Noodles are a girl’s best friend, and these easy Garlic Sesame Noodles are my favorite noodle recipe to date! With just a few ingredients, these gluten-free noodles come together in only 15 minutes. Enjoy them hot or cold for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful potluck dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: These garlic sesame noodles take only 15 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy weekdays.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it hot as a main dish or cold as a refreshing salad; this recipe adapts to your preferences.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these noodles require minimal shopping and preparation.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients yet indulgent in flavor, they offer a healthier choice for pasta lovers.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up these delicious Garlic Sesame Noodles, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Whisk
- Garlic press (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling the brown rice noodles quickly and efficiently.
- Skillet or frying pan: Necessary for sautéing garlic and combining the sauce with the noodles.
- Whisk: Helps mix the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Garlic press (optional): Makes mincing garlic easier and ensures uniformity in texture.
Ingredients
These are the simple ingredients needed to create your flavorful 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 al dente.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
Mince the garlic very finely. You can also use a garlic press to achieve tiny pieces since we won’t be blending the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to a skillet with your chosen neutral oil. Options include avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil. Sauté until the edges of the garlic turn golden brown.
Step 4: Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together all remaining sauce ingredients (low sodium soy sauce, veggie broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger) until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Combine Sauce with Garlic
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Step 6: Simmer Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 7: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Once your noodles are cooked, drain them if needed. Add them directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss until all noodles are coated evenly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your dish with scallions, red pepper flakes, and crushed peanuts if desired. Serve warm or cold!
Enjoy your delightful Garlic Sesame Noodles!
How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles
Garlic sesame noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a side, these noodles can complement a variety of flavors and ingredients.
As a Main Dish
- Add protein: Top your garlic sesame noodles with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty meal.
- Veggie boost: Toss in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.
As a Cold Salad
- Chill before serving: Let the noodles cool after cooking, then mix with fresh veggies for a refreshing salad.
- Drizzle with extra sauce: A little more garlic sauce can enhance the cold dish’s flavor profile.
Garnishes and Toppings
- Fresh herbs: Add chopped cilantro or basil for an aromatic touch.
- Crunchy toppings: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top for added texture.
Meal Prep Option
- Make ahead: Prepare a larger batch and store it in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Pair with sauces: Experiment by adding different sauces to create new flavor experiences when reheating.
How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Noodles
Perfecting garlic sesame noodles is all about technique and ingredient quality. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced options.
- Adjust the soy sauce: Depending on your taste preference, you can vary the amount of soy sauce for saltiness.
- Balance the flavors: Ensure you have a good balance between sweet (honey/maple syrup) and savory (soy sauce) elements in your sauce.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Follow package instructions carefully to keep them al dente and prevent mushiness.
- Add heat wisely: If you like spice, increase the amount of sriracha gradually until you achieve your desired level of heat.
- Experiment with veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables to keep your dish fresh and exciting.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Noodles
Garlic sesame noodles pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of the noodles.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar gives a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame pods are protein-rich and provide a simple yet satisfying side.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies make for a fun finger food that complements flavors nicely.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage and carrots offers crunch and acidity that pairs well with garlic sesame noodles.
- Miso Soup: This light soup enhances your meal’s umami notes while keeping it light and comforting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking garlic sesame noodles can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using the wrong noodles: Always choose brown rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Other noodles may alter the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Not mincing garlic finely: If the garlic is not minced finely enough, it won’t infuse the sauce properly. Use a garlic press or chop it very small.
- Skipping the simmering step: This step helps thicken the sauce and enhances flavors. Don’t skip it; let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Overcooking the noodles: Follow the package instructions closely to avoid mushy noodles. Cook just until al dente for the best texture.
- Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes like scallions and crushed peanuts add flavor and texture. Don’t forget to include them for an elevated dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow noodles to cool completely before sealing to keep them fresh.
Freezing Garlic Sesame Noodles
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Portion into individual servings for easy reheating later.
Reheating Garlic Sesame Noodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan and reheat over medium heat, stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about garlic sesame noodles that might help you enjoy this dish even more.
How can I customize Garlic Sesame Noodles?
You can easily customize garlic sesame noodles by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Tofu or grilled chicken also makes great additions for protein.
Are Garlic Sesame Noodles vegan?
Yes! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses ingredients like tahini and maple syrup instead of animal products.
Can I make Garlic Sesame Noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare garlic sesame noodles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a quick meal option during busy days.
What should I serve with Garlic Sesame Noodles?
These delicious garlic sesame noodles pair well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
Garlic sesame noodles are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them hot or cold, they make a delightful meal that you can customize to your taste. Give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to create delicious, satisfying dishes at home!
Garlic Sesame Noodles
Garlic Sesame Noodles are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and simple ingredients to create a satisfying dish in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these gluten-free noodles are versatile enough to be served hot as a main course or chilled as a refreshing salad. With a delectable blend of garlic, sesame oil, and tangy sriracha, every bite bursts with flavor. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable—add your favorite protein or seasonal veggies for an extra boost. Elevate your meal experience with this easy-to-make dish that promises both taste and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Boil the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Finely mince the garlic.
- In a skillet, sauté the minced garlic in oil until golden brown.
- Whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Combine the sauce with sautéed garlic and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Toss cooked noodles into the skillet, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Garnish as desired and serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
