Garlic Sesame Noodles

Discover the ultimate comfort food with these Garlic Sesame Noodles. This simple yet flavorful recipe features tender brown rice noodles tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with garlic, toasted sesame oil, and tahini. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, these noodles are a delicious blend of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite garnishes, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz brown rice noodles
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼-⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp vegetable broth
• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tsp sriracha
• ½ tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
   Mince the garlic finely, or use a garlic press for a smooth texture. In a pan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat, then sauté the garlic until it becomes golden brown around the edges.
3. Make the Sauce:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (start with ¼ cup if you prefer less salt), vegetable broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), tahini, sriracha, and ground ginger. Make sure the tahini is fully incorporated and there are no clumps of ginger.
4. Combine the Sauce with Garlic:
   Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Toss with Noodles:
   Once the noodles are cooked, toss them with the sauce until everything is well coated.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Top the noodles with sliced scallions, red pepper flakes, or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes:

• Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to prevent the dish from being too salty. Adjust the amount based on your salt preference, starting with ¼ cup and adding more if needed.
• This recipe isn’t spicy, but you can increase the heat by adding extra sriracha or sprinkling red pepper flakes on top.
• The garlic sesame noodles will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
• If you’re planning to add vegetables, chicken, or tofu, consider doubling the sauce recipe for more flavor.

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring noodles coated in a savory sauce made from garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and other complementary ingredients. Typically made with brown rice noodles or similar varieties, this dish is known for its rich umami taste and slightly nutty flavor from the toasted sesame oil and tahini. The noodles are often garnished with scallions, red pepper flakes, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor. This recipe is popular for its simplicity and versatility, making it a great choice for both quick weeknight meals and more elaborate occasions.

How to Make Sesame Noodles:

1. Cook the Noodles:
   Boil a large pot of water and cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
   Finely mince 6 cloves of garlic. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (like avocado, olive, or refined coconut oil) in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown around the edges.
3. Mix the Sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together ¼-⅓ cup of low sodium soy sauce or tamari, 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth, 1½ tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of tahini, 2 teaspoons of sriracha, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine and Simmer:
   Pour the sauce into the pan with the garlic and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Toss with Noodles:
   Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss them with the sauce until they are evenly coated.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with sliced scallions, red pepper flakes, or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve warm.

How to Store:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover sesame noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Are They Spicy?

• The recipe as written is not very spicy. The sriracha adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. For more heat, increase the sriracha or add extra red pepper flakes.