Garlic Sesame Noodles

Noodles are a girl’s best friend, and these easy Garlic Sesame Noodles are undeniably my favorite noodle recipe to date! With just a few ingredients, this dish is gluten-free, ready in 15 minutes, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a delightful side at gatherings, these noodles bring together the rich flavors of garlic and sesame for an irresistible meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it hot as a main course or chilled as a refreshing salad.
• Simple Ingredients: Requires minimal ingredients that pack maximum flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Made with brown rice noodles, suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust spice levels or add your favorite veggies to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you will need:

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 and ensuring they cook properly.
• Skillet or frying pan: Used for sautéing garlic and combining the sauce with the noodles.
• Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic quick and easy, enhancing the flavor profile of your dish.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.

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. Add the brown rice noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

1. Mince the garlic very finely or use a garlic press to ensure it’s super small since we won’t be blending this sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

1. In a skillet, add the minced garlic along with your choice of oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut).
2. Sauté until the edges of the garlic look golden brown.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all remaining sauce ingredients until well combined and free from clumps of ginger.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Garlic

1. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with sautéed garlic.
2. Mix well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce

1. Once your pasta is done cooking, drain it and combine it with the sauce in the skillet.
2. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish with scallions, red pepper flakes, and crushed peanuts if desired.
2. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Sesame Noodles!

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles

Garlic sesame noodles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, these noodles can be paired with different toppings and sides to enhance your meal.

As a Main Dish

• Add protein: Include grilled chicken, beef, or tofu for added nutrition and flavor.
• Serve chilled: Perfect for warm days, serve the noodles cold as a refreshing salad.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Toss in greens: Mix in sautéed spinach or bok choy for extra nutrients and color.
• Top with sliced cucumbers: Their crunch adds a delightful texture to the dish.

Garnished with Crunchy Toppings

• Sprinkle crushed peanuts: They add a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Use sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can enhance the sesame flavor of the dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Noodles

To make the best garlic sesame noodles, there are some simple tips you can follow. These will help you elevate your dish and ensure it’s flavorful every time.

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger, more aromatic flavor than pre-minced options.
• Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of veggie broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Customize spice levels: Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference, or omit it if you prefer milder flavors.
• Mix thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined so each bite is packed with flavor.
• Let it sit: Allowing the noodles to rest for a few minutes after mixing lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Noodles

Pairing side dishes with garlic sesame noodles can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this delicious noodle dish.

1. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots stir-fried in soy sauce enhances freshness.
2. Asian Cucumber Salad: Lightly pickled cucumbers tossed with sesame oil provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers protein-packed bites that pair perfectly.
4. Tofu Skewers: Grilled marinated tofu skewers add another protein option with great flavor.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can be soothing and complements the meal nicely.
6. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy, healthy side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Garlic Sesame Noodles is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish.

• Using the wrong noodle type: Ensure you use brown rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Other noodles may not yield the same texture or flavor.
• Not mincing garlic finely enough: If the garlic pieces are too large, they can overpower the dish. Use a garlic press or chop it very finely to blend well with the sauce.
• Skipping sauce whisking: Failing to whisk the sauce ingredients properly can lead to clumps of tahini or ginger. Mix until smooth for an even flavor.
• Overcooking the garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing. Overcooked garlic turns bitter and ruins the dish’s taste. Aim for golden edges, not brown.
• Not adjusting sauce to taste: The soy sauce can vary in saltiness. Taste your sauce before combining it with noodles and adjust as needed.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like scallions and crushed peanuts add flavor and texture. Don’t skip them for a more delightful experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Place cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Cover and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add noodles to a pan with a bit of water or broth over medium heat. Stir until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Sesame Noodles.

How do I make Garlic Sesame Noodles gluten-free?

You can easily make Garlic Sesame Noodles gluten-free by using brown rice noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I add protein to my Garlic Sesame Noodles?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken, beef, turkey, or tofu for added protein and flavor.

How spicy are these Garlic Sesame Noodles?

The level of spice depends on how much sriracha you choose to add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.

What vegetables pair well with these noodles?

Vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli complement Garlic Sesame Noodles nicely. Feel free to toss in your favorites!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a quick and versatile dish perfect for any meal. Their simple ingredients allow for customization; you can easily add your favorite proteins or vegetables. Give this easy recipe a try today!

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Garlic Sesame Noodles

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a delightful and quick dish that packs a punch of flavor in just 15 minutes. This versatile recipe features brown rice noodles tossed in a savory garlic and sesame sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a tasty side dish at gatherings. Enjoy them hot as a satisfying main course or let them chill for a refreshing noodle salad. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you can customize the dish with your favorite proteins and vegetables, ensuring each bite is a delicious experience.

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Ingredients

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• 12 ounces brown rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut)
• 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 (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the brown rice noodles according to package instructions until tender.
2. Mince the garlic finely or use a garlic press.
3. In a skillet, heat your choice of oil and sauté the minced garlic until golden brown.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, veggie broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey/maple syrup, tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger until smooth.
5. Add the prepared sauce to the skillet with sautéed garlic and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Drain the cooked noodles and toss them in the skillet with the sauce until evenly coated.
7. Serve garnished with scallions or crushed peanuts if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg