These Sesame Garlic Noodles are a quick and tasty dish that makes your taste buds dance! With a perfect mix of garlic and nutty sesame, it’s a treat you don’t want to miss.
Making this meal is a breeze! Just cook the noodles, mix in the savory sauce, and enjoy. I love to add extra veggies for a colorful twist. Who doesn’t love a tasty, easy dinner? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using thin wheat noodles like ramen or lo mein for the best texture. If you’re gluten-free, rice noodles or even zucchini noodles could work as substitutes.
Sesame Oil: This oil brings a lovely nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use olive oil in a pinch, but it won’t have the same taste. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil after cooking can also elevate the dish!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder will work, but fresh is always best. I love to use extra garlic for a stronger flavor!
Hoisin Sauce: It adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it on hand, you can create a similar taste by mixing soy sauce with a bit of sugar and peanut butter. A fun twist could be adding a bit of teriyaki sauce!
Green Onions: These add freshness and color. If you don’t have them, chives or shallots can be a good alternative, or even some steamed broccoli for added crunch.
How Do I Properly Prepare the Noodles?
Cooking the noodles right is key to achieving that perfect texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Add the noodles and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3-6 minutes.
- Once they are al dente, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together.
- Shake off excess water and set them aside until you’re ready to toss them with the sauce.
Following these steps will ensure your noodles are perfectly cooked and ready to soak up that delicious sesame garlic sauce! Enjoy making your dish! 🍜
How to Make Sesame Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz thin wheat noodles (e.g., ramen or lo mein)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white and black if available)
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- Optional: 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of active prep time. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the noodles, whipping up the sauce, and tossing everything together—then you’ll be ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the thin wheat noodles and cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 3-6 minutes. When they’re done, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sugar (or honey), and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well mixed and set the bowl aside. This sauce is what makes the noodles so flavorful!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, heat a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a little bit of sesame oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic (and fresh ginger if you’re using it). Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as you don’t want it to become bitter.
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and toss everything together well, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated. Allow them to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Green Onions and Sesame Seeds:
Once the noodles are heated, sprinkle in the chopped green onions along with half of the toasted sesame seeds. Toss it all together one more time to combine.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the delicious sesame garlic noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a bit of red chili flakes if you like some heat. You can also add chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
These Sesame Garlic Noodles are best served immediately while they’re warm and flavorful. Enjoy this delightful dish as a standalone meal or a perfect side dish. Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While thin wheat noodles like ramen or lo mein work best, you can also use rice noodles for a gluten-free option. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, zucchini noodles or other vegetable noodles can be a great choice, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or chili flakes. Conversely, for an extra kick, you can add more spice or toss in some chopped fresh chilies while sautéing the garlic. Just taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the noodles and sauce ahead of time. Keep them separate in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the noodles in a skillet, add the sauce, and toss until warm. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove with a splash of water or extra sesame oil to bring back moisture. Avoid microwaving for long durations to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy!
