Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Packed with bold garlic and sesame flavor.
Made with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect as a main dish or side dish.
Easily customizable with vegetables and protein.
Great served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
Better and more affordable than takeout.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti, ramen noodles, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles
Garlic, minced
Sesame oil
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Honey or brown sugar
Peanut butter or tahini (optional for creaminess)
Red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce (optional)
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until tender.
Drain the noodles and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and peanut butter or tahini if using.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add a small amount of sesame oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well.
Allow the sauce to warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles and toss until evenly coated.
Season with black pepper and additional soy sauce if desired.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
Serve immediately or chilled.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add shredded carrots and bell peppers for extra crunch.
Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu for additional protein.
Use peanut butter for a richer, creamier sauce.
Stir in sriracha for a spicy version.
Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture.
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari for a gluten-free option.
Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles may become soft and lose their texture after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
These noodles are also delicious served cold straight from the refrigerator.

FAQs

What type of noodles work best?

Spaghetti, lo mein, ramen, rice noodles, and udon noodles all work well in this recipe.

Can I make Garlic Sesame Noodles ahead of time?

Yes, they are excellent for meal prep and can be served warm or chilled.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as written it is vegetarian. Ensure your ingredients meet your dietary preferences.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, substitute the honey with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.

How can I make the noodles spicier?

Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil.

What proteins pair well with these noodles?

Chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, and edamame are all great additions.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Absolutely. Low-sodium soy sauce works well and helps control salt levels.

Why are my noodles sticking together?

Toss the noodles with a small amount of oil after draining if they will sit before being mixed with the sauce.

Can I serve these noodles cold?

Yes, Garlic Sesame Noodles are delicious both warm and cold.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Add peanut butter or tahini to create a richer, creamier texture.

Conclusion

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that comes together in just minutes. The combination of savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and fragrant garlic creates a delicious meal that can be customized in countless ways. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a side dish alongside your favorite protein, these noodles are sure to become a regular addition to your recipe collection.

Garlic Sesame Noodles

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a rich sesame-garlic sauce. With savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors, this versatile recipe is perfect as a main course or side dish.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until tender.
Drain the noodles and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and peanut butter or tahini if using.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add a small amount of sesame oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well.
Allow the sauce to warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles and toss until evenly coated.
Season with black pepper and additional soy sauce if desired.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately or chilled.

Notes

Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for extra vegetables.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or edamame for additional protein.
Use peanut butter for a richer and creamier sauce.
Stir in sriracha or chili oil for extra heat.
Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari for a gluten-free version.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serve warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg