Noodles & Ramen

Garlic Sesame Noodles

Name: Garlic Sesame Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) wheat noodles; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 1/4 cup scallions, chopped; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp grated ginger, for garnish; 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish

By Nina Lee · June 18, 2026 · Noodles & Ramen

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total25 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tasted garlic sesame noodles at a small Asian restaurant in my hometown. The combination of silky wheat noodles, toasted sesame seeds, and a savory garlic sauce was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate that dish at home, and after countless trials and errors, I'm excited to share my recipe with you.

What I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The best part? You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite protein or vegetables.

As a home cook, I believe that the key to making great Asian food is to understand the balance of flavors and textures. In this recipe, we'll explore how to create a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, along with a satisfying crunch from the toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a new dish to their repertoire.

So, what makes this recipe special? For starters, we'll be using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create a rich and savory sauce. We'll also be adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions to give the dish a depth of flavor. And to finish it off, we'll be topping it with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a nice textural contrast.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. It's a staple in my household, and I'm confident it will become one in yours too. So, let's get started and dive into the world of garlic sesame noodles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be customized to your taste.
The combination of toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and savory sauce creates a dish that's both satisfying and filling.
The aromatics like garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients.
The sauce is rich and savory, with a nice balance of salty and sweet flavors.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a new dish to their repertoire, whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great garlic sesame noodles is to understand the importance of layering flavors and textures. By cooking the noodles al dente and then tossing them in a savory sauce, we create a dish that's both satisfying and filling. The toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch, while the scallions provide a fresh and oniony flavor.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics like garlic and ginger. These ingredients add a depth of flavor to the dish that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. By sautéing them in sesame oil, we bring out their natural sweetness and create a fragrance that's both savory and aromatic.

The sauce is also a crucial component of this recipe. By combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, we create a rich and savory sauce that's both salty and sweet. The cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a nice velvety texture that coats the noodles perfectly.

Finally, the key to making this recipe work is to cook the noodles and sauce separately and then combine them at the end. This ensures that the noodles are cooked to perfection and the sauce is heated through, creating a dish that's both flavorful and textured.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make garlic sesame noodles, you'll need a few key ingredients, including wheat noodles, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and scallions. You can find these ingredients at most Asian grocery stores or online. When shopping for wheat noodles, look for ones that are made from high-quality ingredients and have a good texture.

For the sauce, you'll need to combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to taste, but this combination provides a good balance of salty and sweet flavors. The garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor to the dish, while the scallions provide a fresh and oniony flavor.

1 lb (450g) wheat noodlesLook for high-quality wheat noodles with a good texture, preferably made from wheat flour and water. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or online.
2 tbsp sesame oilSesame oil has a distinct nutty flavor and is used to add depth to the dish. You can find it at most grocery stores or online.
1 tbsp soy sauceSoy sauce is a salty sauce made from fermented soybeans and is used to add umami flavor to the dish. Look for a high-quality soy sauce that is low in sodium.
1 tbsp oyster sauceOyster sauce is a savory sauce made from oyster extract and is used to add depth to the dish. Look for a high-quality oyster sauce that is low in sodium.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish and is used to add depth. Look for fresh garlic and mince it just before using.
1-inch piece of ginger, gratedGinger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish and is used to add depth. Look for fresh ginger and grate it just before using.
1/4 cup scallions, choppedScallions add a fresh, oniony flavor to the dish and are used as a garnish. Look for fresh scallions and chop them just before using.
1 tsp sugarSugar is used to balance the salty flavors in the dish and add a touch of sweetness. Look for granulated sugar or brown sugar.
1 tsp cornstarchCornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and create a nice velvety texture. Look for cornstarch powder or cornstarch slurry.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the dish and bring out the flavors. Look for kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2 tbsp toasted sesame seedsToasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish. Look for toasted sesame seeds or toast them yourself in a dry pan.
1 tbsp vegetable oilVegetable oil is used to cook the garlic and ginger and add a touch of flavor to the dish. Look for a neutral-tasting oil like canola or grapeseed.
1 tsp grated ginger, for garnishGrated ginger is used as a garnish and adds a fresh, spicy flavor to the dish. Look for fresh ginger and grate it just before using.
1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnishChopped scallions are used as a garnish and add a fresh, oniony flavor to the dish. Look for fresh scallions and chop them just before using.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsColander or strainerWhisk or spatula

How to Make Garlic Sesame Noodles

1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the wheat noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Add the chopped scallions to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until they are slightly softened, about 1-2 minutes.
5
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic, ginger, and scallions.
6
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the noodles and toss to combine, making sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and the noodles are well coated, about 2-3 minutes.
8
Season the noodles with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Transfer the noodles to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, grated ginger, and chopped scallions.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy!
11
To make the dish more substantial, you can add your favorite protein, such as cooked chicken, beef, or tofu, to the noodles and sauce.
12
You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas, to the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
13
To make the dish ahead of time, you can cook the noodles and sauce separately and then combine them just before serving.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and ginger, to get the best flavor out of the dish.
Don't overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste, as some brands can be quite salty.
Add your favorite protein or vegetables to make the dish more substantial and customizable.
Use toasted sesame seeds to add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
Garnish with fresh scallions and grated ginger to add a fresh and spicy flavor to the dish.
Serve the dish immediately, as the noodles and sauce can become dry and sticky if left to sit for too long.
Experiment with different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or udon noodles, to change up the texture and flavor of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the noodles, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and ginger, which can result in a bland and unflavorful dish.
Not adjusting the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste, which can make the dish too salty or too bland.
Not adding your favorite protein or vegetables to make the dish more substantial and customizable.
Not using toasted sesame seeds to add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
Not garnishing with fresh scallions and grated ginger to add a fresh and spicy flavor to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add your favorite protein, such as cooked chicken, beef, or tofu, to the noodles and sauce.
Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas, to the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
Use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or udon noodles, to change up the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add a spicy kick to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
Use different types of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add a splash of citrus, such as lemon or lime juice, to brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity to the dish.
Use different types of soy sauce, such as tamari or coconut aminos, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.

What to Serve With Garlic Sesame Noodles

This dish is perfect for serving as a main course or as a side dish. You can serve it with your favorite protein, such as cooked chicken or beef, or with a variety of vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or roasted bell peppers.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include serving it as a noodle bowl with your favorite toppings, such as pickled ginger, sliced scallions, and toasted sesame seeds. You can also serve it as a side dish at a dinner party or potluck, or as a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Serve with your favorite protein, such as cooked chicken or beefServe with a variety of vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or roasted bell peppersServe as a noodle bowl with your favorite toppings, such as pickled ginger and toasted sesame seedsServe as a side dish at a dinner party or potluckServe as a quick and easy lunch or dinner

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply place the cooked noodles and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply microwave the noodles and sauce for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the oven, if preferred.

When reheating, be sure to stir the noodles and sauce frequently to prevent sticking or burning. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the dish if it becomes too dry or sticky.

It's also worth noting that this dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve. Simply cook the noodles and sauce separately, then combine and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noodles should I use for this recipe?

You can use wheat noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles for this recipe. Look for high-quality noodles that are made from wheat flour and water, and have a good texture.

Can I use different types of oil for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of oil for this recipe, such as peanut oil or avocado oil. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the dish may be affected.

Can I add my favorite protein or vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add your favorite protein or vegetables to this recipe to make it more substantial and customizable. Simply cook the protein or vegetables separately and then add them to the noodles and sauce.

How do I store and reheat this dish?

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave the noodles and sauce for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the oven, if preferred.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Simply cook the noodles and sauce separately, then combine and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

What are some variations of this recipe?

Some variations of this recipe include adding your favorite protein or vegetables, using different types of noodles or oil, or incorporating spicy or citrus flavors. Feel free to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This dish can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles. However, please note that some brands of soy sauce and noodles may contain gluten, so be sure to check the ingredients carefully.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using vegan-friendly ingredients, such as vegan soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce. You can also substitute the eggs with a flax egg or tofu, if necessary.

The Full Recipe

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