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San Francisco-Style Garlic Noodles

Deliciously flavored San Francisco-style garlic noodles prepared in the microwave using the glass Anyday dish, ensuring no need to pre-boil the water. Enjoy perfectly cooked noodles with rich garlic flavor in minutes, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
PT2M PT13M

Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

13-14 mins

Free Time

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San Francisco-Style Garlic Noodles

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This iconic San Francisco dish is a fusion of cultures, harmonizing the best of Vietnamese and American influences. It originated on the menu at Helene An’s Thanh Long restaurant and has been adapted for the home cook by Kenji Lopez-Alt. Our microwave version of this Bay-area classic is a one-pot wonder, packed with umami-rich elements like fish sauce, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. By cooking the noodles with the sauce ingredients at the same time, the pasta absorbs all of the flavors and offers leftover pasta water to finish the sauce. It’s speedier than takeout, or a trip to San Francisco!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.


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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups (350ml) water
  • 4 oz (115g) spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon light soy sauce or tamari
  • ½ teaspoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • thinly sliced scallions, optional

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients, except the Parmesan cheese, to an Anyday Deep dish.
  2. Cook in the microwave uncovered for 13-14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir halfway through for best results.
  3. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir to make a sauce with the leftover cooking water. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  4. Top with scallions and enjoy.

Suggestions

  • Add frozen vegetables: Incorporate frozen broccoli florets or peas for an easy and nutritious boost to your meal.
  • Spicy kick: Sprinkle in some chili flakes to add a spicy kick that elevates the flavors.
  • Protein boost: Toss in frozen shrimp for a protein-packed dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious.
  • Crispy Topping: Top with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

Recipe Notes

  • Allow the pasta to rest for a few minutes after cooking, as it will thicken slightly as it cools for the best results.
  • Stir halfway through cooking to help the flavors incorporate evenly into the noodles.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making San Francisco-Style Garlic Noodles in the Microwave

What are San Francisco Style Garlic Noodles?

San Francisco Style Garlic Noodles are a unique fusion dish that blends Vietnamese and American influences. This iconic dish originated at Helene An’s Thanh Long restaurant in the Bay Area and has been adapted for home cooks by Kenji Lopez-Alt. Our microwave version is a one-dish wonder, packed with umami-rich flavors from ingredients like fish sauce, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Can I cook pasta in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook pasta in the microwave! Our San Francisco Style Garlic Noodles are designed to be made in an Anyday dish, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce as it cooks, making it quicker and easier than traditional methods. Discover more pasta recipes by exploring our collection here!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely! You can prepare San Francisco Style noodles ahead of time. Simply store them in an Anyday dish in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, providing a quick and flavorful meal later. If the noodles start to dry out, simply add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.

What is the best way to reheat the noodles?

To reheat from the fridge, place the Anyday dish with the noodles in the microwave and reheat at full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Can I make this vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily customize this recipe to be vegan and gluten-free! Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce and opt for vegetarian alternatives to oyster sauce and fish sauce.  Be sure to choose gluten-free sauces to maintain the dish's integrity. Also, rinse the noodles before cooking to remove excess starch commonly found in gluten-free pasta.

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