Ultimate Garlic Noodles Crustacean Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine twirling your fork through a plate of lusciously buttery garlic noodles, each bite enriched with the sweet, succulent flavors of fresh crustaceans. This dish, a beloved staple at many high-end Asian fusion restaurants, has roots that trace back to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia. It’s renowned not only for its bold flavors but also for its comforting, homey feel.

Ingredients

Capture the essence of Southeast Asia with this simple yet sumptuous garlic noodles crustacean recipe. Here’s everything you need to prepare a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

For the Garlic Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Noodles

• 8 ounces spaghetti or your choice of thin noodles
• 2 quarts water (for boiling)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 large scallops
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Required Tools and Equipment

As you prepare to bring this garlic noodles crustacean recipe to life, having the right tools and equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure a delightful outcome. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need:

• Large Pot: Vital for boiling the noodles to perfection. Choose one with enough space to allow the noodles to cook evenly without sticking together.
• Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok is ideal for sautéeing your garlic and crustaceans, allowing ample room for tossing and coating the noodles in the savory sauce.
• Strainer or Colander: Needed for draining the noodles after they’ve been cooked. Ensure it’s sturdy and can handle the heat from the boiled noodles.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements of each ingredient will help balance the robust flavors of your sauce flawlessly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use this to stir your ingredients in the skillet or wok. A wooden spoon or spatula prevents scratching and is gentle on all cooking surfaces.
• Kitchen Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for finely chopping the garlic, green onions, and preparing any other herbs or garnishes for your dish.
• Mixing Bowl: Small to medium size for mixing the sauce ingredients. This step is crucial to ensure all flavors meld beautifully before combining with the noodles and crustaceans.

Collect these tools and you’ll be well on your way to creating a fragrant and enticing dish that’s sure to impress.

Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, proper preparation can make the experience smoother and ensure delicious results, especially for a savory dish like garlic noodles with crustaceans.

Cleaning the Crustaceans

1. Begin by rinsing the shrimp and scallops under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Be gentle to avoid damaging their delicate textures.
2. For the shrimp, use a small paring knife to carefully devein them. Make a shallow cut along the back and pull out the dark vein.
3. If the shrimp are with shells, peel them but consider leaving the tail for a more aesthetic presentation. Scallops don’t need peeling, but ensure they are free of their side muscles by peeling these off if present.
4. Pat the crustaceans dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear in the cooking process.

1. Start by mincing enough fresh garlic to measure approximately two tablespoons. The fresh garlic will be the flavor backbone of your sauce.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, four tablespoons of butter (melt out of the fridge), two tablespoons each of oyster sauce and soy sauce, one tablespoon of fish sauce, and one teaspoon of brown sugar. Blend these until fully mixed.
3. Add a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the sauce. This will introduce a slight heat that complements the sweetness and umami from the other ingredients.
4. Stir the mixture well until all components are thoroughly combined and the sugar has dissolved. Set aside the sauce until you are ready to toss it with the noodles and cooked crustaceans.

Directions

Now that you’ve prepped your ingredients and your kitchen tools, it’s time to cook! Follow these steps carefully to bring your delicious garlic noodles crustacean recipe to life.

Cooking the Crustaceans

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the cleaned shrimp and scallops.
2. Sauté the shrimp and scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Once the crustaceans are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. You’ll add these back in with the noodles and sauce later.

Boiling the Noodles

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the noodles’ flavor.
2. Place the noodles into the boiling water and cook them according to the package instructions, usually for about 7-8 minutes, until they are al dente.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and briefly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your noodles perfectly tender.

1. In the same skillet or wok used for the crustaceans, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter.
2. Once the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the prepared garlic sauce to the skillet, and then return the cooked shrimp and scallops to the pan. Stir well to combine and warm through.
4. Toss the drained noodles into the skillet with the sauce and crustaceans. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the noodles are thoroughly coated with the sauce and the crustaceans are distributed evenly.
5. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors, stirring occasionally.

Assemble

The moment you’ve been waiting for—combining all these tantalizing elements into one harmonious dish.

Adding the Crustaceans

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter until it melts and begins to slightly bubble—this is your cue. Carefully place the cleaned shrimp and scallops into the skillet. Sauté the crustaceans, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful pink and are thoroughly cooked, about 3-4 minutes for the shrimp and 2-3 minutes per side for the scallops.

Once cooked, remove the crustaceans from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. This ensures they won’t be overcooked while you assemble the rest of the dish.

Final Touches

Reduce the heat to low and in the same skillet, add your previously prepared garlic sauce. Let it warm up for about a minute, just enough to reinvigorate the flavors. Now, bring in the boiled noodles, tossing them gently in the sauce to ensure every strand is richly coated with that garlicky goodness.

Return the crustaceans to the skillet, distribute them evenly among the noodles, and toss everything together carefully. Allow it to cook together for another minute or two—this marries the flavors beautifully.

For an extra touch of gourmet, sprinkle over some chopped green onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. This brings a brightness that balances the buttery, savory notes of your garlic noodles crustacean recipe, remarkably enhancing the overall dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing and reheating your garlic noodles with crustaceans can be simple if you follow these tips to maintain their freshness and flavor.

How to Store Garlic Noodles with Crustaceans

1. Cool Down: Before storing, allow your dish to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation inside the container which could make the noodles soggy.
2. Separate Components: If possible, store the noodles and crustaceans separately. This keeps the noodles from absorbing too much sauce and becoming too soft, and preserves the texture of the crustaceans.
3. Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store the noodles and crustaceans in the refrigerator. Proper sealing minimizes exposure to air, retaining freshness and flavor.
4. Refrigeration: Store the garlic noodles and crustaceans in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Past this, the quality begins to decrease, particularly for the crustaceans.

1. Skillet Reheating: To reheat, place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Once hot, add the noodles and a splash of water or additional sauce to keep them moist. Stir gently until heated through.
2. Adding Crustaceans: When the noodles are nearly heated, add the crustaceans to the skillet. Heat them just until warm to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
3. Microwave with Care: If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat on a low power setting in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps preserve the moisture of the noodles and avoids rubbery crustaceans.

By following these storage and reheating tips, your garlic noodles with crustaceans will remain delicious and satisfying even the next day. Careful handling ensures every reheated bite retains the allure of its initial serving.

Conclusion

Ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s sure to impress? You’ve got all the steps you need to whip up buttery garlic noodles that marry perfectly with succulent crustaceans. Remember to handle your shrimp and scallops with care and let the rich flavors of the sauces infuse every bite. Whether you’re serving this at a family dinner or a special occasion your guests are in for a delightful treat. And don’t worry about leftovers—they’ll be just as tasty tomorrow if you follow the storage and reheating tips. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the compliments that are bound to come your way!

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