I’ve always been a fan of the rich flavors at Yard House, and their Shiitake Garlic Noodles quickly became one of my top picks. The combination of savory shiitake mushrooms and aromatic garlic creates a truly irresistible dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 12 oz. lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Shiitake Mushrooms
- 8 oz. fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
Garlic
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Optional
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for added heat
Tools
To master my Yard House Shiitake Garlic Noodles copycat recipe, make sure you have these essential tools in your kitchen:
- Wok or Large Skillet
Perfect for stir-frying noodles and vegetables evenly at high heat.
- Chef’s Knife
A sharp knife makes slicing mushrooms and chopping vegetables effortless.
- Cutting Board
Provides a stable surface for all your chopping and prepping needs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ensures precise measurement of sauces and seasonings for balanced flavors.
- Mixing Bowls
Ideal for preparing the sauce and combining ingredients before cooking.
- Wooden Spatula
Great for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Strainer
Useful for draining the noodles after boiling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Garlic Press
Quickly minces fresh garlic, releasing its aromatic flavors into the dish.
- Tongs
Handy for flipping and mixing noodles during the stir-frying process.
Having these tools ready will streamline your cooking experience and help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Shiitake Garlic Noodles.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing the Yard House Shiitake Garlic Noodles ahead of time makes your cooking experience smoother and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how I like to get everything ready in advance:
1. Prepare the Sauce
I start by mixing the sauce components since it’s best to let the flavors develop. In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Slice the Vegetables and Mushrooms
Next, I prepare the fresh ingredients to save time on the day of cooking:
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Clean and slice 8 ounces of fresh shiitake mushrooms.
- Red Bell Pepper: Seed and thinly slice one red bell pepper.
- Green Onions: Chop 4 green onions, separating the white and green parts.
Place all the sliced vegetables and mushrooms in separate airtight containers or zip-top bags and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
3. Mince the Garlic
Garlic adds that essential aroma to the dish. I mince 4 cloves of garlic using a garlic press for a fine texture. Store the minced garlic in a small airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
4. Cook the Noodles
To achieve the perfect texture, I cook the noodles in advance:
- Boil 12 ounces of lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the noodles with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Store the cooked noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Assemble for Cooking
On the day you plan to enjoy the dish, simply:
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms, red bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry until tender.
- Add the pre-cooked noodles and pour in the prepared sauce. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with the green parts of the green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
By following these make-ahead steps, you ensure that your Yard House Shiitake Garlic Noodles are not only delicious but also quick to prepare when hunger strikes.
Instructions
Recreating Yard House Shiitake Garlic Noodles at home is straightforward when you follow these steps. Let’s walk through the prep, cook, and assemble phases to achieve restaurant-quality flavors.
Prep
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
- Slice the Vegetables:
- Clean and slice 8 ounces of fresh shiitake mushrooms.
- Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper.
- Chop 4 green onions, separating the white and green parts.
- Mince the Garlic:
- Use a garlic press to mince 4 cloves of garlic.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Boil 12 ounces of lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Organize Your Tools:
- Gather a wok or large skillet, chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, wooden spatula, strainer, garlic press, and tongs.
Cook
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions.
- Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms and Bell Pepper:
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the wok.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce:
- Add the cooked noodles to the wok.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles.
- Toss everything together using a wooden spatula to ensure even coating.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and adhere to the noodles.
Assemble
- Final Touches:
- Remove the wok from heat.
- Stir in the green parts of the chopped green onions for a fresh crunch.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the noodles to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
- Add red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve perfected my Yard House Shiitake Garlic Noodles, it’s time to elevate your dining experience with some thoughtful accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to create a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Protein Pairings
Adding a protein can turn these noodles into a complete meal. Consider these options:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Marinate with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey before grilling to add a sweet and savory flavor.
- Tofu: Press and cube firm tofu, then pan-fry until golden for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with a bit of butter and lemon juice to complement the rich flavors of the noodles.
Fresh Sides
Balance the hearty noodles with some fresh and vibrant side dishes:
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Thinly slice cucumbers and toss with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steam bok choy and drizzle with a garlic-infused soy sauce to enhance the umami flavors.
- Edamame: Simply steamed and lightly salted, edamame makes for a perfect finger-food side.
Beverage Pairings
Pair your meal with beverages that highlight the dish’s flavors:
- Green Tea: A warm cup of green tea offers a subtle, earthy complement to the noodles.
- Crisp White Wine: Wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio provide a refreshing balance to the savory notes.
- Asian-Inspired Cocktails: Try a sake-based cocktail with a hint of citrus for an elegant touch.
Garnishing Touches
Enhance both the presentation and taste with these garnishes:
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Crushed Peanuts: Add a crunchy texture by scattering crushed peanuts across the noodles.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish for an extra zing.
Presentation Ideas
Make your meal visually appealing with thoughtful presentation:
- Bamboo Serving Bowls: Serve the noodles in bamboo bowls to add an authentic Asian touch.
- Chopsticks and Wooden Spoons: Pair your dish with traditional utensils for an immersive dining experience.
- Colorful Plating: Arrange the noodles with vibrant vegetables and garnishes to create a visually stunning plate.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you’ll not only enhance the flavors of the Yard House Shiitake Garlic Noodles but also create a delightful and well-balanced meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Conclusion
Bringing Yard House Shiitake Garlic Noodles into my home kitchen has been a delightful experience. There’s something special about savoring a favorite restaurant dish made with my own hands. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends this recipe never fails to impress. I love how easy it is to customize with different proteins and garnishes. Next time you crave that authentic taste give this copycat recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors just like at Yard House.
