15 Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe | Quick, Savory & Delicious
I remember the first time I made these garlic sesame noodles recipe. It was love at first bite! The rich, nutty flavor of sesame combined with garlic made it so irresistible. I loved how quickly it came together, making it perfect for a busy weekday lunch or a fast dinner.
What really surprised me was how versatile it is; you can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Every time I make it, the kitchen smells amazing, and it feels like a restaurant dish in my own home. You can also enjoy similar quick meals like Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe or a comforting Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe for variety.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these flavorful noodles. Each ingredient is chosen for the best taste and texture.
- Rice noodles – 8 oz. I prefer brown rice noodles because they hold up well when stored and have a pleasant chewiness.
- Tahini – 3 tablespoons, or Chinese sesame paste for a stronger toasted flavor.
- Natural peanut butter – 2 tablespoons, make sure it’s unsweetened and just peanuts for the purest taste.
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons, gluten-free tamari works great if avoiding wheat.
- Rice wine vinegar – 1 tablespoon, adds a subtle tang; Chinese black vinegar is a bolder alternative.
- Toasted sesame oil – 1 teaspoon, gives depth and authentic nutty aroma.
- Maple syrup – 1 tablespoon, balances the flavors with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for a punchy aromatic taste.
- Ginger – 1 teaspoon, freshly grated, adds warmth and complexity.
- Water – 2–4 tablespoons, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Edamame – ½ cup, thawed, adds protein and a pop of color.
- Vegetables – 1 cup shredded carrots, cabbage, or cucumbers for crunch and freshness.
- Toasted sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon, for garnish and extra flavor.
Note: Several servings
Variations
This recipe is easily adaptable. For a dairy-free option, it’s already perfect as is. You can swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty profile. If you like extra heat, add sriracha or chili flakes.
For a lower sugar version, reduce or omit the maple syrup. Feel free to add tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken for extra protein. If you love bold flavors, dishes like Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe could be an inspiring addition to your meal plan.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick glance at how long it takes:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large bowl – for soaking the noodles.
- Small bowl – for mixing the sauce.
- Knife and cutting board – to shred vegetables quickly.
- Vegetable peeler – makes thin, uniform strips in seconds.
- Whisk or fork – to blend the sauce smoothly.
How to Make 15 Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe?
Rehydrate Your Noodles and Thaw Edamame
I like using rice noodles because they rehydrate so quickly. Just pour boiling water over them in a large bowl and cover. For the edamame, I thaw it in hot water for a few minutes, which makes it ready to mix in without cooking.
Shredding Vegetables
Using a vegetable peeler is my favorite trick for shredding carrots and cucumbers quickly. I also sometimes run a cabbage wedge along the peeler to create delicate shreds. You can use a food processor if you’re short on time.
Sauce
I mix tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. I slowly add water until it’s creamy and smooth. Taste as you go; you can tweak sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess to your preference.
Assemble
Once noodles are drained and veggies are ready, I toss them in a large bowl with the sauce. Finally, I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and give it a gentle mix. Fresh herbs or scallions make a lovely garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, a few tweaks can take this dish to the next level:
- I always use fresh garlic and ginger; it makes a huge difference in aroma.
- Toasting sesame seeds before adding them enhances their nutty flavor.
- If I have extra time, I grind the seeds slightly in a mortar for an even richer taste.
- Pre-shredded veggies save time but still keep the crunch.
- Adding a splash of lime juice brightens the overall flavor just before serving.
How to Serve 15 Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe?
I like serving these noodles warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a side of steamed greens or a crisp salad. For the presentation, I pile the noodles high, sprinkle extra sesame seeds, and add fresh cilantro or scallions. A wedge of lime on the side makes it look restaurant-ready.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting in each serving:
- Calories: ~350 kcal, a satisfying meal that isn’t heavy.
- Protein: 12g, thanks to edamame and peanut butter.
- Carbohydrates: 45g, mainly from rice noodles.
- Fat: 14g, mostly from sesame and peanut butter for heart-healthy oils.
Make Ahead and Storage
These noodles store well, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I like to keep the sauce separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the noodles with sauce as the texture changes, but cooked noodles alone freeze fine for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Microwave gently or toss with a splash of water to refresh the noodles if served warm. Cold or room temperature is also delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re wondering why this recipe stands out, here’s why I keep making it:
- Super Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Pantry Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Customizable: Easy to swap veggies, proteins, or sauces to your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stays good for a few days and reheats well.
- Flavorful: Balanced garlic, sesame, and umami flavors that everyone loves.
This garlic sesame noodles recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite in my kitchen for both lunch and dinner. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, it’s always satisfying and endlessly adaptable.
15 Minute Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I like using rice noodles because they rehydrate so quickly. Just pour boiling water over them in a large bowl and cover. For the edamame, I thaw it in hot water for a few minutes, which makes it ready to mix in without cooking.
- Using a vegetable peeler is my favorite trick for shredding carrots and cucumbers quickly. I also sometimes run a cabbage wedge along the peeler to create delicate shreds. You can use a food processor if you’re short on time.
- I mix tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. I slowly add water until it’s creamy and smooth. Taste as you go; you can tweak sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess to your preference.
- Once noodles are drained and veggies are ready, I toss them in a large bowl with the sauce. Finally, I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and give it a gentle mix. Fresh herbs or scallions make a lovely garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- I always use fresh garlic and ginger; it makes a huge difference in aroma.
- Toasting sesame seeds before adding them enhances their nutty flavor.
- If I have extra time, I grind the seeds slightly in a mortar for an even richer taste.
- Pre-shredded veggies save time but still keep the crunch.
- Adding a splash of lime juice brightens the overall flavor just before serving.