Yard House Chinese Garlic Noodles Recipe
This Yard House Chinese Garlic Noodles Recipe brings buttery garlic flavor, savory Asian-inspired sauces, and a touch of Parmesan to your dinner table in about 25 minutes. Made with fresh garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and your choice of chow mein noodles or spaghetti, it’s an easy way to enjoy restaurant-style garlic noodles at home without complicated steps. I love how the sauce coats every strand with a rich, savory finish. Serve your garlic noodles with grilled chicken, garlic shrimp, or crispy vegetables for a satisfying Yard House-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225 g thick chow mein noodles, egg noodles, or spaghetti
- 10 garlic cloves finely minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 –4 tablespoons water as needed
- Water for boiling the noodles
Instructions
- Step 1 - Mince the Garlic: Peel and finely mince 10 garlic cloves. Since garlic is the main flavor in this dish, chop it into small, even pieces so it distributes throughout the noodles. Avoid crushing it into a wet paste, as finely minced garlic is easier to sauté gently without burning.
- Step 2 - Chop the Green Onions: Trim the roots and any wilted ends from 2 green onions, then slice them into small pieces. Set them aside to add at the end of cooking. The green onions provide a fresh, mildly sharp flavor that balances the rich butter and savory sauce.
- Step 3 - Prepare the Remaining Ingredients: Measure the butter, Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper before you begin cooking. Keep the minced garlic and chopped green onions nearby so you can add everything at the right time. This recipe cooks quickly once the garlic goes into the pan.
- Step 4 - Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of noodles and cook according to the package directions until they reach your preferred tenderness. Thick chow mein noodles may take around 5–7 minutes, although cooking time varies by brand. Taste a noodle before draining to make sure it is tender but not mushy.
- Step 5 - Drain the Noodles: Drain the cooked noodles thoroughly in a colander. Set them aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce. If the noodles seem sticky, toss them gently with a small amount of water to loosen them. Reserve a little noodle cooking water if possible, as its starch can help the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Step 6 - Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt slowly without letting it brown. Starting with a moderately warm pan gives you better control over the garlic and helps prevent the butter from scorching.
- Step 7 - Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to soften. Lower the heat if you notice the garlic browning too quickly. Keep it pale rather than golden brown, because burnt garlic can make the entire dish taste bitter.
- Step 8 - Add the Savory Sauces: Pour the soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce into the pan with the garlic. Add the sugar and stir thoroughly to combine everything with the melted butter. Let the mixture warm for about 30 seconds, stirring so the sugar dissolves and the sauces coat the garlic evenly.
- Step 9 - Add the Cooked Noodles: Transfer the drained noodles into the skillet. Use tongs or a large pair of forks to toss them through the garlic butter sauce, lifting and turning the noodles until they are evenly coated. Spread the noodles across the pan so they heat evenly and absorb the savory flavors.
- Step 10 - Add Water and Black Pepper: Pour in 2 tablespoons of water or reserved noodle cooking water, then sprinkle in the black pepper. Increase the heat to medium and toss the noodles continuously. If the sauce looks too thick or the noodles seem dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce lightly coats the noodles without pooling at the bottom.
- Step 11 - Mix in the Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles while tossing them. Continue mixing until the cheese is distributed throughout the dish and blends into the buttery sauce. If the noodles become too dry, add another small splash of water to help the cheese and sauce coat them smoothly.
- Step 12 - Add the Green Onions and Serve: Add the chopped green onions and toss everything together for about 30 seconds, just until the onions are warmed through but still retain their fresh flavor. Remove the pan from the heat and taste the noodles. Adjust the black pepper or add a little more Parmesan if desired, then serve immediately while the noodles are hot and glossy.