Sesame Garlic Noodles

$- 8 ounces spaghetti or ramen noodles - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 3 green onions, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables Gather these simple ingredients for your sesame garlic noodles. The noodles form the base of the dish. You can choose between spaghetti or ramen, depending on your preference. The sesame oil brings a rich, nutty flavor to the mix. Garlic adds a punch, making the dish fragrant and tasty. Low-sodium soy sauce gives it that savory depth without too much salt. Rice vinegar adds a slight tang, balancing the sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Red pepper flakes offer a mild kick, but you can adjust this to your taste. Green onions add freshness and crunch, while toasted sesame seeds provide texture. If you want to add color and nutrients, mixed vegetables work great too. Fresh cilantro leaves give a bright finish, making the dish visually appealing. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking. This will help you move quickly and easily through the steps. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or ramen noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the noodles to keep them from sticking. When they are done, drain the noodles in a colander. Rinsing is super important! Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them from sticking together. Set them aside while you make the sauce. In a large skillet or wok, heat 3 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir it often and watch it carefully. Garlic can burn quickly, and burnt garlic does not taste good. Now, it’s time to add flavor! Stir in 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything well. If you want to add some color and crunch, toss in 1 cup of mixed vegetables like bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots. Sauté the veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp. Next, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss them well in the sauce and vegetables. You want every noodle to be coated. Heat everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes. This makes sure the noodles soak up all the tasty sauce. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Fold in 3 finely chopped green onions and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds. Serve the noodles hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your savory sesame garlic noodles! To avoid overcooking garlic, always sauté it on medium heat. Cook it for just 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely, so it stays golden and fragrant, not brown. Too much heat can make it bitter. For vegetables, sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. They should be tender-crisp. Bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots work well. Add them right after the garlic for best results. When serving sesame garlic noodles, use a large bowl for an inviting look. Drizzle a little sesame oil on top for shine. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds adds texture and flair. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. They give a bright flavor that complements the dish. You can also add green onions for extra crunch and color. If you have dietary restrictions, try different noodles. Use gluten-free options, like rice noodles. They work great with the sauce. For sauces, low-sodium soy sauce is best, but you can use tamari for gluten-free. If you want a sweeter taste, maple syrup is a nice substitute for honey. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-minced options. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Perfect Noodle Texture: Rinse the noodles under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like crushed peanuts or chili oil for added flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your sesame garlic noodles for a filling meal. Some great options include: - Chicken: Cook diced chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes until browned. - Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. - Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Sauté it for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides. These proteins enhance flavor and texture, making the dish more satisfying. You can easily keep this dish plant-based. To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the sweetness without using animal products. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to boost nutrition and flavor. Adjusting spice levels can personalize your dish. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the amount or leave it out. You can also mix in different herbs and spices. Consider adding: - Fresh basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. - Ginger for a zesty kick. - Sesame seeds for added crunch. Experimenting with these options will give your sesame garlic noodles new life. Enjoy the process of making it uniquely yours! To store leftover sesame garlic noodles, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep them fresh. You can safely eat them within 3 to 5 days when stored properly. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze sesame garlic noodles for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or sesame oil. Stir until warmed through. Incorporating sesame garlic noodles into your meal prep is easy. Cook a big batch at the start of the week. Divide the noodles into portions for lunches or quick dinners. To save time, chop your vegetables in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This way, you can quickly toss them into the noodles when cooking. Sesame garlic noodles are a simple yet tasty dish. They feature noodles tossed in a rich sauce made with garlic and sesame oil. The sauce combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sweet touch from honey or maple syrup. This dish is quick to prepare and full of flavor. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side dish. The dish often has a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for extra crunch. Yes, you can make sesame garlic noodles gluten-free. Substitute regular noodles with gluten-free options like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. These noodles will work well with the rich sauce. Just be sure to check the package for cooking instructions. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors without worry. To adjust the spice level, simply change the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder sauce, use less than a teaspoon. If you want more heat, add more flakes to taste. You can also try adding a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. Adjusting the spice lets you enjoy the dish just how you like it! You learned how to make delicious sesame garlic noodles. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. You can customize the dish with various proteins, flavors, or dietary options. Don't forget to properly store leftovers for future meals. With these simple steps and your creativity, you can enjoy a tasty dish any time. Now, get cooking and impress your friends and family with this quick meal!$

A delicious and quick noodle dish with a savory sesame garlic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti or ramen noodles
3 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 pieces green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
none fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti or ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn't burn.
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
If using mixed vegetables, add them to the skillet now and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until they are tender-crisp.
Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauce and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and fold in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with additional sesame oil and toppings for extra flavor.

Keyword garlic, noodles, quick meal, sesame