Noodles are a girls best friend, and these easy Garlic Sesame Noodles are my favorite noodle recipe to date! This dish is not only quick and simple but also gluten-free and bursting with flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, you can enjoy it hot or cold, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a picnic treat. The combination of garlic and sesame oil creates a delightful taste that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these noodles hot as a main dish or cold as a refreshing side.
- Healthy Ingredients: With gluten-free brown rice noodles and fresh garlic, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.
- Simple Clean-Up: Fewer ingredients mean less mess in the kitchen!
- Flavor Explosion: The mix of garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha provides an unforgettable taste experience.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious garlic sesame noodles, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Garlic press (optional)
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the noodles evenly.
- Skillet or frying pan: Necessary for sautéing the garlic to perfection.
- Garlic press: Helps to finely mince garlic quickly if you’re short on time.
- Whisk: Ideal for mixing sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable 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 or use a garlic press. The finer you get it, the more flavor it will release as you cook.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to a skillet with your choice of neutral oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut). Sauté until the edges turn golden brown.
Step 4: Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together all remaining sauce ingredients (soy sauce, veggie broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger) until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Sauce with Garlic
Pour the mixed sauce into the skillet with sautéed garlic. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together so that all noodles are coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Garnish your Garlic Sesame Noodles with scallions, red pepper flakes, or crushed peanuts before serving. Enjoy!
This recipe yields approximately four servings. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying leftovers throughout the week!
How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles
Garlic sesame noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a main dish or a side, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Cold Noodle Salad
- Toss the garlic sesame noodles with fresh veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers for a refreshing salad.
Hot Stir-Fry
- Combine the noodles with your favorite stir-fried vegetables and protein, such as tofu or chicken, for a hearty meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Top the noodles with cilantro or mint to add an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
Add Crunchy Toppings
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top for added texture and nuttiness.
Pair with Protein
- Serve alongside grilled shrimp or chicken for a balanced meal that satisfies your hunger.
How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Noodles
To achieve the best garlic sesame noodles, consider these helpful tips.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to jarred options.
Adjust sauce thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Customize spice levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference; add more for an extra kick!
Experiment with toppings: Try adding green onions, chili flakes, or toasted sesame seeds to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Noodles
Pairing garlic sesame noodles with complementary side dishes elevates your meal. Here are some excellent options.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: These light rolls filled with fresh veggies offer a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a healthy and protein-rich side that pairs perfectly.
Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds a crisp element to your meal.
Spicy Tofu Skewers: Grilled skewers of marinated tofu bring additional protein and flavor to balance the dish.
Miso Soup: This warm soup complements the garlic sesame noodles nicely, adding depth and warmth.
Kimchi: The tangy flavors of kimchi provide a delightful contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Garlic Sesame Noodles. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the sauce prep: Not whisking the sauce ingredients thoroughly can leave clumps of ginger or tahini. Ensure everything is mixed well for a smooth flavor.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking noodles longer than necessary can lead to mushy pasta. Always follow package instructions for perfect texture.
- Neglecting garlic mincing: Using large pieces of garlic will result in uneven flavors. Mince finely or use a press for even distribution in your dish.
- Using too much soy sauce: Excess soy sauce can overpower the dish’s flavor. Start with less and adjust according to your taste preference.
- Ignoring garnishes: Skipping toppings like scallions or crushed peanuts diminishes the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity. Always add garnishes for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow noodles to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Garlic Sesame Noodles
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion into smaller containers for easy thawing.
Reheating Garlic Sesame Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on high in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat, stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Garlic Sesame Noodles.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or whole wheat pasta. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
How spicy are Garlic Sesame Noodles?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha used. For milder flavors, reduce or omit it.
What can I add to Garlic Sesame Noodles?
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Are Garlic Sesame Noodles vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tahini and maple syrup instead of honey.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Sesame Noodles are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite veggies or proteins. Whether you enjoy them hot or cold, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Garlic Sesame Noodles
Garlic Sesame Noodles are the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful meal that caters to busy lifestyles without sacrificing taste. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a gluten-free dish that’s rich in flavor and nutrition. This recipe features brown rice noodles tossed in a delightful blend of garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of spice from sriracha, making it versatile enough to be served hot or cold. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, these noodles are sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 12 ounces brown rice noodles
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/4-1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons veggie broth
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water and cook brown rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Mince garlic finely and sauté in oil over medium heat until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, veggie broth, sesame oil, honey/maple syrup, and sriracha until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with garlic and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Drain the cooked noodles and toss them with the sauce in the skillet until well coated.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnished with scallions or crushed peanuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
