Ingredients
Scale
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite noodles (lo mein, udon, or rice noodles work great)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and toss them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sesame Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Sauce
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the noodles are heated through and fully coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients
- If adding vegetables or proteins, stir them in at this stage. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the noodles to serving bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Step 1: Cook the Noodles Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and toss them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. Step 2: Make the Garlic Sesame Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Sauce Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the noodles are heated through and fully coated in the sauce. Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients If adding vegetables or proteins, stir them in at this stage. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Step 5: Serve and Garnish Transfer the noodles to serving bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g