If you love big flavors with minimal effort, this recipe is for you. The combination of garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili heat creates a rich, balanced sauce that coats every strand of noodle perfectly.
It’s incredibly quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fast lunch. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip it up without a special trip to the store.
This dish is also easy to customize. Add vegetables, protein, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether served warm or chilled, these noodles are always satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
spaghetti or Asian wheat noodles soy sauce sesame oil garlic, minced chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes rice vinegar brown sugar neutral cooking oil green onions, sliced sesame seeds optional vegetables such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas
Directions
Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce.
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
Stir in any optional vegetables and cook briefly until just tender.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
For extra protein, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini to the sauce.
To make it less spicy, reduce the chili garlic sauce or omit red pepper flakes.
You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
These noodles can also be enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, rice noodles, ramen, or even linguine work well in this recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a moderate level of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice to your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and substitute tamari for soy sauce.
What vegetables pair best with these noodles?
Carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, and spinach are all great options.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why did my noodles clump together?
Make sure to toss them with the sauce while they are still warm and avoid overcooking.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu all complement the flavors well.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I reduce the sodium?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes, these noodles are delicious served chilled as a noodle salad.
Conclusion
Spicy Garlic Sesame Noodles are a quick, flavorful dish that delivers bold taste with minimal effort. With garlicky richness, nutty sesame flavor, and customizable heat, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a satisfying bowl of noodles.
Spicy Garlic Sesame Noodles are a quick and flavorful noodle dish tossed in a bold garlic sesame sauce with a touch of heat. These spicy sesame noodles come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch packed with savory, garlicky goodness.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti or Asian wheat noodles
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
3 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional: 1 cup shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli
Instructions
Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce.
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss thoroughly until evenly coated in the sauce.
Stir in optional vegetables and cook briefly until just tender.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving
Notes
Toss noodles with sauce while still warm to prevent clumping.Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing chili garlic sauce.For a creamier variation, stir in 1 tablespoon peanut butter or tahini.Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for brightness.
