Vegan Garlic Noodles

$- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or rice noodles - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less as desired) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil - 4 green onions, chopped finely - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) - Lime wedges for serving The main ingredients are simple yet packed with flavor. You can use either spaghetti or rice noodles. I love the texture of rice noodles, but spaghetti works great too. Olive oil forms the base of the dish. It gives a rich taste when you sauté garlic. Speaking of garlic, you’ll use six cloves. This amount really gives the dish its signature flavor. The heat from red pepper flakes adds a little kick. You can adjust this based on your taste. If you like it spicy, add more! Next, we have the sauces and sweeteners. Soy sauce or tamari brings umami and depth. Pure maple syrup adds a slight sweetness that balances the saltiness. Don’t skip the toasted sesame oil—it adds a nutty aroma that ties everything together. For garnishing, I suggest finely chopped green onions. They add a fresh crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a nice touch. Fresh cilantro leaves can brighten the dish, but it’s optional. Lastly, lime wedges bring a zesty punch. They elevate the flavors and make each bite exciting! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to cook the noodles. You can use either spaghetti or rice noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Look for them to be al dente. When they are ready, drain them well. Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps them cool down. Set the noodles aside; they will soak up all the flavors later. Next, it's time to sauté the garlic. Grab a large skillet or wok and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them constantly for about two minutes. This helps the garlic become fragrant and turn a light gold. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Now, let's bring in the sauces. Lower the heat slightly. Pour in the soy sauce, pure maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to blend everything together. Cook this mixture for one to two minutes. You want the flavors to meld and the aroma to fill your kitchen. This step is key for that rich garlic taste. Next, it’s time to add the noodles. Gently fold the cooked noodles into the garlic sauce. Make sure they are coated evenly. Toss them lightly to combine everything. Continue to cook for two to three minutes. This warms the noodles and lets them soak in that tasty sauce. Finally, let’s finish off the dish. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the finely chopped green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for that extra crunch. Serve the noodles in individual bowls. For a bright touch, add fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. These not only look great but add a zesty kick. Use colorful bowls to make the dish pop even more. Enjoy your meal! Tips for Achieving Al Dente Texture To cook noodles just right, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the noodles. Check the package for cooking times. I usually set a timer for a minute less than the time stated. This helps achieve that perfect al dente texture, where the noodles are cooked but still firm. Rinsing Methods After Cooking Once your noodles are done, drain them in a colander. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step keeps them from getting mushy. It also helps the sauce cling better to the noodles later. Modifying Spice Levels with Red Pepper Flakes If you want to add some heat, red pepper flakes are your friend. Start with a teaspoon, then taste the sauce. You can always add more if you like it spicy. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Substitutes for Soy Sauce Don’t have soy sauce? No problem! You can swap it out for tamari or coconut aminos. Both options work well and keep the flavors rich. Each gives a slightly different taste, so try them to see what you like best. Making Ahead for Busy Days You can make vegan garlic noodles ahead of time. Just follow the recipe and store them in an airtight container. They last in the fridge for up to three days. Great for busy week nights! Reheating Instructions for Leftovers When you want to eat leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more olive oil to keep them moist. Stir often until they are heated through. This keeps them tasty and avoids sticking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor compared to pre-minced versions or garlic powder, elevating your dish. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference, ensuring the noodles are just right for you. Experiment with Noodles: While spaghetti works well, try other noodles like udon or soba for a unique twist on texture and flavor. Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on green onions and cilantro; they add freshness and color that enhances both the taste and presentation. {{image_4}} You can make vegan garlic noodles even better by adding veggies. Spinach and bok choy work great. They cook quick and add nice color. Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end. It wilts fast and adds nutrition. Bok choy gives a crunchy bite. Just chop it up and toss it in when you add the noodles. Protein is important too. Tofu is a popular choice. Firm tofu holds its shape well. Cut it into cubes and sauté it before adding the garlic. It gets a crispy edge and soaks up all the flavor. For a gluten-free meal, swap out your noodles. Rice noodles are a great option. They are light and easy to find. Just check the package for cooking times. You’ll also need a gluten-free soy sauce. Tamari works well here. It tastes very similar to regular soy sauce. This keeps your dish full of flavor while being gluten-free. Fresh herbs can really boost the taste. Try adding basil or cilantro on top. They add a pop of freshness. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them over the noodles when serving. You can also swap out the oils. While olive oil is a classic choice, sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Use a mix of both for a taste twist. Try using different oils to explore new flavors. - Let the vegan garlic noodles cool down. - Place them in a tight container. - Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. - Keep them in the fridge. These noodles stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This helps you know when to eat them. - To freeze, let the noodles cool completely. - Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. - Freeze them for about an hour. - Once frozen, put them in a freezer-safe bag. This stops them from sticking together. For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in short bursts, stirring in between. - Vegan garlic noodles last in the fridge for about 5 days. - When frozen, they can last up to 3 months. Signs of spoilage include a bad smell or mold. If they look slimy, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses when checking food freshness. Vegan garlic noodles are a simple, tasty dish. They use spaghetti or rice noodles, garlic, and sauce. The sauce has soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil. You also add red pepper flakes for spice. This meal is quick to make and full of flavor. Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Cook the noodles and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, heat them in a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. Both spaghetti and rice noodles work well. Spaghetti has a chewy texture and holds sauce nicely. Rice noodles are light and absorb flavors well. Choose based on your taste or diet needs. This recipe may contain allergens. Soy sauce has soy, which some people avoid. Maple syrup is safe for most but may concern those with sugar issues. Always check labels for gluten in soy sauce. In this blog post, I shared a simple guide to making delicious vegan garlic noodles. We explored key ingredients like noodles, sauces, and garnishes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking, along with helpful tips for the best results. I also covered variations and storage advice to keep your meal fresh. With this knowledge, you can create tasty vegan garlic noodles that impress. Enjoy experimenting and customizing your dish to fit your taste!$

A delicious and quick vegan dish featuring garlic and noodles, perfect for a satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
4 green onions chopped finely
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
to taste fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or rice noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt cooking. Set the noodles aside to cool.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn a light golden hue.
Combine Sauces: Lower the heat slightly and pour the soy sauce, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to blend all the flavors, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is heated through and aromatic.
Add Noodles: Gently fold the cooked noodles into the skillet, ensuring they are coated evenly with the garlic sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the noodles are warmed through.
Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the finely chopped green onions and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Serve the noodles in individual bowls, adorned with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

For a vibrant appeal, consider using colorful bowls for serving and arrange the lime wedges artistically around the noodles.

Keyword garlic, noodles, quick meal, vegan