Tried and True Staples for Weeknight Dinners Episode 2: Garlic Noodles and Dumplings

If I had to pick a favorite food of my kids hands down it would be some form of Asian inspired food in the realm of a stir fry, noodles or dumplings...I mean the kids could literally eat these items every day of their life and if I'm being honest this momma could too, so they come by it naturally. Over the years I've tweeted few recipes from our favorite spots to eat when takeout is on the menu (this noodle recipe being one of them via travels) but for the days when we want something homemade but still fast for a week day this is definitely a go to. Years ago when I was on a kick of wanting to reinvent this garlic noodle meal as I couldn't have it everyday for takeout I came across the version by rasamalaysia.com and this has been the closest to the actual restaurant's taste in my experimenting over the years. I do sub a few of the items out to our personal taste liking in our home so do as you like as well. 30 minutes or less and your meal is on the table. Since this article is about cutting time just purchase prepared dumplings that only require searing in the pan on a stove or boiling. We like this option in our home from time to time as now a days there are so many varieties for everyone's dietary needs. Pork, chicken and even vegetarian options.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound of thin spaghetti noodles, angel hair pasta or lo mein noodles ( I prefer an egg based Asian style noodle but I also know how hard that is to find sometime in your local grocery store)

• 1/4 cup of grated parmesan

• 1 stick unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon Maggie seasoning sauce (it's called Jugo)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat up a pot of water until boiling. Boil noodles according to packaging. Drain and set aside back in the pot you've drained them from.

2. Prepare the garlic sauce using a saute pan on medium to low heat. Add the butter into the pan and when it melts, add the garlic and sauté until aromatic but not browned. Turn flame to low setting and add rest of the seasonings into the pan, stirring to combine. Turn off stove immediately after combined.

3. Pour garlic sauce into pot of noodles and toss to combine the sauce and the noodles. Add the cheese, toss to combine well. Serve immediately.