Name: Garlic Sesame Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz dried lo mein, spaghetti, or other long noodles; 4 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 1 ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoon neutral oil (like vegetable or canola); 5 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 ½ tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, adjust to taste); 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish); 2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup hot water (from noodle pot)

Craving a generous bowl of noodles that's unbelievably addictive and effortless to make? Meet your new favorite: Garlic Sesame Noodles!

These noodles are silky, tossed in a rich, garlicky sesame sauce that's both savory and a little sweet, with just the right kick of heat. Each bite is loaded with umami flavor and irresistible aroma thanks to loads of fresh garlic, nutty toasted sesame oil, and a splash of soy.

The best part? This is a weeknight wonder you can whip up in just 20 minutes with pantry staples-no takeout menu required! It's perfect for solo meals, family dinner, or doubling up to impress a crowd.

This recipe was inspired by my late-night cravings and the incredible sesame noodles at my neighborhood noodle shop. Now, they're a go-to whenever I need quick comfort or an easy side for my favorite stir-fry.

Irresistible bowl of garlic sesame noodles, topped with scallions and sesame seeds

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Lightning-fast and simple: Dinner is ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Big on flavor: Each bite is packed with bold sesame and garlic goodness.
Totally customizable: Toss in your favorite veggies or protein for endless meals.
Crowd-pleaser: A guaranteed hit with adults and kids alike.

Key Ingredients for Garlic Sesame Noodles

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Garlic

No surprise here-fresh garlic is the star of this show, infusing the entire dish with aromatic, savory depth. For best flavor, mince your garlic finely or use a garlic press. If you absolutely need a shortcut, jarred minced garlic will work, but nothing beats freshly chopped!

Sesame Oil

Toasted sesame oil gives these noodles their signature nuttiness and irresistible aroma. Be sure to use toasted (dark) sesame oil, not the light or untoasted version. A little goes a long way! If you're out, try adding a bit of tahini, but it won't have the same toasted punch.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce lays the foundation for savory, umami flavor. I recommend low-sodium soy sauce so you can control the salt level, but regular soy sauce is fine, too. Tamari or coconut aminos work for gluten-free versions with slight flavor differences.

Noodles

Lo mein, spaghetti, or linguine all work great here! I love using thin wheat noodles, but rice noodles are a solid gluten-free choice. Cook until just tender for the perfect bouncy texture.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds add delightful crunch and an extra hint of nuttiness as a tasty garnish. Toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes to heighten their flavor. If you don't have sesame seeds, feel free to skip or substitute with sliced almonds for crunch.

Instructions for Garlic Sesame Noodles

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the hot cooking water, then drain noodles well and set aside.

Start the Sauce

While the noodles cook, grab a large skillet or wok and heat the neutral oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned (watch closely, as garlic can burn quickly).

Toss with Seasonings

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sriracha, and black pepper to the skillet. Pour in the reserved hot noodle water to create a silky sauce, and stir everything together.

Finish and Combine

Toss the drained noodles, green onions, and half of the toasted sesame seeds into the sauce. Use tongs to toss until every strand is glossy and coated. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.

Garnish and Serve

Pile noodles into bowls. Sprinkle with more sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds. Serve immediately, and enjoy every slurp!

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave, and you have totally vegan garlic sesame noodles! Check your noodles to ensure they're egg-free if needed.

Add Protein

Turn this into a complete meal by adding sautéed tofu, grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even a jammy boiled egg. Just stir your protein of choice into the noodles before serving.

Go Gluten-Free

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and choose gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. The flavors stay just as bold and satisfying!

Boost the Veggies

Toss in shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or steamed broccoli for added crunch, color, and nutrition. Stir-fry the veggies briefly in the skillet before adding the sauce.

Kick Up the Heat

Craving some spice? Double the sriracha or chili garlic sauce, or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Sesame Noodles shine as a quick main course or a flavorful side. Serve them alongside sautéed greens, crispy tofu, or grilled meats. For the ultimate finishing touch, garnish generously with sliced green onions, chili flakes, extra toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers completely, then transfer noodles to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts, tossing in between, or rewarm in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Freezing not recommended, as the noodles can become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Sesame Noodles (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Garlic Sesame Noodles ahead of time?

A: Yes! These noodles taste great at room temperature or chilled, making them perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Toss with a bit of extra sauce if refrigerating to prevent them from sticking together.

Q: What’s the best noodle type for this recipe?

A: Lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or linguine work perfectly, but you can also use rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Choose what you have on hand!

Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?

A: Simply omit or reduce the sriracha or chili garlic sauce to keep the flavors mild while still enjoying that garlicky sesame goodness.

These Garlic Sesame Noodles are one of those "how is something so easy this good?" recipes. They're comforting, full of flavor, endlessly adaptable, and destined to become your go-to noodle bowl. Give them a try, then let me know what you think by leaving a comment or rating below-happy slurping!