Sesame Garlic Noodles are a tasty, quick dish that combines soft noodles with a rich sesame flavor and a sprinkle of garlic. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy!
I love how these noodles come together in just minutes. A perfect side dish or main meal, especially when topped with some green onions. Talk about a win-win! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I like using Chinese egg noodles for their texture, but spaghetti works too! For a gluten-free option, try rice noodles. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you switch types.
Sesame Oil: This gives a nutty flavor to your dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive or vegetable oil but it won’t have that distinct taste. Toasting some sesame seeds will help bring in a bit of that flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use it sparingly as the flavor is more concentrated.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds depth and sweetness. If you don’t have hoisin sauce, try mixing equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter. It won’t be exact, but it works in a pinch.
Greens: Adding kale or spinach is a great way to sneak in some nutrients. Feel free to replace them with bok choy or shredded cabbage if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure the Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Cooking garlic can be tricky as it burns quickly but adds so much flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a medium heat—too high will burn it before cooking.
- Keep an eye on the garlic and stir constantly for the first 30 seconds.
- If you notice it starting to brown too much, lower the heat immediately.
- Add your noodles right after the garlic becomes fragrant to keep it from burning!
How to Make Sesame Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz Chinese egg noodles or spaghetti
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional, for added greens)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 5 minutes to cook, so you can have a delicious dish ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain them and set them aside.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large pan or wok, add the sesame oil and heat it over medium heat. Be careful not to let the oil get too hot, as it can burn quickly.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry it for about 30 seconds. You want it to become fragrant but not browned. Keep stirring to ensure it cooks evenly!
4. Combine the Noodles and Garlic:
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss them well to combine with the garlic and oil. This will help the noodles absorb all those yummy flavors!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), and chili paste. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour the Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the noodles in the pan and stir well to make sure all the noodles are coated evenly with the sauce.
7. Add Greens:
If you’re using kale or spinach, add it to the pan now and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. This adds a nice touch of color and nutrition!
8. Finish with Green Onions and Herbs:
Stir in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro or parsley if you like. These fresh herbs add an extra burst of flavor!
9. Serve:
Remove the pan from heat and transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Make sure to scoop up some of that delicious sauce with each serving!
10. Garnish:
Top your noodles with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of extra green onions for a nice crunch and flavor boost.
11. Enjoy!
Serve your sesame garlic noodles hot! For those who like it spicy, offer some extra chili sauce on the side. Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While Chinese egg noodles are ideal, spaghetti works well too. For a gluten-free option, consider rice noodles; just adjust the cooking times as needed.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of hoisin sauce, mix equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter for a similar sweet and savory flavor. It’s not an exact match, but it does the trick in a pinch!
How Can I Store Leftover Noodles?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is mostly vegan-friendly; just ensure the brown sugar or honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar, and check that your hoisin sauce doesn’t contain any animal products.
