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spicy garlic sesame noodles

Spicy Garlic Sesame Noodles

These Spicy Garlic Sesame Noodles are bold, savory, and packed with umami flavor. Tossed in a rich sesame-soy sauce with plenty of garlic and chili heat, this quick noodle dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying late-night meal. It’s customizable, pantry-friendly, and irresistibly slurpable.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

12 oz wheat noodles, ramen, or spaghetti

2 tbsp sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1-2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

2 green onions, sliced

Optional garnish: chili oil, cilantro, soft-boiled egg

Instructions

  • Cook the Noodles
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili garlic sauce, and peanut butter (if using).

  • Sauté the Garlic
    Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of oil and sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

  • Toss & Serve
    Add cooked noodles to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss until evenly coated and heated through. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Reserve ¼ cup of noodle water to loosen the sauce if needed

  • Toast sesame seeds for extra depth of flavor

  • Keep heat low when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness

  • Chili oil added at the end boosts flavor without overpowering the sauce


Variations

 

  • Protein Boost: Add shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a jammy egg

  • Veggie Loaded: Toss in bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers

  • Extra Spicy: Add gochujang or Sichuan chili crisp

  • Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti

  • Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 11g
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