Garlic Sesame Noodlesrn

a close up shot of Garlic Sesame Noodles in a bowl

This easy recipe for Garlic Sesame Noodles is a tasty blend of savory soy sauce, nutty tahini, and aromatic garlic. Delicious dinner in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!

Jump to Recipe

Table of Contents

Garlic Sesame Noodles Ingredients
Sesame Garlic Noodles Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
How To Serve This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
When To Serve
How To Store Leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles
Why This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe Is The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

These Garlic Sesame Noodles are a quick and tasty dinner fix for busy nights. Ready from start to finish in less than 20 minutes, they’re bursting with savory flavors like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Perfect for family dinners, these tahini noodles are deliciously satisfying.

This recipe for garlic sesame sauce is so easy to make. It comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Mix in your favorite noodles and you’re all set!

overhead shot of Garlic Sesame Noodles on a plate

Garlic Sesame Noodles Ingredients

Garlic Sesame Noodles raw ingredients that are labeled

Sure to be a new favorite noodle recipe, this Thai-inspired Garlic Sesame Noodles dish uses warm and familiar Asian seasonings to create a deliciously thick and garlicky sauce.

You’ll Need:

8 ounces spaghetti noodles
⅓ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon Mirin sweet cooking rice wine
2 teaspoons grated ginger
1 teaspoon Thai roasted red chili paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic

Garnish

1-2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
½ teaspoon sesame seeds

Sesame Garlic Noodles Substitutions and Additions

When making substitutions, keep in mind that they may alter the taste and texture of the final dish, so it’s always a good idea to taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free soy sauce or swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos (although this will make your sauce sweeter). You can use dark soy sauce but the flavor will be richer.

Brown Sugar: A blend of white granulated sugar stirred with a touch of molasses can be a good substitute for brown sugar.

Tahini: Substitute with peanut butter or almond butter for a different flavor. Both alternatives complement the sesame oil in the sauce and add a creamy texture.

Mirin: If you don’t have mirin on hand, you can replace it with a combination of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar. Mix 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar with 1 teaspoon of sugar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor of mirin.

Thai Roasted Red Chili Paste: This recipe only uses a touch of red chili paste which is a spicy ingredient, but the amount the recipe calls for just adds a wonderful flavor, and doesn’t make the dish spicy. If you’re concerned, you can replace it with a milder sauce like chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Or, you can add 1/4-½ teaspoon of red chili paste, taste your sauce, and decide if you should add more.

Spaghetti Noodles: Swap regular spaghetti noodles with and kind of noodles you want! Try rice noodles, soba noodles, Ramen, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini (zoodles) or carrots for a lighter alternative. You can also use brown rice spaghetti or gluten-free noodles as needed. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust accordingly to ensure your noodles are perfectly al dente.

Sesame Seeds: For a crunchy, garnish with extra sesame flavor, make toasted sesame seeds in a saute pan. Just let them cook for a two to three minutes until light golden brown.

How To Make This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Grab a sauté pan and whip up an easy sauce, then fold in hot noodles for a quick dinner that’s as delicious dinner. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

STEP ONE: Add 4-6 cups of water to a large stock pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Cook the spaghetti in the large pot of water for 9-11 minutes or until it’s lightly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

PRO TIP: While the noodles cook, measure out your ingredients and have them ready to go. This sauce comes together quickly, so having your ingredients measured out will make the process of cooking the sauce much smoother.

STEP TWO: To make the sauce, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, tahini, mirin, grated ginger, and Thai roasted red chili paste to a small mixing bowl. Use a small whisk to combine.

soy sauce, brown sugar, tahini, mirin ginger and thai roasted red chili paste whisked together

STEP THREE: Heat a medium to large skillet (at least ten inches), over medium heat. Add the sesame oil to the hot pan. After a minute or so, add the minced garlic to the hot sesame oil and heat until fragrant.

STEP FOUR: Add the sauce to the skillet and cook for up to one minute, or until it’s bubbly and it begins to thicken.

STEP FIVE: Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet. Use tongs to gently fold the noodles together with the sauce, until the noodles are fully coated.

noodles tossed in the sauce until fully coated

STEP SIX: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the tahini sesame noodles with the thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

PRO TIP: This recipe can be served warm or at room temperature. Keep in mind the sauce will continue to thicken and be slightly absorbed by the sauce the longer it sits.

galric sesame noodles garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

How To Serve This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Whether you’re making this yummy recipe for sesame noodles as a simple weeknight dinner or planning for a gathering with friends, it’s sure to be a hit and have everyone asking for seconds. Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve as a Main Dish: These Garlic Sesame Noodles shine as a standalone main dish, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner. Plate the noodles generously in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and texture. Pair them with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.

Incorporate into Meal Prep: Take advantage of the versatility of these noodles by incorporating them into your weekly meal prep routine. Prepare a batch over the weekend and portion them out into individual containers for quick and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Serve as a Side Dish: These Garlic Sesame Noodles make a fantastic side dish to accompany grilled steak or teriyaki chicken for an Asian-inspired feast. Or, serve them alongside pork chops for a comfort food dinner. The savory-sweet sauce complements most proteins very well.

Create a Noodle Bowl: Serve these noodles in a vibrant noodle bowl. Layer the bottom of a bowl with fresh lettuce or spinach, then top with your favorite toppings, like sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and avocado for added crunch and freshness. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for the finishing touch.

MORE NOODLE RECIPES

Side Dishes

Thai Noodles

Meatless Dinner Ideas

Zucchini Noodles

When To Serve

These easy sesame noodles are a welcomed addition at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or planning a special celebration, this versatile dish is sure to impress!

Casual Dinner Party: Invite some friends for a laid-back evening of good food and great company. Serve these Garlic Sesame Noodles as the star of the menu, accompanied by a selection of grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and refreshing cocktails.

Weekend Picnic: Pack a picnic basket filled with these Garlic Sesame Noodles along with a fresh fruit salad and tasty chicken lettuce wraps for a satisfying meal that’s easy to transport and enjoy alfresco.

Family Game Night: These Garlic Sesame Noodles are the perfect choice for family game night! They’re a hearty and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. For extra fun, set up a DIY noodle bar with an array of toppings and condiments (like matchstick carrots, crushed peanuts, chopped red bell peppers, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce.

How To Store Leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles

These sesame noodles with tahini and garlic are even more delicious reheated! The flavors meld together perfectly after a night in the fridge, so make sure you keep your leftovers.

MAKE AHEAD: If you’d like to make these Garlic Sesame Noodles ahead of time, you can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, tossing occasionally to ensure even heating.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store leftover Garlic Sesame Noodles in the fridge, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The noodles will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, transfer the cooled noodles to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The noodles will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to two to three months. Thaw the noodles overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

HOW TO REHEAT: When reheating Garlic Sesame Noodles, there are several methods you can use. Gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

You can also reheat the noodles in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and heating them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed to your desired temperature.

If the noodles have thickened too much, add a splash of soy sauce to give new life to the sauce.

Why This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe Is The Best

This recipe is so simple to make, it’s easy to see why it’s one of our favorites. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that will satisfy the whole family.

Reasons why we love this recipe:

Quick and Easy Preparation: One of the standout bonuses of this recipe is its simplicity and efficiency. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep work, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time!

Bursting with Flavor: Despite its simple ingredient list, this recipe packs a punch when it comes to flavor. The combination of ingredients creates a warm and cozy comfort food flavor with every bite.

Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a large batch, then portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

close up shot of Garlic Sesame Noodles on a plate being picked up by chop sticks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as soy sauce and tahini, are certified gluten-free.

How spicy are these noodles?

The level of spiciness in these noodles can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of Thai roasted red chili paste used. Start with a small amount and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dish.

Can I add protein to these noodles?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your choice of protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef to these Garlic Sesame Noodles for added flavor and protein.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by omitting the Mirin sweet cooking rice wine or using a vegan-friendly alternative, and ensuring that all other ingredients are plant-based.

Can I customize the sauce to my taste?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the proportions of soy sauce, brown sugar, tahini, and other seasonings in the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences. See above for ideas and suggestions.

Can I serve these noodles cold?

Yes, these Garlic Sesame Noodles can be served warm or at room temperature. As the sauce cools, it will continue to thicken and be absorbed by the noodles slightly, resulting in a deliciously flavorful dish served either way.

More Recipes You’ll Love