Name: Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 ounces brown rice noodles; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil); 6 cloves garlic, minced very finely or pressed; 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; Scallions, sliced; Red pepper flakes; Crushed peanuts

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 66 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with comforting simplicity, this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Let the nutty richness of toasted sesame oil mingle with the bright tang of rice vinegar, while the garlic gently sautés to a golden perfection delivering an irresistible aroma and depth. This recipe comes together quickly, using ingredients you likely have on hand, and results in a silky sauce that clings beautifully to tender brown rice noodles. Whether you need a satisfying weeknight dinner or a flavorful side that impresses, this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe is the answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black baking tray on a white marbled surface holding several small white bowls and one spoon, each containing different ingredients. Near the top left is a small white bowl with yellow oil. Below it, a bunch of light tan rice noodles is tied with a white string, lying flat. To the right of the noodles, a small white bowl has dark soy sauce. Next to it, there is a small white bowl with red sriracha sauce at the top right. Below that is a small white bowl with chopped white garlic. To the right center, a small white bowl holds brown sesame oil. At the bottom left is a small white bowl filled with honey, and near the center bottom, a small white bowl holds light tan tahini. A white spoon with light yellow ginger paste is placed near the sesame oil bowl. All the bowls and ingredients are neatly spaced on the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish right means having a lineup of straightforward, accessible ingredients that each play a special role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Trust me, these essentials unlock the magic of this noodle bowl.

12 ounces brown rice noodles: These noodles provide a hearty, slightly chewy texture and a wholesome base that holds the sauce beautifully.
1 tablespoon oil: Use avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil to gently sauté the garlic without overpowering the flavors.
6 cloves garlic: The star ingredient jam-packed with savory punch and aroma that defines this dish.
1/4-1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Adds salty umami depth without excess sodium interfering with the balance.
2 tablespoons veggie broth: Keeps the sauce supple and blends flavors smoothly for a luscious coating.
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar: Delivers a bright, mild tang that brightens all the savory components.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: Gives that signature nutty aroma and richness only sesame oil can provide.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the tangy and savory notes.
2 tablespoons tahini: Adds creamy body and a gentle earthy sesame flavor to deepen the sauce’s complexity.
2 teaspoon sriracha: Balances the sauce with a subtle kick of heat, adjustable to your liking.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Lends a warm, slightly spicy undertone to lift the sauce.

How to Make Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Brown Rice Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Follow the package directions to cook the brown rice noodles just until they are tender but still have some chew — this al dente texture will perfectly balance the rich sauce that’s coming next. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Sauté the Garlic

While your noodles are cooking, finely mince the garlic or use a garlic press to get it as small as possible. This matters because the sauce relies on soft, mellow garlic dispersed evenly, rather than harsh large pieces. Heat your chosen neutral oil in a pan over medium heat, and sauté the minced garlic until the edges just start turning golden brown. This adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that makes the dish extra special.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce or tamari, vegetable broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth sauce with no clumps of ginger or tahini. This emulsified sauce is the secret to coating your noodles evenly and deliciously.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Garlic

Pour the freshly whisked sauce into the pan with your golden garlic. Stir well to combine, then let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This simmering step thickens the sauce slightly and helps the bold flavors meld with the aromatic garlic.

Step 5: Toss Noodles with the Sauce

Finally, add the cooked and drained noodles to the pan with your thickened garlic sesame sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so every strand is luxuriously coated. And just like that, your homemade Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

A black cast iron skillet filled with long, light brown noodles topped with small pieces of red chili flakes and bright green chopped herbs, all mixed together evenly. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface, and a white and gray striped cloth is wrapped around the skillet handle. Next to the skillet, there are two small white bowls, one containing red chili flakes and the other with chopped green herbs. Some green herbs are scattered on the white marbled surface around the skillet. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these noodles beyond delicious, scatter freshly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat, and crushed peanuts for crunch and texture. These simple garnishes introduce contrast and color that make each bite interesting and fun.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, grilled chicken or tofu, or even a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad. These sides round out the meal offering freshness and complementary flavors without overwhelming the noodles’ charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual entertaining, serve these noodles family-style in a large bowl so everyone can help themselves, or plate them delicately with another drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful restaurant-quality presentation at home. You can even stuff these noodles into crisp lettuce cups for a playful hand-held variation that’s perfect for summertime meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, simply store the noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Give them a quick toss before serving to redistribute the sauce and keep the noodles from clumping.

Freezing

Due to the delicate texture of the noodles and the tahini-based sauce, freezing is not recommended for this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe. The noodles may become mushy and the sauce can separate when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or veggie broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent drying out — slow and gentle is the way to go.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?

Regular soy sauce can be too salty for this recipe, overpowering the subtle balance. Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control saltiness and maintain harmony among flavors.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe as written has a mild heat level thanks to the sriracha and a hint of ginger. You can easily customize the spiciness by adding more sriracha or red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I add vegetables or protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely! Stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas or proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp complement this dish brilliantly. If you do add extras, consider doubling the sauce to ensure every ingredient gets coated.

What kind of noodles work best?

Brown rice noodles are preferred for their texture and subtle nuttiness that complement the sauce well. However, you can substitute with soba noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti if you need to switch things up.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You sure can! The sauce holds well refrigerated for a couple of days. Just give it a good whisk before combining it with the noodles to reincorporate any separation from the tahini or oils.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe a try because it has an irresistible way of turning simple pantry ingredients into a bowl full of rich, comforting flavor. It’s quick enough for busy nights but special enough to crave again and again. Once you taste those garlicky sesame noodles tossed in that silky, tangy sauce, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite in any household.