Name: Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 ounces brown rice noodles; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil); 6 cloves garlic, minced very finely; 1/4 to 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 2 tablespoons vegetable broth; 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons tahini; 2 teaspoons sriracha; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; Scallions; Red pepper flakes; Crushed peanuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 82 reviews

If you’ve been craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to whip up, this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe is bound to become your new kitchen favorite. With a perfect harmony of savory garlic, nutty toasted sesame oil, and just the right hint of spice and sweetness, these noodles deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress friends, this recipe brings a delightful Asian-inspired taste that’s as vibrant as it is simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black metal tray on a white marbled surface holds several small white bowls with different sauces and ingredients, arranged neatly with labels. In the center is a small bundle of uncooked rice noodles tied with a thin string, light beige in color and standing tall. Surrounding the noodles are bowls containing bright yellow oil, dark soy sauce, dark red sriracha sauce, creamy off-white garlic pieces, amber honey, light tan tahini, dark amber sesame oil, and translucent rice vinegar. A small spoon with light yellow ginger paste rests next to the tahini bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the chewy brown rice noodles that carry the sauce beautifully, to the punch of garlic and the depth from the toasted sesame oil. Together, they create a dish that’s complex in flavor but surprisingly easy to assemble.

Brown rice noodles (12 ounces): These provide a satisfying, slightly nutty base that holds the sauce perfectly without becoming mushy.
Oil (1 tablespoon): Choose a neutral oil like avocado or refined olive oil to sauté the garlic gently without overpowering flavors.
Garlic (6 cloves): Finely minced to infuse the dish with robust, aromatic flavor that’s essential to the recipe’s soul.
Low sodium soy sauce or tamari (1/4-1/3 cup): Adds that umami-rich saltiness while keeping the salt levels balanced and delicious.
Vegetable broth (2 tablespoons): Helps bring a subtle depth and smoothness to the sauce.
Rice vinegar (1 ½ tablespoons): Brings a touch of brightness and acidity to elevate all the flavors.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient that lends a wonderfully nutty aroma and richness.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory and tangy notes.
Tahini (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and a subtle sesame flavor to enrich the sauce’s texture.
Sriracha (2 teaspoons): Provides gentle heat and a lovely complexity to keep the noodles lively.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Warms things up with a mild spice and earthy background punch.

How to Make Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Brown Rice Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked noodles give you the ideal chewy texture that carries all the sauce’s flavor beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

While the noodles cook, finely mince your garlic cloves or use a garlic press to get them really small. This ensures the garlic distributes evenly and gently infuses the oil without needing to blend the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Heat the neutral oil in a pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté it carefully until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown—this step unlocks the garlic’s sweet, toasted flavors that are so essential to this dish.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce Ingredients

While the garlic sautés, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients in a bowl: low sodium soy sauce or tamari, vegetable broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger. Make sure the tahini is well incorporated with no clumps for the smoothest sauce.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Garlic and Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce slightly and deepens the flavors, making it irresistibly rich and aromatic.

Step 6: Toss Noodles in the Sauce

Drain your cooked noodles and immediately add them to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with that glossy, flavorful garlic sesame sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

A black skillet filled with a single layer of light brown noodles, evenly mixed with small green chive pieces and red chili flakes on top. The skillet handle is wrapped with a white and gray striped cloth. Two small white bowls sit near the skillet on a white marbled textured background; one bowl has chopped green chives, and the other has red chili flakes. Some chive pieces are scattered around the skillet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can take your Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe from great to unforgettable. Try a sprinkle of sliced scallions for freshness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, and some crushed peanuts for that delightful crunch and nutty contrast. These toppings also add wonderful color and texture that make the dish pop visually and on your palate.

Side Dishes

These noodles pair beautifully with lighter sides to balance the richness. Asian-style steamed or sautéed vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or shredded carrots add a crisp freshness. If you want to add protein, grilled tofu, roasted chicken, or shrimp make perfect companions and turn this dish into a full meal without overshadowing the noodle’s vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party or weeknight dinner with a little extra flair, serve the noodles in individual bowls with garnishes artistically sprinkled on top. You can even serve the sauce in a small bowl alongside for guests to add at their own pace. Wrapping the noodles in crisp lettuce leaves for handheld bites can also elevate this dish into a fun, interactive dining experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just be sure to store the garnishes separately to maintain their texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze the noodles, it’s best to do so without the sauce mixed in to avoid a soggy texture when thawed. Freeze the plain cooked noodles in portion sizes, then reheat and toss with freshly made sauce for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the noodles in a skillet or microwave. Add a little splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Toss the noodles well for an evenly heated, saucy result that tastes like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use regular spaghetti instead of brown rice noodles?

Absolutely! While brown rice noodles offer a nice nuttiness and gluten-free option, you can swap them for any long pasta like spaghetti or even soba noodles. Just cook according to the pasta’s package instructions and proceed as usual.

Is this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild heat level thanks to the sriracha, but it’s very much customizable. You can easily increase the spiciness by adding more sriracha or red pepper flakes, or keep it mild by reducing these ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Just ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey, and verify your soy sauce or tamari is vegan. All other ingredients are plant-based, making this a fantastic vegan-friendly dish.

What can I add to make this a more substantial meal?

This recipe is great as a base. Try adding sautéed veggies, grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. If adding extras, I recommend doubling the sauce to keep the flavors balanced and noodles well-coated.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the pan, especially the tahini and ginger. Simmering gently while stirring helps the sauce thicken evenly without clumps, giving you a velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that’s so simple yet packed with flavor, and this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe absolutely hits the mark. Whether you’re a seasoned noodle lover or new to Asian-inspired cooking, these noodles offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements that are sure to please everyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to meal for any occasion!