Sesame Garlic Noodles

$- 8 oz (225 g) noodles (udon or spaghetti) - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas) - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish The main ingredients for this dish are simple yet flavorful. Udon or spaghetti noodles form the base. I love using sesame oil for its nutty taste. Garlic is a must since it adds a strong aroma. Fresh ginger gives a nice kick and depth to the dish. Soy sauce and rice vinegar balance the flavors perfectly, making each bite delicious. You can add honey or maple syrup to give a hint of sweetness. Mixed vegetables not only add color but also nutrition. For garnishing, chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds enhance the look and taste. Fresh cilantro leaves offer a light, herbal finish. This dish is versatile, so you can mix and match based on what you enjoy or have on hand. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of noodles, like udon or spaghetti. Cook them until they are al dente, as per package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and let the excess water drip off. Set them aside for later. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients. Combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. You can add more chili if you like it spicy. Whisk the mixture well until it's smooth. Set it aside to let the flavors blend. Heat 3 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Be sure to stir often so it does not burn. If you want to add mixed vegetables, toss them in now. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still colorful. Next, add the drained noodles to the pan. Gently toss them with the garlic and oil mixture. Make sure every noodle gets coated well. Then, drizzle the sauce over the noodles. Stir everything together for 2-3 minutes. This will heat the noodles and let the flavors mix. Once cooked, take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle 2 chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves on top. Toss it all lightly to blend. Now, plate the noodles in serving dishes. For extra flair, add more sesame seeds and green onions on top. Enjoy your tasty sesame garlic noodles! To get the best texture, cook the noodles until they are al dente. This means they should be firm when you bite into them. Follow these steps: - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. - Add the noodles and cook as per the package instructions. - Taste them about a minute before the time is up. They should have a slight bite. - Drain the noodles and let them sit. This helps remove extra water, so they do not become soggy. You can adjust the flavors in your sesame garlic noodles easily. Here are some tips: - If you like it spicy, add more chili flakes to the sauce. Start with one teaspoon and increase as needed. - For sweetness, you can add more honey or maple syrup. This balances the salty soy sauce. - Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles. Adjust it to fit your taste buds. Sautéing garlic can be tricky. Follow these tips to avoid burning it: - Heat the sesame oil on medium heat before adding garlic. - Add minced garlic and stir it constantly for 1-2 minutes. - If it starts to brown quickly, lower the heat. You want it golden, not burnt. - If you add vegetables, do so after the garlic is fragrant. This way, the garlic stays perfect while the veggies cook. {{image_4}} If you want a plant-based version, replace honey with maple syrup. This swap keeps the sweetness while making the dish vegan-friendly. Maple syrup adds a rich flavor that blends well with the garlic and soy sauce. You won’t miss the honey at all! To add protein, you can incorporate tofu, chicken, or shrimp. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes and sauté it until golden. If you choose chicken, slice it thinly and cook it in the pan before adding the garlic. For shrimp, toss them in after the garlic cooks until they turn pink. Each option enhances the dish with texture and flavor. Using different vegetables can add variety and color. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work well. Sauté bell peppers for about 2-3 minutes. Broccoli takes about 4 minutes to become tender. Snap peas need only 2 minutes to keep their crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! To store your Sesame Garlic Noodles, let them cool first. Place the noodles in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the noodles. Use a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. They will last in the freezer for about one month. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. The best way is to reheat them in a pan. Add a splash of water or sesame oil to keep them moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short bursts. Stir and check to avoid overcooking. Your Sesame Garlic Noodles can last in the fridge for three days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. If stored in the freezer, they can stay fresh for one month. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Enjoy your meal with confidence! I recommend using udon or spaghetti noodles. These noodles have a nice chew. They hold the sauce well. You can also try rice noodles for a different texture. Just cook according to the package instructions. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free! Use gluten-free noodles, like rice noodles or zoodles. For the sauce, swap soy sauce with gluten-free tamari. This keeps the flavor strong without gluten. The spice level depends on your taste. The chili flakes add a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, use fewer flakes. You can also skip them entirely for a mild dish. These noodles pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with a side salad for freshness. You can also add grilled chicken or tofu for protein. Steamed veggies make a great side too! You now have all the key ingredients and steps to make delicious Sesame Garlic Noodles. From choosing the right noodles to mixing the perfect sauce and adding tasty vegetables, this dish is simple yet full of flavor. Don't be afraid to try different veggies or proteins to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Cooking can be fun and creative. Enjoy your tasty meal and share it with friends!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Sesame Garlic Noodles Delight! This quick and easy recipe features tender noodles coated in a savory sauce made with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, topped with vibrant veggies and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch, this dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal time!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) noodles (preferably udon or spaghetti)

3 tablespoons sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted for enhanced flavor

Fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish

Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas)

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside, allowing any excess water to drip off.

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and chili flakes. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later use.

Sauté Garlic: Heat the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, taking care to stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

Incorporate Vegetables: If you are including mixed vegetables, toss them into the pan now. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are just tender but still vibrant in color.

Combine Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the pan, gently tossing them with the garlic and oil mixture until they are well-coated.

Add the Sauce: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the noodles and stir vigorously to ensure every strand is enrobed in the savory mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles and vegetables to heat through and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves over the noodles. Toss slightly to blend the garnishes into the dish.

Serve: Plate the noodles into serving dishes. For an extra touch, garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Enjoy this vibrant dish hot!