I Was Making This Recipe All Wrong! Garlic Noodles from the Original Restaurant (Thanh Long)

Ah, garlic noodles. The mere mention of the name evokes images of steaming carbs infused with the pungent perfume of garlic, a symphony of savory goodness dancing on your tongue. But what if I told you there’s another level, a more authentic garlic noodle experience, waiting to be unlocked?

ancisco, where I discovered the true essence of garlic noodles. Forget the bells and whistles, the heavy sauces and fancy presentations. This is about pure, unadulterated garlic glory, and let me tell you, it’s a revelation.

The Prep: Simplicity is Key

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalism. Freshly diced garlic, roasted to golden perfection, joins forces with its raw counterpart, creating a depth of flavor that’s almost symphonic. Shrimp, succulent and lightly caramelized, add a touch of luxury, while green onions lend a vibrant pop of color and freshness.

The Sauce: A Symphony of Savory

The secret lies in the sauce – a harmonious blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of chicken bouillon powder for that elusive MSG goodness. But remember, low sodium is your mantra. These ingredients pack a punch, so let the garlic do the talking, not the salt.

The Pasta: Al Dente is Your Friend

Noodles cooked to al dente perfection are the canvas for this masterpiece. They need to hold their own against the bold flavors, not turn into mushy messes. And don’t forget the pasta water! A splash reserved during cooking becomes your secret weapon, adding the perfect touch of starchy magic to bind everything together.

The Finale: A Flavor Explosion

The moment of truth arrives. You toss the al dente noodles in the fragrant sauce, the aroma filling your kitchen with promise. Shrimp glisten with caramelized edges, green onions add a pop of color, and a generous shower of parmesan cheese ties everything together like a warm hug.

The Bite: A Journey for Your Taste Buds

The first bite is an explosion of flavors. The garlicky symphony hits you first, warm and complex, followed by the subtle sweetness of the caramelized shrimp and the refreshing bite of the green onions. The parmesan adds a nutty richness, and the whole experience is elevated by the subtle umami magic of the sauce.

More Than Just a Meal, It’s an Experience

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey. A testament to the power of simplicity, a love letter to the humble garlic, and a celebration of the culinary traditions of San Francisco. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to embark on a garlic noodle adventure. And hey, if you happen to be in San Francisco, swing by Thanh Long and see where it all began. Just brace yourself for a trademark “money shot” – you won’t regret it.

How to Make Garlic Noodles form the Original Restaurant (Thanh Long)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb large shrimp
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 2-3 tbsps minced fresh garlic
• 3-4 sprigs green onions
• 2 tbsps butter
• AP seasoning
• 1 lb thin spaghetti (salt the pasta water) reserve
• 1/2 cup pasta water
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp chicken bouilloin powder
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil red pepper flakes
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS FOR Southern Style Butter Beans Recipe

PREPARATION:

• Preheat a large skillet or pan over medium heat.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS – SPAGHETTI

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Season the boiling water with salt and cook the thin spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Set aside.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS -SHRIMP

1. In the preheated skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the large shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS -GARLIC AND GREEN ONIONS

1. In the same skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Chop the green onions and add them to the skillet. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until they are slightly tender.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS -SAUCE

1. Stir in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Mix well to combine.
2. Gradually add the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water to the skillet and stir. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS -SPAGHETTI AND SHRIMP

1. Add the cooked thin spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the sauce.
2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently combine them with the pasta. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
3. Sprinkle about 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Toss the pasta and shrimp until the cheese is melted and the dish is well-coated.

SERVING

• Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spaghetti hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions if desired.
• Enjoy your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spaghetti! Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed based on your specific ingredients and stove.

Ready to give it a try? The full recipe with measurements is waiting for you in the description below. Don’t forget to share your garlic noodle journey in the comments – let’s spread the love of this simple yet divine dish!