Garlic Sesame Noodles

If you’re seeking a quick and flavorful dish, garlic sesame noodles might just be your next favorite.

Imagine the aromatic blend of garlic and sesame oil enveloping perfectly chewy noodles, offering a satisfying bite with each forkful.

This dish isn’t just about speed; it’s a canvas for creativity, ready to be adorned with your choice of proteins and veggies.

Curious about how to elevate your weeknight dinners with this delightful recipe?

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 colander
• 1 large skillet or wok
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk or fork
• 1 pair of tongs

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti or noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Garlic Sesame Noodles, follow this timeline:

Total Time: 20 minutes

1. Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Minute 0-2: Gather all necessary equipment: large pot, colander, large skillet or wok, mixing bowl, whisk or fork, and tongs.
   • Minute 2-5: Measure out and prepare your ingredients: 12 ounces of spaghetti or noodles, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 green onions (sliced), and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
   • Minute 5-8: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.
   • Minute 8-10: Start boiling water in a large pot for the noodles.
2. Cooking (10 minutes)
   • Minute 10-13: Cook the spaghetti or noodles according to package instructions.
   • Minute 13-14: Drain the cooked noodles using a colander and set aside.
   • Minute 14-15: Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Minute 15-16: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Minute 16-17: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic oil.
   • Minute 17-18: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the noodles and mix well to combine.
   • Minute 18-19: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the noodles.
   • Minute 19-20: Toss everything together until evenly combined and heated through.

This timeline will help you efficiently manage your time, ensuring that each step flows smoothly into the next. Enjoy your Garlic Sesame Noodles!

Recipe

Garlic sesame noodles are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

This Asian-inspired recipe brings together the nutty taste of sesame oil with the rich umami flavor of soy sauce, balanced by a hint of sweetness from honey and a kick from red pepper flakes.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is simple to prepare and certain to please your taste buds.

It’s versatile enough to be served as a stand-alone meal or as a side dish alongside your favorite Asian entrees.

The preparation is straightforward, requiring only a few common pantry ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time.

The noodles are cooked to al dente perfection, then tossed in a savory garlic oil before being coated in a tasty soy sauce mixture.

For added texture and flavor, sesame seeds and green onions are sprinkled on top to complete the dish.

With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy with family or friends.

To prepare the garlic sesame noodles, start by cooking the spaghetti or noodles according to the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain them and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes to form a sauce.

Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them to coat with the garlic oil.

Pour the soy sauce mixture over the noodles and mix well to guarantee an even coating.

Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the noodles, tossing everything together until evenly combined and heated through.

When making garlic sesame noodles, consider toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

If you prefer more protein, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the noodles.

Additionally, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.

These small tweaks can help you customize the dish to better suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Steps

Start by boiling your noodles according to the package directions, ensuring they’re cooked to perfection.

While the noodles are boiling, whisk together the sauce ingredients until they’re well combined and set them aside.

Once the noodles are ready, heat the sesame and vegetable oils in a skillet, sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant, and then toss the noodles to coat them in the aromatic garlic oil.

Step 1. Boil Noodles as Directed

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, guaranteeing you have enough water to fully submerge the noodles.

Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to enhance the noodles’ flavor.

Carefully add the noodles, spreading them evenly to prevent sticking.

Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon or tongs to guarantee even cooking.

Step	Action	Time
Boil Water	Bring to a boil	5-10 min
Add Salt	Enhance flavor	1 min
Cook Noodles	Stir occasionally	8-10 min
Drain	Use colander	1 min

Cook until the noodles are al dente, following the package instructions for exact timing.

Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander, shaking off excess water. Now, they’re ready for the next delicious step!

Step 2. Mix Sauce Ingredients Thoroughly

With your noodles perfectly cooked and drained, it’s time to focus on crafting a sauce that will elevate your dish to new heights.

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.

Each ingredient plays an essential role: soy sauce provides the umami, rice vinegar adds a tangy bite, honey brings in a subtle sweetness, and red pepper flakes deliver a gentle heat.

Use a whisk or fork to blend these flavors thoroughly, ensuring a smooth, harmonious mixture.

As you whisk, notice how the honey dissolves into the liquid, creating a cohesive sauce.

This mixture will cling to every noodle, infusing them with a delightful contrast of sweet, salty, and spicy notes, ultimately enhancing your dish.

Step 3. Heat Oil in Skillet

To create the aromatic base for your Garlic Sesame Noodles, gently heat a blend of oils in your skillet.

Start by pouring two tablespoons of sesame oil and a tablespoon of vegetable oil into the pan.

Set the stove to medium heat, allowing the oils to shimmer and infuse together.

As they warm, the nutty sesame aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, promising a flavorful dish ahead.

Visualize the transformation:

Step	Ingredient	Action
1	Sesame Oil	Pour
2	Vegetable Oil	Add
3	Medium Heat	Gently Warm

This step is essential for creating a velvety base that will coat your noodles perfectly, ensuring each bite is rich and savory.

Step 4. Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant

As the oils shimmer in the skillet, it’s time to fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of garlic.

Grab the minced cloves you’ve prepared and gently add them to the hot oil.

You’ll want to stir them continuously, ensuring they don’t burn.

The heat will coax out the garlic’s natural oils, creating a fragrant base for your noodles.

Keep your eye on the clock, as this should take just about a minute.

The garlic will turn golden, releasing its full flavor potential into the sizzling oils.

Step 5. Toss Noodles in Garlic Oil

Gently toss the cooked noodles into the skillet, letting them mingle with the aromatic garlic oil.

The noodles will soak up the savory essence, enhancing their flavor with every twirl.

Use a pair of tongs to guarantee each noodle is well-coated, giving them a glossy sheen from the oil.

As you toss, the garlic’s fragrance intensifies, promising a delectable dish ahead.

Next, carefully pour the whisked soy sauce mixture over the noodles.

The combination of saltiness from the soy sauce and subtle sweetness from the honey creates a balanced taste profile.

Keep the noodles in constant motion, making sure the sauce evenly envelops them.

Let the sesame seeds and green onions join the party, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to your garlic sesame noodles.

Serving Tips

• Steamed Vegetables: Pair with broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a nutritious and colorful side.
• Grilled Chicken: Add a protein boost with sliced grilled chicken breast for a more filling meal.
• Shrimp Skewers: Complement the noodles with shrimp skewers marinated in a similar garlic-sesame sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber and carrot salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a revitalizing contrast.
• Spring Rolls: Enhance the meal with fresh or fried spring rolls for a classic Asian-inspired accompaniment.

Storage/Freezing/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Confirm the container is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Garlic Sesame Noodles offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal.

The rich sesame oil, aromatic garlic, and a hint of sweetness from honey create a harmonious blend that dances on your palate.

The noodles are satisfyingly chewy, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch, making each bite an experience to savor.

Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a simple, yet impressive dinner.

Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Garlic Sesame Noodles are forgiving and versatile.

Try them once, and you’ll likely find yourself coming back for more, exploring variations and enjoying every version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Spaghetti With Another Type of Noodle?

You can totally swap spaghetti with other noodles, like rice noodles, udon, or soba. Each brings unique texture and flavor. Experiment with your favorite to create a dish that matches your taste and culinary curiosity. Enjoy!

Is This Dish Suitable for Vegetarians?

Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly since it uses no meat. You can even personalize it by adding tofu or vegetables. Just make certain any additional ingredients align with vegetarian guidelines, and it’s perfect for a delicious, meat-free meal.

How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

You can make this dish gluten-free by swapping regular noodles for gluten-free ones. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Confirm all other ingredients, like rice vinegar and sesame seeds, are certified gluten-free for a safe meal.

What Can I Use Instead of Honey?

You can swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Both alternatives maintain the dish’s balance, ensuring your meal stays delicious while catering to different dietary preferences. Enjoy experimenting with these substitutes!

Can I Add Vegetables to the Noodles?

You can definitely add vegetables! Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a crunchy texture. Sauté them with garlic before adding the noodles to blend their flavors beautifully. Don’t forget to adjust seasonings accordingly. Enjoy!