Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles

$- 8 ounces of noodles (spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles) - 3 tablespoons of sesame oil - 4 cloves of minced garlic - 2 tablespoons of soy sauce - 1 tablespoon of tahini or peanut butter - 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon of chili flakes (optional) - 2 green onions - 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro for garnish Cooking Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles is simple. You need just a few key items. First, choose your favorite noodles. I love using spaghetti or rice noodles. They cook fast and taste great. You’ll also need sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce. These ingredients create a rich flavor. Then, for a bit of creaminess, add tahini or peanut butter. Both options work well. Next, add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. If you like spice, toss in some chili flakes. They add a nice kick! Don’t forget green onions and sesame seeds. They give the dish a lovely crunch. Finally, fresh cilantro makes everything pop with flavor! With these ingredients, you will create a quick and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boil a large pot of water. Add your favorite noodles, like spaghetti or udon. - Cook them as the package says, usually about 8-10 minutes. - Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This keeps them from sticking. - Grab a mixing bowl and add 3 tablespoons of sesame oil. - Mince 4 cloves of garlic and toss them in. - Next, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of tahini, and 2 teaspoons of honey. - If you like some heat, add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. - Whisk everything until it mixes well and is smooth. - Add the drained noodles to the bowl with the sauce. - Gently toss the noodles so they get covered in the sauce. - Slice 2 green onions and add them to the mix. - Sprinkle in half of the sesame seeds for extra crunch. - Spoon the noodles into bowls, making sure each has a good amount. - Top with the rest of the sesame seeds for a nice touch. - Add fresh cilantro on top to make the dish look bright and fresh. To achieve al dente texture, watch your noodles closely. Cook them just until they are firm to the bite. This gives a nice chew. Once the noodles are done, drain them right away. Rinsing them under cold water stops the cooking. It also helps keep them from sticking together. - Boil a large pot of water. - Add the noodles and follow the package's cooking time. - Drain immediately and rinse with cold water. You can switch tahini for other nut butters if needed. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works well too. If you want a different flavor, try using miso paste instead of tahini. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup. For spice, add more chili flakes to your taste. - Use almond or sunflower seed butter as substitutes. - Try miso paste for a new flavor twist. - Balance sweetness and spice to your liking. Garlic sesame noodles pair great with many sides. Serve them with grilled chicken or crispy tofu for protein. You can also add steamed veggies for extra crunch. For toppings, consider adding crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of lime zest. Fresh herbs, like mint or basil, can elevate the dish too. - Pair noodles with grilled chicken or tofu. - Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for color. - Top with crushed peanuts or lime zest for zing. Pro Tips Choose Your Noodles: While this recipe works well with any type of noodle, try using whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist. Perfect Garlic Flavor: To enhance the garlic flavor, sauté the minced garlic in a little sesame oil before mixing it into the sauce. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, start with less chili flakes and add more to your taste after mixing. Garnishing Tips: For added texture and flavor, consider topping with crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of lime juice along with the cilantro. {{image_4}} You can make Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles even better by adding protein. Chicken, tofu, or shrimp are great choices. - Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken. Toss it in the sauce with the noodles. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Cube it and pan-fry until golden. Add it with the noodles. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp in a pan for a few minutes until pink. Mix with the noodles. When cooking proteins, keep them simple. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This lets the noodle sauce shine through. If you want a plant-based meal, it’s easy to adapt this dish. Just swap out ingredients to make it fully vegan. - Tahini or Peanut Butter: Both are already vegan. Stick with either one. - Honey: Replace honey with maple syrup for sweetness. For sauces, use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. This keeps the flavors rich without any animal products. Adding seasonal veggies can boost nutrition and taste. Fresh produce adds color and crunch. Here are some ideas: - Spring: Add snap peas or asparagus for a crisp bite. - Summer: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for a light flavor. - Fall: Mix in roasted sweet potatoes or carrots for warmth. - Winter: Use broccoli or kale for a hearty touch. Feel free to customize the recipe based on what you have. This flexibility lets you enjoy different flavors all year round. To keep your garlic sesame noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. Place the container in the fridge right after your meal. The noodles will stay good for up to three days. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to avoid hot spots. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or more sesame oil. This keeps the noodles moist and tasty. Yes, you can freeze garlic sesame noodles! This is a great way to save extra portions. Just make sure they cool completely before freezing. Place the noodles in a freezer bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the noodles overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat them gently as described above. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! Garlic sesame noodles can last up to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you notice any odd smells or mold, throw them away. Yes, you can make garlic sesame noodles ahead of time. Cook the noodles and sauce separately. Mix them together just before serving. This way, the noodles stay fresh and do not get soggy. You can also chop the green onions and cilantro in advance. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or quinoa noodles. Double-check your soy sauce label for gluten-free options. Tamari is a good choice as it is gluten-free. You can replace sesame oil with olive oil or sunflower oil. These oils add a nice flavor too. If you want a nut-free option, use avocado oil. For a low-fat choice, use vegetable broth instead of any oil. These garlic sesame noodles are simple to make and full of flavor. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your dish. Remember, you can customize this recipe with proteins or seasonal veggies. Store leftovers properly for great taste later. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy your delicious creation! Now, it's time to gather your ingredients and start cooking!$

Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles

A quick and flavorful noodle dish with garlic and sesame oil.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces noodles (spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles)
3 tablespoons aromatic sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons rich soy sauce
1 tablespoon tahini or creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons sweet honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 green onions finely sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add your choice of noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sauce: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, finely minced garlic, soy sauce, tahini (or peanut butter), honey (or maple syrup), and optional chili flakes. Whisk the mixture together until it reaches a smooth and cohesive sauce.
Toss the Noodles: Add the newly drained noodles into the bowl containing the sauce. Toss gently yet thoroughly, ensuring that each noodle is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Carefully fold in the sliced green onions and half of the sesame seeds, mixing gently to distribute them throughout the noodles for added flavor and crunch.
Serve Up: Portion the noodles into individual bowls. Finish off by sprinkling the remaining sesame seeds atop the noodles and adorn each bowl with a handful of fresh cilantro for a vibrant presentation.
Enjoy the Dish: Serve the noodles immediately while they are warm, and provide extra chili flakes on the side for those who crave an additional spicy kick.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes.

Keyword garlic, noodles, quick meal, sesame