Discovering new ways to cook our favorite dishes is one of the most rewarding parts of home cooking, especially when those dishes come from overseas and carry generations of flavor with them. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate a restaurant-quality Asian noodle dish at home, this Vietnamese Lobster Garlic Noodles recipe delivers bold flavor, indulgent richness, and comforting familiarity in every bite.

This dish was shared with us by one of our amazing partners, and after testing it ourselves, we couldn’t help but enthusiastically approve. Inspired by Vietnamese-American garlic noodles made famous in California’s Little Saigon and elevated with lobster-style richness, this recipe lets you taste Asia in the comfort of your own kitchen.

And it’s surprisingly simple. With just a handful of pantry staples, a generous amount of garlic, and the right technique, you can create buttery, umami-packed noodles that taste as if they came straight from a high-end Vietnamese seafood restaurant. This delicious recipe comes from our friends on Instagram @mclimfood, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.

Why Vietnamese Garlic Noodles Are So Popular

The popularity of Vietnamese garlic noodles lies in their balance. They’re rich but not heavy, savory without being overpowering, and incredibly aromatic. Unlike Italian pasta dishes that rely heavily on cream or tomato sauces, Vietnamese garlic noodles use butter, fish sauce, and garlic to create depth.

The addition of lobster takes this dish to the nextlevel. In Vietnamese cuisine, seafood and noodles often pair well. Lobster garlic noodles are commonly served as a shared centerpiece dish, meant to be enjoyed family-style, with everyone digging into a wok of glossy, garlicky strands. This recipe captures that same indulgent spirit while staying approachable for home cooks.

How to Make Vietnamese Lobster Garlic Noodles 

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Noodles & Aromatics

• • • 1 lb egg noodles (dried)
    • 1 whole garlic bulb (crushed)
    • 1 stalk scallion (cut into 1-inch pieces) 

Sauce & Seasoning

• • • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • ½ stick butter 
    • 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
    • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 4–5 minutes, until al dente. Using a silicone pot strainer, drain the pasta well and set aside. Avoid overcooking, as the noodles will continue cooking in the wok.

Step 2: Heat the Wok and Melt the Butter

Place a wok or large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt gently until foamy but not browned. This butter base will carry all the flavors that follow.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Garlic

Using your Zulay Kitchen Garlic Press, crush the garlic directly into the melted butter. Stir constantly and cook just until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. This step should take no more than 30–45 seconds.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Immediately add the cooked noodles to the wok. Toss thoroughly so each strand is coated in garlic butter. Use tongs or a silicone spatula to prevent breaking the noodles.

Step 5: Pour in the Fish Sauce

Drizzle the fish sauce evenly over the noodles. Toss continuously to distribute the umami flavor throughout the dish. At this stage, the noodles should look glossy and deeply aromatic.

Step 6: Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the noodles while tossing. The heat will melt the cheese, creating a light sauce that clings to the noodles rather than pooling at the bottom.

Step 7: Add Scallions

Add the scallions and toss gently. Their mild onion flavor balances the richness of the butter and garlic.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and aroma.

Tips & Twists to Perfect Vietnamese Lobster Garlic Noodles

• Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced. Freshly crushed garlic releases oils that define the dish. Pre-minced garlic lacks the same punch and aroma.
• Control the heat carefully. Garlic burns quickly. Medium heat ensures the butter infuses with garlic flavor without turning bitter.
• Add lobster or shrimp if desired. While this version focuses on noodles, adding lobster meat or shrimp makes it restaurant-worthy. Cook seafood separately, then fold it in at the end.
• Don’t skip the cheese. Parmesan may sound unconventional, but it adds depth and ties the butter and fish sauce together beautifully.
• Toss continuously. Constant tossing ensures even coating and prevents clumping.
• Serve immediately. Vietnamese garlic noodles are at their best fresh off the stove, when the sauce is silky and aromatic.

Vietnamese Garlic Noodles vs. Traditional Buttered Pasta

While both dishes use butter and cheese, Vietnamese lobster garlic noodles offer more complexity thanks to fish sauce and garlic. Fish sauce provides natural umami with fewer ingredients, meaning you don’t need heavy cream or excessive salt. Garlic contributes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while scallions add vitamins A and C. Compared to classic buttered pasta, this dish delivers more flavor per bite, allowing you to feel satisfied with smaller portions.

Make Vietnamese Lobster Garlic Noodles Today

Vietnamese lobster garlic noodles are proof that bold, unforgettable flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or an overwhelming ingredient list. At the heart of this dish is a simple but powerful combination: butter, garlic, umami-rich fish sauce, and noodles that soak up every drop of flavor. This recipe is especially rewarding because it strikes a balance between indulgence and ease. If you’re recreating a favorite Vietnamese-inspired dish you’ve tasted abroad or introducing your family to new global flavors, Vietnamese lobster garlic noodles make an impressive yet comforting meal.

Once you’ve mastered this dish, it’s easy to customize, scale for gatherings, or turn it into a signature recipe you’ll come back to again and again. One bite, and you’ll understand why this noodle dish has earned its cult following.

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