Transport your taste buds to a Japanese steakhouse with these Hibachi Noodles! Savory, buttery, and slightly sweet, these noodles are a perfect complement to hibachi-style steak, chicken, or shrimp. Infused with the rich flavors of soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, they are quick and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, these noodles will bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Hibachi Noodles:
- 1 lb. linguine or noodles/pasta of choice: Cooked al dente. Udon, soba, or spaghetti are also great alternatives.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a classic hibachi flavor.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Provides a savory, aromatic base.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Balances the savory sauces with a touch of sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty, umami depth. Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce: Infuses the noodles with a slightly sweet, tangy flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic finish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): For garnish and added texture.
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Cook the 1 lb. of linguine or your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt the Butter
In a large skillet or wok, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. The butter adds a rich, savory base to the dish.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
4. Toss the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them with the butter and garlic until well combined.
5. Incorporate the Sauces
Stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce. Toss the noodles until they are evenly coated in the sauce mixture.
6. Season and Finish
Season the noodles with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the noodles, tossing to distribute the flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve
Optionally, sprinkle the noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish. Serve hot as a side dish or pair with hibachi-style meats and vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Noodle Options: Udon noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti can be used for this recipe. Choose a noodle with good texture to hold the sauce.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercooked noodles will hold up better when tossed with the sauce.
- Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste; you can reduce it for a less sweet flavor.
- Use High Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat mimics the high temperatures of hibachi cooking and helps infuse the noodles with flavor.
Variations
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or steak for a complete hibachi-style meal.
- Vegetable Additions: Include sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Spicy Noodles: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and pair with gluten-free noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Hibachi Noodles pair wonderfully with:
- Hibachi-Style Meats: Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp cooked with teriyaki sauce for a full hibachi experience.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add sautéed or steamed veggies like carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms to round out the meal.
- Fried Rice: Pair with fried rice for a delicious, carb-filled Japanese steakhouse dinner at home.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Hibachi Noodles ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the noodles and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a skillet before serving and toss with a little extra butter or soy sauce.
2. What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can substitute sesame oil with a neutral oil like vegetable oil, though the sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. The sugar balances the savory soy sauce and teriyaki flavors, but you can omit or reduce it if desired.
4. Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes! Pre-cooked noodles like udon or lo mein can save time. Simply toss them into the skillet after sautéing the garlic.
5. Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth and add tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
Per Serving (Approx. 350 kcal):
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 7g
Conclusion
Hibachi Noodles are a flavorful, buttery side dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory, umami flavors. Whether served alongside hibachi-style meats or enjoyed on their own, these noodles bring a Japanese steakhouse experience to your kitchen. Customize them with proteins or vegetables, and enjoy the rich, satisfying taste of this restaurant-inspired dish at home!
