Name: Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 16 oz spaghetti noodles; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; ½ tsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic; Sesame seeds

Experience the delightful fusion of Asian flavors with this easy garlic sesame noodles recipe. This is a simple yet incredibly tasty dish that can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. All you need are some basic pantry staples and you're ready to cook up a storm. So, let's get started on this culinary journey of flavors.

Photos of Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are fairly basic and can be found in most supermarkets. However, sesame oil and rice vinegar might not be present in your pantry. These are essential to achieving the authentic Asian taste in the garlic sesame noodles. Soy sauce, another key ingredient, should be chosen carefully as it can greatly impact the flavor. Opt for a low-sodium version if you like a less salty flavor.

Garlic Sesame Noodles Ingredients

Spaghetti noodles: A versatile pasta that serves as the base for our dish.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.

Rice vinegar: Lends a tangy note to balance the flavors.

Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty flavor, a signature of Asian cuisine.

Ground ginger: Adds a spicy, aromatic touch.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and balance to the savory ingredients.

Garlic: Essential for the garlic flavor in the noodles.

Sesame seeds: Used for garnishing and adding a bit of crunch.

One reader, Clyve New says:

This easy garlic sesame noodles recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so simple to make. The aroma of garlic and sesame is divine. It's now a staple in my weekly meal plan. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Clyve New

Essential Techniques for Making Garlic Sesame Noodles

How to cook the spaghetti noodles: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Then, rinse and drain the noodles thoroughly.

How to make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined.

How to toss the noodles with the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the hot, cooked noodles and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

How to garnish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle the finished garlic sesame noodles with sesame seeds as a garnish before serving.

How To Make Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles

It doesn’t get any simpler than these garlic sesame noodles with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. You can add veggies or meats or keep it easy & basic.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

16ozspaghetti noodles
¼cupsoy sauce
¼cuprice vinegar
2tbspsesame oil
½tspground ginger
1tbspbrown sugar
3clovesgarlic,minced
sesame seeds,for garnish

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse and drain. In a small bowl whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar and garlic.
Pour over hot noodles and toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 504.66kcal
Fat: 8.62g
Saturated Fat: 1.30g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.91g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.52g
Carbohydrates: 88.59g
Fiber: 3.84g
Sugar: 5.33g
Protein: 16.25g
Sodium: 883.63mg
Calcium: 36.17mg
Potassium: 337.51mg
Iron: 1.81mg
Vitamin A: 0.00µg
Vitamin C: 0.70mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting easy garlic sesame noodles recipe

To ensure your garlic sesame noodles are packed with flavor, it's crucial to let the noodles soak in the sauce for a few minutes after tossing. This allows the noodles to absorb the savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and aromatic sesame oil, making every bite a burst of flavor. Additionally, using freshly minced garlic instead of pre-packaged minced garlic can significantly enhance the dish's overall taste.

Time-Saving Tips for Making easy garlic sesame noodles recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup by using only one pot or pan.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the dish and store leftovers for future meals to save time on cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

spaghetti noodles - Substitute with soba noodles: Soba noodles are a great alternative, offering a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture, while still absorbing the delicious sauce.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, with a rich umami flavor that works well in this recipe.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly fruity tang that complements the dish, adding a different dimension to the flavor profile.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for sesame oil in this recipe.
ground ginger - Substitute with freshly grated ginger: Freshly grated ginger offers a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to ground ginger, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral notes, creating a delightful contrast to the savory elements in the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative, providing a milder garlic flavor and ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chopped peanuts: Chopped peanuts offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, serving as a delightful garnish for the noodles.

Presenting Garlic Sesame Noodles for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the plating: Arrange the noodles in a nest-like shape on the plate, creating height and visual interest. This will make the dish look more appealing and sophisticated.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the sesame seeds with precision and care, ensuring they are evenly distributed and add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Incorporate color contrast: Consider adding a pop of color to the dish with a garnish of thinly sliced green onions or vibrant red chili flakes. This will create a visually stunning presentation.
Utilize elegant servingware: Choose a sleek and modern serving dish or bowl that complements the aesthetic of the dish, adding a touch of luxury to the overall presentation.
Focus on balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, aiming for a balanced and symmetrical arrangement that showcases attention to detail.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Garlic Sesame Noodles

Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for various kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Large pot: Used for boiling pasta or noodles.
Small bowl: For whisking together the sauce ingredients.
Whisk: Used for mixing and blending ingredients together.
Colander: Used for draining the cooked noodles.
Serving bowl: To toss and serve the garlic sesame noodles.
Saucepan: For heating and combining the sauce ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Garlic Sesame Noodles for Later

Let the noodles cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 4 days.
To freeze the sesame noodles, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen noodles in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen the noodles and restore their texture.
If you plan to freeze the noodles, it's best to undercook them slightly so they don't become mushy when reheated. Cook them for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, store the sesame seeds separately and add them just before serving the reheated noodles. This will keep them crunchy and prevent them from becoming soggy during storage.

How to Reheat Leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles

Microwave: place the leftover noodles in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water or broth. cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. this method is quick and easy, but may result in slightly softer noodles.
Stovetop: heat a small amount of sesame oil or neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. add the leftover noodles and toss to coat with the oil. stir-fry the noodles for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. this method helps to restore some of the texture and flavor of the noodles.
Oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). place the leftover noodles in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. this method is best for larger portions and helps to evenly heat the noodles without drying them out.
Steaming: place the leftover noodles in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. cover and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. this method helps to retain moisture and is a gentle way to reheat the noodles without altering their texture.
Cold noodle salad: if you prefer, you can also enjoy the leftover garlic sesame noodles as a cold noodle salad. simply toss the chilled noodles with some additional soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to taste. add some sliced cucumber, carrots, or other vegetables for crunch and freshness.

Interesting Trivia About Garlic Sesame Noodles

Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also contain several essential nutrients, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Budget-Friendly: Making Garlic Sesame Noodles at Home

The cost-effectiveness of this garlic sesame noodles recipe is quite high. The ingredients are affordable and commonly found in households. The use of pantry staples like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil makes it a budget-friendly option. The addition of garlic and sesame seeds enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical and satisfying meal choice.

Are Garlic Sesame Noodles Healthy or Unhealthy?

The easy garlic sesame noodles recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe relies heavily on soy sauce, which is high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.
The use of white spaghetti noodles means the dish lacks whole grains, which are important for fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The recipe contains added sugar in the form of brown sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health problems when consumed in large quantities.

However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as garlic, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and sesame oil, which contains heart-healthy fats.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the regular soy sauce for a low-sodium version to reduce the overall sodium content.
Use whole wheat spaghetti or other whole grain noodles to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
Reduce the amount of brown sugar used, or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Add more vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy, to increase the vitamin and mineral content and provide more fiber.
Use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for a more potent flavor and additional health benefits, such as improved digestion and reduced inflammation.
Incorporate a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or tofu, to make the dish more balanced and satisfying.

Editor's Opinion on This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

This easy garlic sesame noodles recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for a quick and satisfying meal. The soy sauce and rice vinegar create a perfect balance, while the sesame oil adds a nutty richness. The garlic provides a wonderful depth of flavor, and the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. This dish is a perfect option for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish for a larger meal.

Enhance Your Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Steamed Broccoli: Create a refreshing and healthy steamed broccoli salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Serve up some succulent grilled chicken skewers with a tangy teriyaki glaze for a perfect pairing with the garlic sesame noodles.

Fruit Salad: Whip up a colorful and vibrant fruit salad with a honey lime dressing to complement the savory flavors of the noodles.

Miso Soup: Warm up with a comforting bowl of miso soup filled with tofu and seaweed for a light and satisfying side dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Garlic Sesame Noodles

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken: This dish is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines ground chicken, Thai basil, and a savory sauce. It's perfect served over steamed rice.

Mango Avocado Salsa: This refreshing salsa is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors. It's made with ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This comforting soup is made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of cream for richness. It's perfect for a cozy night in, especially when served with a crusty bread for dipping.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement easy garlic sesame noodles recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Indulge in these crispy zucchini fritters, made with fresh zucchini, herbs, and a hint of parmesan cheese. Served with a side of tangy dipping sauce, these fritters are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with a luscious strawberry compote and a drizzle of sweetened sour cream for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe:

This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining the rich umami of soy sauce and nutty sesame oil with the zing of rice vinegar and the warmth of garlic. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures a delicious and authentic taste. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, making it accessible for all levels of home cooks. The addition of sesame seeds not only provides a delightful crunch but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and satisfying noodle experience.

Share your thoughts on this Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance the flavors even more!

FAQ:

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as udon, rice noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the noodles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give them a good toss before serving.

Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the recipe?

Of course! If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount to suit your taste.

Can I add vegetables or protein to the noodles?

Definitely! You can add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. For protein, you can toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Can I substitute any of the ingredients if I don't have them on hand?

Yes, you can make substitutions based on what you have available. For example, you can use honey instead of brown sugar, or substitute apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar. Just adjust the quantities to taste.