Simple and flavorful, fried noodles seasoned with shoyu is one of those more-than-a-snack, not-quite-a-meal foods you find all over Hawai‘i. On the Big Island they sell it at okazuya, on Oahu it’s sold from the famed “manapua man” trucks, on Maui you can find it at swap meets and farmers’ markets.
The version I serve at my restaurants takes that salty fried base and adds three dimensions of garlicky flavor: fresh garlic, fried garlic, and garlic-infused oil, boosted with a sprinkle of umami-rich dashi powder. Extremely customizable, these noodles can be eaten several ways: on their own, as a seasoned base for dishes like Chop Steak, fried cutlets, or Tin Roof Pork Belly, or combined with whatever stir-fry-friendly chopped meats (char siu, Spam, kamaboko, chicken) or vegetables (cabbage, carrots, onions, celery, bean sprouts) are on hand to make a fast weeknight meal.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Loosen the noodles and add to the pot. When the water returns to a boil, the noodles should be nearly done (2 to 3 minutes; or follow the package directions). Check the noodles by taste or touch. They should be tender but springy. Drain thoroughly.
Step 2
In a wok or skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the garlic oil over high heat until shimmering-hot. Add the raw garlic, stir-frying until fragrant but not browned, a few seconds. Add the noodles and toss to coat. Add the shoyu, oyster sauce, and dashi powder and continue to stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce is absorbed.
Step 3
Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the noodles to a serving plate or individual bowls. Reheat the fried garlic in the microwave until crispy, 10 to 15 seconds, keeping an eye (and a nose) on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 4
Garnish the noodles with scallions and fried garlic before serving. Top with sambal if desired.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
37 Garlic Recipes for Those Who Think One Clove Is Never Enough
If you’re a garlic maximalist, you’ve come to the right place.Here's What Epi's Digital Director Maggie Hoffman Is Cooking This Month
These recipes are the easiest way to tackle the biggest cooking month of the year.59 Easy Dinner Ideas Because Everything Else Is Hard
Some nights you just need a really quick, simple weeknight meal. Here are a whole bunch of our favorite easy dinner ideas that will help you get dinner on the table before anyone gets hangry.51 Low-Lift 30-Minute Meals for Nights When You Just Can’t
Delicious ways to get dinner on the table, even when it feels impossible.11 Types of Onions and Their Uses
All about alliums.The Most Popular Recipes of 2021
Peek behind the curtain at the dishes that Epicurious readers cooked this year.For the Easiest, Crispiest Fried Garlic, Use Your Microwave
This crunchy, savory topping comes together in a small bowl—and in just a few minutes.Our 23 Most Popular Recipes Right Now
The garlicky noodles, brown butter pancakes, and banana cheesecake bars that got us all through March.
