A Taste of Vietnam's Coast: Fragrant Garlic Butter Snails (Ốc Hương Xào Bơ Tỏi)

Details
A rich and fragrant snail dish perfect for a garlic-lover's night in.
Ingredients
Instructions
Clean the Snails
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the snails. Soak them for at least an hour in water mixed with a bit of rice water, vinegar, or a few chopped chilies to help them release any grit. Scrub the shells and rinse them multiple times under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Boil the Snails
Place the cleaned snails in a pot with the lemongrass stalks and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Drain the snails and discard the lemongrass and water. This initial boil helps to cook the snails and infuse them with the aroma of lemongrass.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir-fry the Snails
Add the boiled snails to the pan with the garlic butter. Stir-fry for a minute to coat the snails evenly.
Season and Simmer
Add the oyster sauce, sugar, and bouillon powder to the pan. Stir everything together. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly and clings to each snail.
Serve
Transfer the garlic butter snails to a platter. Garnish with fresh Vietnamese coriander and sliced chilies. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up all of the delicious, garlicky butter sauce.
Recipe tags
Recipe reviews
Leave a review
Sign in to share your review.
Reviews
More recipes

Authentic Turkish Haydari Recipe (The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Meze)
Stop scrolling. This is the creamy, tangy, intensely garlicky Turkish dip you've been dreaming of since your last holiday. Haydari is the queen of the meze table for a reason. Made from thick, strained yogurt, sharp garlic, and fresh dill, it’s a deceptively simple, no-cook recipe that feels both incredibly fresh and deeply indulgent. Perfect for scooping up with warm pita, serving alongside grilled meats, or just eating with a spoon when no one is looking.

Rich & Creamy Hungarian Garlic Soup (Authentic Fokhagymaleves)
A hug in a bowl, this authentic Hungarian Garlic Soup, or 'Fokhagymaleves', is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening. By roasting the garlic first, we unlock a sweet, mellow flavour that makes this creamy soup deeply satisfying without any harshness. It's a simple, soulful recipe that brings a taste of Budapest to your kitchen.

