15 Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

15 Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

These garlic sesame noodles have become my absolute go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. I first made them when I was short on time and ingredients, and I was amazed at how much flavor could be packed into a dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.

It’s savory, a little sweet, and so satisfying. Now, it’s a staple in my home, and I’m excited to share how you can make this incredibly easy and delicious meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Sesame Noodles

This recipe relies on pantry staples to create a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.

• 12 ounces brown rice noodles – These offer a great chewy texture and are naturally gluten-free, but feel free to use ramen, udon, or regular spaghetti.
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil – Avocado or refined coconut oil works best for sautéing the garlic without adding a strong flavor.
• 6 cloves garlic – Freshly minced garlic is key for that potent, aromatic flavor that defines the dish. Don’t be shy with it!
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari – Using a low-sodium version is crucial for controlling the saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
• 2 tablespoons veggie broth – This adds a bit of liquid to the sauce, helping it reach the perfect consistency without just adding water.
• 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar – A splash of rice vinegar brightens up the sauce and balances the savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil – This is the star of the show! Toasted sesame oil provides a deep, nutty flavor that regular sesame oil can’t match.
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – A touch of sweetness rounds out the salty soy sauce and tangy vinegar. Maple syrup is a great vegan option.
• 2 tablespoons tahini – This makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and thick. It’s essentially sesame seed butter and adds an incredible depth of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons sriracha – Add as much or as little as you like for a bit of heat. This amount gives a gentle warmth, not intense spiciness.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger – A hint of ginger provides a subtle, warm spice that complements the garlic perfectly.

Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Make it nutty: If you don’t have tahini, creamy peanut butter is a fantastic substitute. It will give the noodles a delicious sesame-peanut flavor profile.
• Add some protein: Turn this into a complete meal by adding your favorite protein. Pan-seared tofu, grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or salmon all pair beautifully with the sauce.
• Load up on veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach to add nutrients and texture. If you add a lot of extras, consider doubling the sauce recipe.
• Adjust the spice: For more heat, add extra sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of chili garlic paste to the sauce.

Cooking Time

This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for a busy schedule.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this recipe.

• Large Pot: For boiling the noodles to perfection.
• Skillet or Pan: To sauté the garlic and simmer the sauce.
• Small Bowl: For whisking the sauce ingredients together.
• Whisk: To ensure the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
• Garlic Press or Knife: To mince the garlic very finely.

How to Make Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

This simple process will have a delicious meal on your table in minutes. Follow these easy steps for perfect noodles every time.

Cook the Noodles

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your noodles and cook them according to the package directions. Once they are done, drain them and set them aside.

Sauté the Garlic

While the noodles are cooking, finely mince your garlic. Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the edges turn a light golden brown.

Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, veggie broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until the tahini is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine and Serve

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand with the delicious garlic sesame sauce.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take these noodles from great to absolutely amazing.

• I highly recommend slightly overcooking the noodles, just by a minute or two, if you plan on having leftovers. Brown rice noodles can get a bit firm in the fridge, and this little trick helps them stay perfectly soft when you reheat them or eat them cold.
• Don’t skip the tahini! I’ve found it’s the secret to an incredibly creamy and restaurant-quality sauce. It emulsifies the ingredients and gives the sauce a wonderful richness that you can’t get from soy sauce alone.
• Toast some sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute or two until they’re fragrant. Sprinkling these on top right before serving adds a fantastic crunch and an extra layer of sesame flavor. I do this every time now.

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles?

You can serve these noodles on their own, but they’re also a great canvas for a variety of toppings. Garnish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat, and some crushed peanuts for a satisfying crunch. The noodles are delicious served warm right out of the pan or chilled as a refreshing noodle salad.

Nutritional Information

Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this recipe.

• Calories: 305 kcal
• Protein: 7.2g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fat: 12.8g

Make Ahead and Storage

These noodles are just as good the next day, making them perfect for meal prep.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, or reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or veggie broth to loosen it up as you reheat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this simple yet flavorful dish.

• Incredibly Fast: This entire meal is ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect solution for those busy nights when you need a delicious dinner on the table quickly.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: The recipe uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. This makes it an easy, go-to meal without needing a special trip to the grocery store.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily add your favorite protein or vegetables to make it a more complete meal. It’s also simple to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level to match your personal taste.
• Delicious Hot or Cold: These garlic sesame noodles are fantastic served warm right after cooking, but they are also incredibly tasty when eaten cold. This makes them a great option for packed lunches or a quick meal on the go.