These Sesame Garlic Noodles are a tasty treat! With a rich garlic flavor and a nutty twist from sesame oil, they are both simple and satisfying. Perfect as a side or a quick main dish!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip these up. I often add some veggies for a pop of color and crunch. Who says noodles can’t be healthy too? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Spaghetti works great, but thin egg noodles add an authentic touch. If you’re gluten-free, consider using rice noodles. They won’t change the flavor too much, but they do feel different!
Sesame oil: This oil gives a rich, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil, but it won’t have that unique taste. Toasted sesame oil is even better for finishing dishes!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic paste or powder can substitute, but fresh is always best for that strong aroma!
Oyster sauce: This adds richness and depth. If you want a vegetarian option, use hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce instead. They won’t be quite the same, but they do add a nice sweetness and depth.
Sugar or honey: Brown sugar provides a lovely caramel note, but honey or maple syrup can be good substitutes if you’re looking for something a bit different. Just remember, honey will add its own sweetness!
How Do I Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic can be tricky, as it burns quickly! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat: You want it hot enough to release aromas but not so hot that it browns quickly.
- Cook for a short time: Sauté garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stay close to avoid burning.
- Add garlic after the onions: If your recipe includes onions, sauté them first, then add the garlic for easier cooking!
Following these tips will ensure you have perfectly sautéed garlic for that delicious flavor without the bitterness of burnt bits.
How to Make Sesame Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or thin egg noodles
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for richness)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp chili paste or sriracha (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (keep white and green parts separate)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and cook the noodles, and another 10 minutes to sauté and mix everything together. It’s quick, simple, and very tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually means boiling them for about 7-9 minutes. Once they’re done, drain the noodles and toss them with a little sesame oil to keep them from sticking together. Set them aside for now.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili paste or sriracha (if you like it spicy). This will create a tasty sauce that adds great flavor to your noodles—set it aside for later!
3. Sauté the Garlic and Onions:
Grab a large skillet or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté them for about a minute, just until you smell the lovely garlic aroma—be careful not to let it brown!
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the top of the noodles and toss everything together really well, so the noodles get coated with that delicious sauce. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until everything is warm!
5. Add Sesame Oil:
Drizzle an extra kick of sesame oil over the noodles and give them another toss to make sure everything is mixed evenly. This adds a lovely nutty flavor!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your noodles with the chopped green onion tops and the toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and crunch. Serve warm as a side dish or a main meal!
Enjoy your delicious sesame garlic noodles! They make for a satisfying meal with a simple yet rich flavor. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or thin egg noodles work great, you can also use rice noodles, udon noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To keep this dish vegetarian, simply omit the oyster sauce. You can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a little extra sugar to maintain the sweetness. Also, make sure your noodles are egg-free if you want a completely vegetarian option!
Can I Store Leftover Sesame Garlic Noodles?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or extra sesame oil to the noodles and warm them in a skillet over low heat to keep them from drying out.
What Should I Serve with Sesame Garlic Noodles?
These noodles are versatile! They pair well with stir-fried vegetables, grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. For a light meal, serve them with a simple green salad or steamed edamame on the side!
