Garlic Sesame Noodles

Noodles are a girl’s best friend, and these easy Garlic Sesame Noodles are my top pick for a quick, delicious meal! With just a handful of ingredients, this gluten-free dish is ready in 15 minutes and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a tasty snack, these noodles will impress anyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish takes only 15 minutes to make from start to finish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these noodles warm or chilled as a salad.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a flavorful meal.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Made with brown rice noodles, it caters to gluten-free diets.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of garlic and sesame oil creates an irresistible taste.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare Garlic Sesame Noodles efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These items will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet or frying pan
• Garlic press (optional)
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the noodles evenly.
• Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing garlic to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
• Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic easier and quicker if you prefer not to chop by hand.
• Whisk: Helps combine the sauce ingredients smoothly without clumps.

Ingredients

For this delicious Garlic Sesame Noodles recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces brown rice noodles
• 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: Boil the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the brown rice noodles according to package instructions until tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Mince the garlic very finely. Alternatively, use a garlic press for smaller pieces since we won’t be blending up this sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to a skillet with your choice of neutral oil (like avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil).

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Sauté the garlic until its edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all remaining sauce ingredients until smooth—ensure there are no visible clumps of ginger and that tahini is well incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Sauce and Garlic

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with sautéed garlic. Mix well to combine all flavors.

Step 7: Simmer the Sauce

Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 8: Mix with Noodles

Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them directly to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated in sauce.

Step 9: Serve & Garnish

Garnish your Garlic Sesame Noodles with scallions, red pepper flakes, and crushed peanuts for added flavor and texture. Enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles

Garlic sesame noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty side dish, these noodles can be paired perfectly with other ingredients.

As a Main Dish

• You can serve garlic sesame noodles as the star of your meal. The combination of flavors makes it satisfying on its own.

With Vegetables

• Add steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious boost. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds texture.

Topped with Proteins

• Top the noodles with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This adds protein and makes the dish more filling.

As a Cold Salad

• Chill the garlic sesame noodles for a refreshing salad. Toss in some fresh veggies like cucumbers and carrots for added crunch.

With Garnishes

• Enhance the dish with scallions, crushed peanuts, or sesame seeds. These toppings add flavor and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Noodles

To achieve the best garlic sesame noodles, consider these helpful tips that elevate your dish’s taste and texture.

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced options. This will enhance the aroma of your noodles.

• Control Your Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. Adjusting this can greatly affect how well it clings to your noodles.

• Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the noodles. This way, you can adjust seasonings to your liking.

• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Follow package instructions carefully to avoid mushy noodles. Al dente noodles hold up better in this recipe.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables or proteins during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Noodles

Pairing side dishes with garlic sesame noodles can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Edamame: These young soybeans are packed with protein and make a great snack alongside your noodles.
2. Asian Cucumber Salad: A light salad with cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil complements the flavors of garlic sesame noodles.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is soothing and pairs well with noodle dishes.
4. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
5. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds nutrients and balances the meal with its mild flavor.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Grilled skewers provide protein and sweetness that pairs nicely with savory garlic sesame flavors.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts add depth to your dining experience.
8. Kimchi: This fermented side adds spice and tanginess that complements the umami of garlic sesame noodles beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Sesame Noodles, it’s easy to overlook some key elements that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the garlic prep: Failing to mince the garlic finely can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Use a garlic press or chop it as small as possible for the best results.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: Not allowing the sauce to simmer long enough may result in a watery finish. Make sure to let it thicken slightly before combining it with the noodles.
• Using regular soy sauce: Opting for regular soy sauce instead of low sodium can overpower your dish. Always choose low sodium soy sauce or tamari for better balance.
• Overcooking the noodles: Cooking the noodles longer than recommended can make them mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping garnishes like scallions or crushed peanuts can dull the dish’s appeal. Add these for extra flavor and visual interest.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Sesame Noodles in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat noodles in a covered baking dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet and heat on medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a quick guide to some common questions about Garlic Sesame Noodles.

Can I use different types of noodles?

Absolutely! You can substitute with rice noodles, udon, or even whole wheat noodles based on your preference.

What can I add to Garlic Sesame Noodles?

Feel free to customize with veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.

Are Garlic Sesame Noodles vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly! Use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based option.

How spicy are these Garlic Sesame Noodles?

The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. Feel free to adjust it according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Sesame Noodles are not only quick and easy but also adaptable to suit various tastes. You can mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins, making this dish perfect for any meal. Try it out and enjoy a flavorful experience you’ll want to repeat!