If you’ve ever dined at Yard House, you know their shiitake garlic noodles are nothing short of legendary. This copycat yard house garlic noodles recipe brings that same irresistible combination of buttery, garlicky goodness straight to your kitchen.
With tender stir fry noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce and topped with golden shiitake mushrooms, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving the classic yard house shiitake garlic noodles or want to recreate those famous lobster garlic noodles yard house serves, this base recipe is your perfect starting point.
The beautiful balance of umami-rich ingredients, from the earthy mushrooms to the sharp parmesan, creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated enough for any occasion.
What Does It Taste Like?
This yard house garlic noodles recipe offers an intoxicating blend of rich, savory, and subtly sweet flavors. The buttery sauce coats each noodle strand with a luxurious silkiness, while fresh garlic provides a robust, aromatic punch that’s neither overpowering nor harsh.
The shiitake mushrooms add an earthy, meaty depth that complements the noodles beautifully. You’ll detect hints of sweetness from the honey, which balances perfectly with the salty-umami notes from the soy sauce and stir fry sauce.
The finishing touch of parmesan cheese brings a nutty, sharp complexity, while fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and brightness that cuts through the richness, making every bite utterly crave-worthy.
Yard House Garlic Noodles Recipe Ingredients
- 8 ounces stir fry noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup stir fry sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped (or 2 green onions)
Kitchen Utensils
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Colander for draining
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press or mincer
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Grater for parmesan cheese
Copycat Yard House Garlic Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the stir fry noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed later.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
Step 3: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the melted butter. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture. They should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the pan with the mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Pour in the honey, stir fry sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir everything together to create a cohesive sauce.
Step 6: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, toss the noodles thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through and have absorbed the flavors.
Step 7: Remove from heat. Grate fresh parmesan cheese directly over the noodles and sprinkle with chopped chives. Toss one final time, then serve immediately while hot.
7 Customization, Serve With, and Pairing Ideas
1. Yard House Lobster Garlic Noodles: Transform this into the premium yard house lobster garlic noodles by adding 8 ounces of cooked lobster meat. Sauté the lobster in butter separately, then toss it with the finished noodles. The sweet, delicate lobster pairs beautifully with the garlicky sauce.
2. Spicy Beef Version: Create yard house spicy beef garlic noodles by adding thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin. Marinate the beef in soy sauce and cornstarch, sear it until medium-rare, then add it to the noodles along with sriracha or chili oil for heat.
3. Shrimp Addition: Toss in 12-15 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp in the butter before adding mushrooms, removing them temporarily, then adding them back at the end.
4. Vegetable Boost: Addbok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and crunch. Stir-fry these vegetables after the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes before adding the sauce.
5. Serve with Asian Slaw: Pair these garlic noodles yard house style with a refreshing Asian cabbage slaw dressed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar to balance the richness.
6. Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken, pan-seared salmon, or crispy tofu for a complete meal. The noodles work wonderfully as a side dish to any Asian-inspired protein.
7. Wine Pairing: Match this dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine’s acidity cuts through the butter while complementing the garlic and mushroom flavors. For beer lovers, a light lager or wheat beer works beautifully.
7 Essential Tips for Perfect Yard House Garlic Noodles
1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook your stir fry noodles just until al dente, as they’ll continue cooking when tossed in the hot pan. Overcooked noodles become mushy and won’t hold the sauce properly. Test them a minute before the package directions suggest.
2. Use Fresh Garlic Only: Pre-minced jarred garlic simply can’t match the pungent, aromatic quality of fresh garlic in this yard house shiitake garlic noodles recipe. Mince it finely and add it at the right moment so it becomes fragrant without burning and turning bitter.
3. Get the Right Mushroom Texture: Patience is key when cooking shiitake mushrooms. Give them space in the pan and resist the urge to stir constantly. Allowing them to sit for 2-3 minutes between stirs helps develop that golden-brown caramelization that adds incredible depth to the dish.
4. Control Your Heat: Medium heat is crucial throughout this recipe. Too high, and you’ll burn the garlic and butter; too low, and the mushrooms will steam rather than caramelize. The noodles should sizzle gently when added to the pan.
5. Quality Stir Fry Sauce Matters: Not all stir fry sauces are equal. Look for one with a balanced flavor profile that includes soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, make your own by combining oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.
6. Fresh Parmesan is Essential: The authentic yard house garlic noodles use freshly grated parmesan cheese, not the pre-grated kind from a can. Fresh parmesan melts beautifully into the hot noodles and provides superior flavor and texture that makes this dish special.
7. Toss, Don’t Stir: When combining the noodles with the sauce, use a tossing motion rather than stirring. This technique ensures every strand gets evenly coated without breaking the noodles. Tongs work wonderfully for this, lifting and turning the noodles from bottom to top.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover garlic noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works but may result in slightly less ideal texture.
Yard House Garlic Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the stir fry noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed later.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
- Step 3: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the melted butter. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture. They should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the pan with the mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 5: Pour in the honey, stir fry sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir everything together to create a cohesive sauce.
- Step 6: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, toss the noodles thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through and have absorbed the flavors.
- Step 7: Remove from heat. Grate fresh parmesan cheese directly over the noodles and sprinkle with chopped chives. Toss one final time, then serve immediately while hot.
Video
Notes
Common Questions About Yard House Garlic Noodles
We’re here to help! Below, you’ll find answers to common questions people usually have about this recipe.
Q: What type of noodles does Yard House use for their garlic noodles?
A: Yard House typically uses fresh Asian-style stir fry noodles, similar to lo mein or chow mein noodles. These are wheat-based noodles with a slightly chewy texture that holds sauce beautifully. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most Asian grocery stores or the international aisle of larger supermarkets. If unavailable, dried Chinese egg noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti can work as substitutes, though the texture will differ slightly.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use rice noodles or gluten-free stir fry noodles as your base. Replace the regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your stir fry sauce is certified gluten-free (or make your own with gluten-free ingredients). Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
Q: How do I make yard house lobster garlic noodles at home?
A: To create the lobster garlic noodles yard house recipe, you’ll need 8 ounces of cooked lobster meat. You can use fresh lobster tails (steamed or grilled), frozen lobster meat, or even imitation lobster in a pinch. Cook the lobster separately in butter with a touch of garlic, then fold it into the finished noodles. Some people prefer adding the lobster at the end to prevent overcooking, while others mix it in during the final toss for more integrated flavors.
Q: What can I substitute for shiitake mushrooms?
A: If shiitake mushrooms are unavailable or too expensive, cremini (baby bella) mushrooms make an excellent substitute with a similar earthy flavor. White button mushrooms work too, though they’re milder. For a more exotic option, try oyster mushrooms or a combination of different varieties. The key is slicing them evenly and cooking them properly to achieve that golden-brown caramelization.
Q: Can I make this Yard House Garlic Noodles recipe spicy like the yard house spicy beef garlic noodles?
A: Yes! Add heat by incorporating 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, sambal oelek, or chili garlic sauce when you add the other sauces. For the spicy beef version, thinly slice 8 ounces of beef (flank steak or ribeye), marinate it briefly in soy sauce, and stir-fry it separately before adding to the noodles. Red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies also work beautifully for customizable heat levels.
Q: Why do my noodles clump together?
A: Noodle clumping usually happens when they sit too long after draining or if there isn’t enough sauce. After draining, toss the noodles with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking if you’re not adding them to the pan immediately. Also, ensure you’re using enough butter and sauce to coat all the noodles. If the mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to create a silkier sauce.
Q: Can I prep this Yard House Garlic Noodles ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead. Slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and measure out your sauces up to a day in advance. Cook the noodles no more than 2-3 hours ahead, toss with a bit of oil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, proceed with the recipe, adding a minute or two to the final cooking time to ensure everything is heated through properly.
Q: What’s the secret to getting restaurant-quality flavor?
A: The secret lies in several key factors: using high-quality butter (European-style butter adds richness), not skimping on fresh garlic, properly caramelizing the mushrooms, and finishing with freshly grated parmesan. The combination of butter, umami from mushrooms and soy sauce, sweetness from honey, and that sharp parmesan creates the complex flavor profile that makes this copycat yard house garlic noodles recipe taste so authentic. Don’t rush any step, and taste as you go to adjust seasoning.
This yard house garlic noodles recipe proves you don’t need to visit a restaurant to enjoy extraordinary flavors. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can recreate those beloved shiitake garlic noodles yard house serves with remarkable authenticity.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility-enjoy it as written, transform it into lobster garlic noodles yard house style, or customize it to your preferences. Once you master this base recipe, you’ll find yourself making it regularly for quick weeknight dinners and impressive entertaining alike.
Now it’s time to heat up that skillet and experience restaurant-quality noodles in your own kitchen!
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This looks delicious
Thanks Car