Garlic Sesame Noodles

Noodles are a girl’s best friend, and these easy Garlic Sesame Noodles are without a doubt my favorite noodle recipe to date! They require just a few ingredients, are gluten-free, ready in 15 minutes, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish brings together the rich flavors of garlic and sesame for a satisfying meal any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: With garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha, every bite bursts with flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile: Enjoy these noodles hot as a main dish or cold as a refreshing salad; they fit perfectly into various occasions.
• Healthy Choice: Made with brown rice noodles and wholesome ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Frying pan
• Garlic press (optional)
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Crucial for boiling the noodles evenly to achieve that perfect texture.
• Frying pan: Ideal for sautéing garlic until golden brown, enhancing its flavor before mixing it with the sauce.
• Garlic press: If you love finely minced garlic, this tool saves time and effort in preparation.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients seamlessly.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 12 ounces brown rice noodles

For the Sauce

• 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: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Cook the brown rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

1. Mince the garlic very finely using a knife or garlic press.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic to the pan.
3. Sauté until the edges of the garlic turn golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), veggie broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Noodles

1. Pour the sauce into the frying pan with sautéed garlic.
2. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Once noodles are done cooking, drain them and add them to the frying pan.
4. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with scallions, red pepper flakes, or crushed peanuts if desired.
2. Serve warm or chilled—enjoy your delicious Garlic Sesame Noodles!

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles

Garlic sesame noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty side dish, these noodles can be paired with many ingredients to enhance their flavor.

As a Main Dish

• Enjoy them warm as a satisfying main course. The rich garlic and sesame flavors make it filling and delicious.

Cold Noodle Salad

• Chill the noodles and toss them with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers. Drizzle with extra sesame oil for added flavor.

With Protein Additions

• Top with grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu for an extra protein boost. This makes the dish more filling and nutritious.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance the flavor by adding fresh cilantro or basil on top just before serving. This adds a refreshing note to the dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Noodles

Getting the perfect garlic sesame noodles is easy if you follow these simple tips. These will help elevate your dish to another level.

• Use fresh garlic – Fresh garlic provides the best flavor compared to jarred alternatives. Mince it finely for maximum taste.

• Choose quality noodles – Opt for good-quality brown rice noodles for better texture and flavor. Cook them according to package instructions for best results.

• Adjust sauce thickness – If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it thickens. A thicker sauce clings better to the noodles.

• Experiment with spice – Add more sriracha for extra heat or other spices like crushed red pepper flakes to customize the spice level.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Noodles

Pairing garlic sesame noodles with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that pairs well with the noodles.

2. Crispy Tofu Bites – Fried or baked tofu bites provide a lovely texture contrast and soak up the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

3. Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds freshness and balance.

4. Edamame Beans – Lightly salted edamame are high in protein and make a perfect finger food alongside your noodles.

5. Roasted Cauliflower – Seasoned roasted cauliflower florets bring an earthy flavor that complements the sesame notes.

6. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup brings umami flavors that pair wonderfully with garlic sesame noodles.

7. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer a light, crisp contrast to the rich noodles.

8. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides bright acidity that balances out the dish nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nailing the Garlic Sesame Noodles recipe can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong type of noodles: Not all noodles are created equal. Stick to brown rice noodles for a gluten-free option that holds up well in this dish.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. If you let it burn, it will turn bitter. Sauté until just golden to keep the flavor bright.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the noodles properly. Make sure to simmer until it thickens slightly before mixing with the pasta.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes like scallions and crushed peanuts add flavor and texture. Don’t skip them; they make your dish more appealing.
• Not tasting as you go: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the noodles. Adjust seasoning if necessary to suit your palate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep Garlic Sesame Noodles in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• These noodles can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a pan over medium heat. Stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Garlic Sesame Noodles, here are some common questions people ask:

Can I use different types of noodles for Garlic Sesame Noodles?

Yes! While brown rice noodles work best for this recipe, you can substitute with other gluten-free options like quinoa or mung bean noodles.

How do I make Garlic Sesame Noodles vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure any honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I customize the flavors in my Garlic Sesame Noodles?

Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.

How do I store leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a delightful dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. They’re perfect for busy weeknights but can also shine at gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for extra flair!