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
Scale
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.