Description
Silky garlic noodles dance with umami-rich flavors in this plant-based Asian-inspired comfort dish. Simple ingredients merge into a quick weeknight meal that delivers deep satisfaction without compromising deliciousness for you.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or noodles of choice (rice noodles or udon work well)
Sauce Components:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) sesame oil or neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) hoisin sauce (vegan-friendly)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
Aromatics and Garnishes:
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the noodles and cook until they reach a perfect tender-firm consistency, typically following the package guidance. Once done, carefully drain the noodles, preserving a small portion of the starchy liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
- Craft a flavor-packed sauce by whisking together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha in a compact mixing vessel. Allow the ingredients to meld while preparing the remaining components.
- Warm sesame oil in a spacious skillet or wok over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped garlic, gently sautéing until an enticing aroma emerges and the garlic turns golden, exercising caution to prevent scorching.
- Transfer the drained noodles directly into the fragrant garlic-infused pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, meticulously tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Should the mixture appear dry, introduce a splash of reserved cooking water to create a silky texture.
- Incorporate sliced green onions into the noodle mixture, allowing them to briefly dance in the heat and release their subtle flavors. Continue stirring to guarantee even distribution and optimal flavor absorption.
- Plate the glistening noodles onto serving dishes, creating an inviting presentation. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional emerald-green onion slices for a final flourish of color and texture. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Choose gluten-free noodles like rice or quinoa pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and ensure everyone can enjoy this flavorful meal.
- Reserve pasta water strategically as it contains starch that helps create a silky, smooth sauce coating for the noodles without making them too dry.
- Toast sesame seeds quickly in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunchy texture contrast to the soft noodles.
- Adjust sriracha quantity based on personal spice tolerance – start with less and gradually increase to create a personalized heat level that doesn’t overwhelm the garlic’s delicate taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg