Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Have you ever craved a quick garlic sesame noodles dish that feels like a warm culinary hug?

These vibrant strands dance with nutty and aromatic flavors that promise instant satisfaction.

Bold sesame seeds create a delightful crunch against silky noodle textures.

One bite transports you to street-side kitchens buzzing with energy and deliciousness.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy evenings.

Each twirl reveals layers of savory complexity that will make you forget takeout menus exist.

Hunger calls – let’s make magic happen in your kitchen tonight!

How To Make Garlic Sesame Noodles Step By Step

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add your favorite noodles and cook until they reach that perfect tender-yet-chewy texture. Once done, drain the noodles in a colander and give them a quick drizzle of sesame oil, gently tossing to keep them from sticking together.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and prepare for a flavor explosion! Gather these ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Honey
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated fresh ginger
  • Creamy peanut butter (optional but recommended)

Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend into a smooth, tangy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Combine and Decorate

Pour the vibrant sauce over your freshly cooked noodles. Use tongs or two forks to toss and coat every single noodle strand with the mouthwatering sauce. For the final touch, sprinkle on these delightful toppings:
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Shredded carrots
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Fresh cilantro or basil leaves

Serve immediately while warm, or chill for a refreshing cold noodle dish that’ll impress everyone at the table!

Garlic Sesame Noodles Cooking Tips

  • Master Noodle Coating: Toss noodles immediately after cooking with sesame oil to prevent clumping and create a silky smooth texture.
  • Customize Sauce Intensity: Adjust Sriracha amount to control spice level, making the dish mild or fiery based on personal preference.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Veggie Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, edamame, or cucumber for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular noodles with gluten-free or zucchini noodles to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Storing Garlic Sesame Noodles The Smart Way

  • Keep leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Gently reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra sesame oil to revive the noodles' moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Avoid freezing these noodles, as the texture can become mushy and lose its original delightful consistency.
  • When ready to enjoy, give the noodles a quick stir to redistribute the sauce and bring them back to life.
  • Pro tip: Store the sauce separately from the noodles if possible to keep the noodles from becoming soggy, ensuring maximum flavor and texture when you're ready to eat.

Perfect Pairings For Garlic Sesame Noodles

  • Sip and Savor Asian-Inspired Beer Pairing: Crack open a crisp Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi to complement the garlic and sesame flavors, cutting through the rich sauce with its light, refreshing profile.
  • Cool Down with Citrus Drink Match: Enjoy a chilled lemonade or yuzu-based cocktail that provides a bright, tangy contrast to the savory noodles, balancing the dish's umami notes.
  • Boost Flavor with Crunchy Side Dish: Pair the noodles with cucumber kimchi or a light Asian slaw to add textural crunch and introduce a zesty, pickled element that enhances the overall meal experience.
  • Elevate with Wine Selection: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or a dry Gewürztraminer that can handle the dish's spicy and garlicky undertones while offering a smooth, aromatic accompaniment.

Tasty Garlic Sesame Noodles Variations

  • Spicy Peanut Power: Transform the dish by increasing Sriracha and adding crushed red pepper flakes for an extra heat kick, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
  • Veggie Loaded Fusion: Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and edamame for a nutritious boost, creating a colorful and hearty meal that packs more vegetable goodness.
  • Protein Packed Edition: Incorporate grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp directly into the noodles, making the recipe a complete protein-rich dinner that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrition.
  • Cold Noodle Summer Style: Chill the prepared noodles completely, then serve as a refreshing cold dish topped with cucumber ribbons and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, ideal for hot weather meals.

FAQs For Garlic Sesame Noodles

  • What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Any Asian-style wheat or rice noodles like spaghetti, udon, ramen, or rice noodles are perfect. Choose what you prefer or have on hand – they’ll all absorb the delicious garlic sesame sauce wonderfully.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Skip the peanut butter if needed, or use a plant-based alternative. The sauce’s flavor will remain rich and tangy.

  • How spicy is this recipe with Sriracha?

The current recipe provides a mild kick. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to control the spice level to your preference.

  • Is this a good meal prep recipe?

Yes! These noodles taste great cold or hot, making them perfect for lunch boxes or quick weeknight dinners. The sauce keeps well, and the noodles stay flavorful for 2-3 days when refrigerated.

Why Garlic Sesame Noodles Are Bold And Simple

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these garlic sesame noodles in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Asian-inspired ingredients like Sriracha, sesame oil, and fresh garlic, this recipe delivers an incredible taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the dish by adding protein like chicken or tofu, swapping vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
  • No-Fuss Meal Prep: The simple one-bowl sauce and minimal cooking steps mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for people who want delicious food without complicated techniques.

What You Need For Garlic Sesame Noodles

Noodle Base:
  • Noodles: Soft, chewy base that absorbs the delicious sauce, choose soba, udon, or linguine for best texture.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds rich, nutty flavor and prevents noodles from sticking together.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides salty, umami depth to the sauce, low-sodium option available.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings bright, tangy balance to the sauce's flavor profile.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that smooths out the sauce's intense flavors, use local honey for best taste.
  • Sriracha: Adds spicy kick and vibrant heat, adjust amount for personal preference.
  • Garlic: Provides bold, aromatic base flavor, fresh garlic recommended for maximum punch.
  • Ginger: Offers warm, slightly spicy undertone, fresh grated ginger preferred.
  • Peanut Butter: Optional ingredient that creates creamy, rich sauce texture.
Garnish and Toppings:
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor, toasted seeds enhance taste.
  • Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
  • Carrots: Provides crisp texture and sweet, fresh element.
  • Peanuts: Crunchy topping with rich, nutty flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Adds bright, fresh finish to the dish, choose cilantro or Thai basil.
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Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic sesame noodles dance with bold Asian-inspired flavors, blending silky strands and zesty aromatics. Slurp-worthy comfort meets quick elegance, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Noodles and Proteins:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti, ramen, or rice noodles
  • ¼ cup chopped peanuts or cashews
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter or tahini (optional, for extra creaminess)

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (to prevent sticking)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for balance)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Garnishes and Optional Add-ins:

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foundation by cooking noodles in boiling water until they reach an al dente texture, ensuring they maintain a slight firmness.
  2. After draining, delicately coat the noodles with sesame oil, preventing them from clumping together and creating a subtle aromatic base.
  3. Craft the flavor-packed sauce by vigorously blending soy sauce, rice vinegar, additional sesame oil, honey, Sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional creamy peanut butter in a mixing vessel.
  4. Gently cascade the robust sauce over the noodles, using tongs or chopsticks to thoroughly distribute the complex flavor profile throughout every strand.
  5. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and textural complexity by generously sprinkling toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, julienned carrots, crushed peanuts, and delicate fresh herbs across the surface.
  6. Consider serving the noodles immediately while warm, or alternatively, refrigerate for a refreshing chilled version that maintains the intricate layers of flavor.
  7. For optimal enjoyment, plate the noodles in a wide, shallow bowl that allows the vibrant ingredients to showcase their individual characteristics.

Notes

  • Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling better to the noodles, creating a smoother, silkier texture.
  • Swap wheat noodles with zucchini noodles or rice noodles for gluten-free and low-carb alternatives that maintain the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
  • Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty aroma and add a delightful crunch to the final presentation.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting Sriracha quantity – use less for mild palates or more for spice lovers seeking an extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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