Garlic Sesame Noodles

Noodles are a girl’s best friend, and these easy garlic sesame noodles are without a doubt my favorite noodle recipe to date! They require just a few ingredients, are gluten-free, ready in 15 minutes, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch, this dish offers incredible flavor and versatility.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it hot as a main or cold as a refreshing salad.
• Flavor Packed: The garlic and sesame sauce create an irresistible taste sensation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Made with brown rice noodles for a healthier alternative.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make these garlic sesame noodles, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot
• Pan
• Garlic press (optional)
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot: Essential for boiling the noodles quickly and efficiently.
• Pan: Used for sautéing garlic and combining the sauce with the noodles.
• Whisk: Helps mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly for a smooth texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create delicious garlic sesame noodles:

• 12 ounces brown rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1/4-1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons veggie broth
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

How to Make Garlic Sesame Noodles

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the brown rice noodles according to package instructions until they reach your desired tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Mince the garlic very finely or use a garlic press. This ensures that the garlic will blend well into the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to a pan along with your choice of neutral oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil).
Sauté until the edges of the garlic turn golden brown.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all remaining sauce ingredients:
Low sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
Veggie broth
Rice vinegar
Toasted sesame oil
Honey (or maple syrup)
Tahini
Sriracha
Ground ginger

Make sure there are no visible clumps of ginger and that tahini is evenly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Garlic

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with sautéed garlic. Mix well.
Let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Mix Noodles with Sauce

Once your pasta is done cooking, drain it and combine it with the garlic sesame sauce in the pan. Toss gently until all noodles are coated.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your dish with scallions, red pepper flakes, and crushed peanuts if desired. Enjoy your delicious garlic sesame noodles hot or cold!

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles

Garlic sesame noodles can be enjoyed in various ways, making them versatile for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, these noodles can adapt to your serving style.

As a Main Dish

• Serve hot directly from the pan for a comforting meal.
• Top with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.

Cold Salad

• Chill the noodles and toss with fresh vegetables for a refreshing cold salad.
• Drizzle extra sesame oil and a squeeze of lime for enhanced flavor.

Meal Prep Option

• Pack into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Pair with your choice of protein to keep meals balanced and satisfying.

Garnishes

• Add sliced scallions and crushed peanuts on top for crunch.
• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an extra kick if you enjoy spice.

How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Noodles

Perfecting garlic sesame noodles is all about achieving the right balance of flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances flavor more than pre-minced options.
• Adjust soy sauce: Taste as you go; you can always add more soy sauce or tamari depending on your salt preference.
• Experiment with oils: Try different oils like chili oil for heat or sesame oil for nuttiness to customize taste.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Follow package instructions closely to prevent mushy noodles that don’t hold sauce well.
• Mix sauce thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are combined well so every noodle gets coated in deliciousness.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Noodles

Garlic sesame noodles pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing the noodles’ richness.
2. Crispy Tofu Bites: Crunchy tofu provides protein and texture, perfect alongside the soft noodles.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad offers a crisp contrast with its tangy dressing.
4. Edamame: Steamed edamame pods are a great source of protein and add vibrant green appeal to your plate.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the umami flavors in garlic sesame noodles perfectly.
6. Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls loaded with veggies make for an exciting side that brings freshness.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges and nutty flavor pair beautifully with the sesame sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Sesame Noodles, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the garlic prep – Not mincing the garlic finely can lead to uneven flavor. Use a garlic press or chop it very small for the best results.
• Overcooking the noodles – Cooking noodles longer than necessary can make them mushy. Follow package instructions carefully for perfect texture.
• Ignoring sauce consistency – If the sauce is too thick or thin, it won’t coat the noodles well. Adjust ingredients like broth or vinegar until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Forgetting garnishes – Skipping garnishes can leave your dish looking plain. Add scallions, red pepper flakes, or crushed peanuts for extra flavor and presentation.
• Using high-sodium sauces – Choosing regular soy sauce instead of low sodium can make the dish too salty. Opt for low sodium soy sauce or tamari to maintain balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow noodles to cool before sealing to prevent steam buildup.

Freezing Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning into single servings for easy meal prep.

Reheating Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil until warm, about 15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop – Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Sesame Noodles.

What are Garlic Sesame Noodles?

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a quick and delicious noodle dish made with brown rice noodles, garlic, and a savory sesame sauce.

How long does it take to make Garlic Sesame Noodles?

This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I customize Garlic Sesame Noodles?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, swap the honey for agave syrup, or adjust spice levels by changing sriracha amounts.

Are Garlic Sesame Noodles vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based and gluten-free when using specific ingredients like tamari instead of soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Sesame Noodles are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy this delightful dish hot or cold—it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!