Description
Quick and easy Garlic Sesame Noodles! This flavorful dish features perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory garlic sesame sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Customizable with your favorite protein and veggies!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles work well)
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or sriracha, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: chopped peanuts, cilantro, shredded carrots
Instructions
- Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the dried noodles. Cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes), until al dente.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain noodles in a colander. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove starch. Shake well to remove excess water.
- (Optional) Toss with Oil: If not using immediately, toss with 1 teaspoon sesame or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Mince the Garlic: Mince garlic cloves very finely.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), cornstarch, water, chili garlic sauce (or sriracha), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Cook the Garlic: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Sauce Mixture: Pour the sauce mixture into the saucepan with the garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Simmer and Thicken: Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency. Add water to thin if needed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed (soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce).
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles and garlic sesame sauce. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Add Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the noodles.
- Add Green Onions: Add thinly sliced green onions.
- Optional Garnishes: Add any other garnishes, such as chopped peanuts, cilantro, or shredded carrots.
- Serve Immediately: Serve warm or at room temperature. Can also be chilled and served as a cold noodle salad.
Notes
- Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame.
- Vegetables: Add broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Noodle Type: Experiment with ramen, udon, or soba noodles.
- Peanut Butter: Add 1-2 tablespoons for a creamier sauce.
- Ginger: Use freshly grated ginger for a more intense flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic to the sauce, but be careful not to burn it.
- Make Ahead: Sauce can be made 3 days in advance. Noodles can be cooked ahead and tossed with oil.
- Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding water if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes