Name: Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 ounces brown rice noodles; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil); 6 cloves garlic, minced finely; 1/4 – 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 2 tablespoons vegetable broth; 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons tahini; 2 teaspoons sriracha; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; Chopped scallions; Red pepper flakes; Crushed peanuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 243 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s quick, deeply flavorful, and utterly satisfying, this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Combining the nutty aroma of toasted sesame oil, the bold punch of garlic, and the perfect balance of savory and sweet sauce, these noodles are an absolute delight. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for an impromptu get-together, this recipe is fuss-free yet packed with layers of taste that’ll make you want seconds—sometimes even thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a close-up view, a clear glass jar holds a brown sauce being poured into a black pan. The sauce flows smoothly into the center of the pan, where small bits of pale green garlic or ginger are scattered around, sizzling in clear oil. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, adding contrast to the dark pan and light scattered ingredients. The motion of the sauce pouring is captured mid-flow, giving a sense of action. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be few, but each one plays an irreplaceable role in delivering the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in the Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe. From the chewy, gluten-free brown rice noodles to the punchy ginger and creamy tahini, these elements come together beautifully to create something both simple and spectacular.

12 ounces brown rice noodles: Naturally gluten-free noodles that provide a satisfying chewy texture.
1 tablespoon oil: Use neutral oil like avocado or refined coconut oil for sautéing garlic without overpowering its flavor.
6 cloves garlic: Minced finely to release its intense aromatic flavor that’ll elevate the whole dish.
1/4–1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Adds the essential salty umami that binds everything together perfectly.
2 tablespoons veggie broth: Gives a gentle depth without adding heaviness or sweetness.
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances the richness of the sesame and tahini.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: Infuses that signature nutty fragrance and flavor unique to this recipe.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens just enough to round out the salty and tangy notes.
2 tablespoons tahini: Adds creamy texture and a lovely bit of earthiness.
2 teaspoons sriracha: A fiery kick that wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle warmth that complements the garlic perfectly.

How to Make Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the brown rice noodles according to package instructions—usually around 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and set aside. These noodles are the perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce to come.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic

Mince your garlic as finely as you can or grab a garlic press to get tiny, almost paste-like pieces. Since the garlic won’t be blended in the sauce, this fine mincing ensures it will cook evenly and release maximum flavor without turning bitter.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Heat your tablespoon of neutral oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil work beautifully) in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until the edges just start to turn golden brown. This step is crucial to mellow the raw sharpness of garlic and develop its deep, irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce or tamari, veggie broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger. Keep whisking until the tahini is well incorporated and the ginger is evenly distributed. No clumps, just silky smooth goodness waiting to be poured.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Garlic

Pour your freshly mixed sauce directly into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This step intensifies all the flavors and lets the garlic infuse beautifully into the sauce.

Step 6: Toss Noodles and Sauce

Add the cooked noodles into the pan with your luscious garlic sesame sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to coat each strand of noodle with that rich, flavorful dressing. At this point, the Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe really starts to shine, with each bite bursting with savory, nutty, and slightly spicy notes.

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

In a black cast iron pan, there is one layer of light brown noodles mixed with small red chili flakes and bright green chopped chives sprinkled evenly on top. The pan handle is wrapped in a white cloth with thin black stripes. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with two small white bowls near the top left, one containing more chopped green chives and the other filled with red chili flakes. Some scattered chives also lie on the surface around the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The perfect Garlic Sesame Noodles aren’t complete without some finishing touches. Sprinkle chopped scallions for a fresh, bright crunch and red pepper flakes if you like an extra hit of heat. Crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds add texture and that lovely nutty element to round it all off. These garnishes not only enhance the taste but make your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company. Pair your noodles with steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a well-rounded meal. For some protein, crispy tofu, grilled chicken, or a simple fried egg works wonders. The versatility of the Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe means it fits seamlessly alongside a variety of sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to jazz things up? Serve these noodles chilled as a refreshing cold salad on a sunny day, or pile them high in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. You can even add shredded carrots or thin cucumber slices for added color and crunch. This recipe is as much about personalization as it is about ease and deliciousness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra noodles (which, honestly, rarely happens), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles might soak up more sauce over time, so give them a quick toss with a splash of water or extra sesame oil before enjoying again.

Freezing

While this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, though expect a slight change in texture due to the noodles.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small drizzle of water or oil to prevent sticking. You can also warm them in the microwave, but be sure to stir once or twice to heat evenly. These noodles reheat nicely without losing their vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular wheat noodles instead of brown rice noodles?

Absolutely! While brown rice noodles keep this recipe gluten-free, any noodle you prefer—like spaghetti or udon—will work perfectly with the Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe.

Is the sauce spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The sriracha adds a moderate amount of heat, but you can easily adjust it to your taste by adding less or more. If you prefer no spice at all, feel free to omit it entirely.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure your soy sauce or tamari is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

One of the best parts about the Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe is its speed—you can have it ready from start to finish in about 15 minutes, making it a fantastic quick meal option.

Can I add protein to make it more filling?

Definitely. Tofu, cooked shrimp, chicken, or even a fried egg make excellent protein additions that elevate this noodle dish into a full meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe that hits all the right flavor notes while being so simple to whip up. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, these noodles offer satisfaction with every forkful and flexibility that lets you make them your own. I genuinely encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite noodle dish.