ounces dried wheat or egg noodles: The chewy base.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Adds sweet, salty, umami flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Enhances savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Contributes nutty richness.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey: Balances with subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: For cooking and crisping noodles.
- 6 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped: Infuses nutty, aromatic flavor.
- 6 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced: Adds freshness and crunch.
- 4 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds: Provides texture and nutty garnish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Hoisin Sauce: A Cantonese staple that brings robust, sweet-salty flavor.
- Garlic: Bloomed in oil for a milder, nutty taste.
- Noodles: Wheat or egg noodles crisp up for texture contrast.
- Scallions and Sesame Seeds: Add freshness and crunch to finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Wheat/Egg Noodles: Swap with spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles (adjust cooking time).
- Hoisin Sauce: Use oyster sauce or a mix of 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon molasses.
- Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- Maple Syrup/Honey: Use agave or brown sugar.
- Vegetable Oil: Swap with canola or avocado oil.
- Garlic: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Scallions: Substitute with chives or ¼ cup finely diced onion.
- Vegan Option: Naturally vegan; use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari or coconut aminos; ensure hoisin is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Hoisin Noodles: Add 1 teaspoon chili oil or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Veggie Hoisin Noodles: Include 1 cup sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the scallions.
- Protein-Packed Noodles: Top with 8 ounces cubed tofu, scrambled eggs, or shredded chicken.
- Peanut Hoisin Noodles: Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter to the sauce.
- Citrus Hoisin Noodles: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest with the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Hoisin Garlic Noodles is a fast, one-pan process that yields a flavorful, textured dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: salt, pepper, 14 ounces noodles, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, vegetable oil, 6 garlic cloves, 6 scallions, 4 tablespoons sesame seeds.
- Finely chop garlic; slice scallions, separating white and green parts.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Tip: Prep garlic and scallions while water heats to save time; use a sharp knife for fine chopping.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Add 14 ounces dried wheat or egg noodles to boiling water; cook until al dente per package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water until cool; set aside.
Tip: Rinse noodles to stop cooking and prevent sticking; shake off excess water.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons maple syrup; stir until smooth.
Tip: Whisk sauce thoroughly to blend; set nearby for quick addition to the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics and Noodles
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high for 2 minutes.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 6 chopped garlic cloves, and white parts of scallions; stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds (avoid burning garlic).
- Immediately add the sauce, then the cooled noodles; toss until noodles are evenly coated.
- Let noodles cook undisturbed until they stick slightly and crisp on the bottom, 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt (if needed) and pepper.
Tip: Watch garlic closely to prevent burning; toss noodles gently to coat without breaking.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer noodles to bowls, about 1-1½ cups per serving.
- Top with 4 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and green parts of scallions.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with tofu, eggs, or vegetables.
Tip: Serve immediately for crispy texture; offer extra sesame seeds for garnish.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Hoisin Garlic Noodles
Making Hoisin Garlic Noodles is all about balancing bold flavors and textures. Here’s how to make them shine:
- Noodles: Chewy with crispy edges for texture contrast.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweet, salty, and umami-rich coating.
- Garlic and Scallions: Nutty and fresh for depth and crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Add nutty, toasty garnish.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the glossy noodles.
- Garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds for color and crunch.
- Pair with holiday dishes like crispy halloumi with tomatoes and white beans or desserts like Dubai chocolate for a festive spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Hoisin Garlic Noodles are best fresh but can be prepped ahead.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended, as noodles may become mushy.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep sauce, garlic, and scallions up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Cook noodles up to 4 hours ahead; rinse and store in cold water, drained before use.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium with a splash of water or oil for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently. Microwave in 30-second bursts, covered, until hot.
- Tip: Add fresh scallions after reheating to restore crunch.
Recipe Variations
Hoisin Garlic Noodles are versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Hoisin Noodles: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili crisp with the sauce.
- Vegan Hoisin Noodles: Naturally vegan; use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari; ensure hoisin is gluten-free.
- Mushroom Hoisin Noodles: Include 8 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms with the garlic.
- Peanut Hoisin Noodles: Top with ¼ cup chopped peanuts for crunch.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal (varies with noodles and oil).
- Protein: Moderate, from noodles.
- Fat: Moderate, from sesame oil and vegetable oil.
- Carbs: High, from noodles.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Bold, Crispy Bliss!
Hoisin Garlic Noodles are the weeknight dish that brings Cantonese-inspired flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. With their sweet-salty sauce, nutty garlic, and crispy noodles, they’re perfect for quick dinners, vegetarian meals, or customizable feasts. Fast, flavorful, and adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your skillet, whip up these vibrant noodles, and enjoy a burst of flavor. We’d love to hear how your dish turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Hoisin Garlic Noodles
Description
Craving a quick, flavorful noodle dish that rivals your favorite takeout? Hoisin Garlic Noodles, created by Hetty Lui McKinnon, combine the sweet-salty richness of hoisin sauce with nutty garlic and crispy noodles for a Cantonese-inspired meal
Ingredients
Hoisin Garlic Noodles use simple ingredients for a bold, satisfying result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- Salt and black pepper: Seasons the dish.
- 14 ounces dried wheat or egg noodles: The chewy base.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Adds sweet, salty, umami flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Enhances savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Contributes nutty richness.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey: Balances with subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: For cooking and crisping noodles.
- 6 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped: Infuses nutty, aromatic flavor.
- 6 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced: Adds freshness and crunch.
- 4 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds: Provides texture and nutty garnish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Hoisin Sauce: A Cantonese staple that brings robust, sweet-salty flavor.
- Garlic: Bloomed in oil for a milder, nutty taste.
- Noodles: Wheat or egg noodles crisp up for texture contrast.
- Scallions and Sesame Seeds: Add freshness and crunch to finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Wheat/Egg Noodles: Swap with spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles (adjust cooking time).
- Hoisin Sauce: Use oyster sauce or a mix of 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon molasses.
- Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- Maple Syrup/Honey: Use agave or brown sugar.
- Vegetable Oil: Swap with canola or avocado oil.
- Garlic: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Scallions: Substitute with chives or ¼ cup finely diced onion.
- Vegan Option: Naturally vegan; use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari or coconut aminos; ensure hoisin is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Hoisin Noodles: Add 1 teaspoon chili oil or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Veggie Hoisin Noodles: Include 1 cup sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the scallions.
- Protein-Packed Noodles: Top with 8 ounces cubed tofu, scrambled eggs, or shredded chicken.
- Peanut Hoisin Noodles: Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter to the sauce.
- Citrus Hoisin Noodles: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest with the sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: salt, pepper, 14 ounces noodles, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, vegetable oil, 6 garlic cloves, 6 scallions, 4 tablespoons sesame seeds.
- Finely chop garlic; slice scallions, separating white and green parts.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Tip: Prep garlic and scallions while water heats to save time; use a sharp knife for fine chopping.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Add 14 ounces dried wheat or egg noodles to boiling water; cook until al dente per package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water until cool; set aside.
Tip: Rinse noodles to stop cooking and prevent sticking; shake off excess water.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons maple syrup; stir until smooth.
Tip: Whisk sauce thoroughly to blend; set nearby for quick addition to the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics and Noodles
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high for 2 minutes.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 6 chopped garlic cloves, and white parts of scallions; stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds (avoid burning garlic).
- Immediately add the sauce, then the cooled noodles; toss until noodles are evenly coated.
- Let noodles cook undisturbed until they stick slightly and crisp on the bottom, 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt (if needed) and pepper.
Tip: Watch garlic closely to prevent burning; toss noodles gently to coat without breaking.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer noodles to bowls, about 1-1½ cups per serving.
- Top with 4 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and green parts of scallions.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with tofu, eggs, or vegetables.
Tip: Serve immediately for crispy texture; offer extra sesame seeds for garnish.
FAQs
1. Why are my noodles not crispy?
Not cooking undisturbed or using too little oil can prevent crispiness; let noodles sit for 2-3 minutes in a hot pan.
2. Can I use fresh noodles?
Yes, cook fresh noodles per package instructions; rinse to cool before adding to the skillet.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written; use gluten-free noodles and tamari, and ensure hoisin is gluten-free.
4. Why is my sauce too thick?
Insufficient rinsing of noodles or too little oil can cause this; add a splash of water or broth to thin.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep sauce and aromatics ahead; cook noodles fresh for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Noodles provide carbs for energy; garlic offers antioxidants; moderate in fat, enjoy in balance.