10-Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles Recipe
Introduction
In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of delicious, savory Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles that are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This simple, flavorful dish combines the rich taste of garlic and sesame with tender ramen noodles for an irresistible, comforting meal. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or a satisfying meal on a busy day, this recipe is both quick and customizable.
The History of Sesame Garlic Noodles
Sesame garlic noodles are an Asian-inspired dish, with roots in Chinese, Japanese, and broader East Asian cuisine. The use of garlic and sesame in cooking has been prevalent for centuries due to their distinct flavors and health benefits. Ramen, originally from China but popularized in Japan, is a well-known noodle dish that has become a global favorite.
Sesame garlic noodles evolved as a fusion of these ingredients—combining the classic flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame to create a dish that’s both rich in taste and comforting. The combination of the noodles, savory sauce, and aromatic flavors makes this dish a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients that you can easily find in most grocery stores:
- Ramen Noodles: You can use instant ramen noodles or fresh ramen. Instant ramen is most commonly used for this recipe because it’s quick to prepare and absorbs the flavors of the sauce easily.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to infusing the dish with aromatic flavor. You can also add garlic powder for extra depth.
- Sesame Oil: This oil imparts a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dish. You can use regular soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds give the dish a nice crunch and additional sesame flavor.
- Chili Flakes (Optional): For a bit of heat, chili flakes can be added to the sauce.
- Green Onions: They add freshness and a mild onion flavor as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes). Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. You can reserve a little bit of the cooking water if you’d like to add it to the sauce later for a looser consistency.
- Make the Sesame Garlic Sauce: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: To the skillet with garlic, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar (if using), brown sugar (or honey), and chili flakes. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Toss the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the noodles in the sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved noodle water or a little extra soy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the noodles are coated with the sesame garlic sauce, remove them from the heat. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure to cook the ramen noodles just until they’re tender. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and won’t absorb the sauce as well.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that garlic powder can’t replicate. It’s essential for achieving that savory, aromatic base for your sauce.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking by increasing or decreasing the sugar and soy sauce. If you prefer a tangy kick, add more rice vinegar.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds before using them will enhance their nutty flavor. You can easily toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Add Protein or Vegetables: For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Sesame Garlic Noodles: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or a few extra chili flakes for more heat. You can also drizzle in some sriracha or chili oil for added spice.
- Vegetarian: The recipe is naturally vegetarian, but to make it more substantial, add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also throw in some edamame or tofu for protein.
- Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegan: If you want a vegan version, simply skip the honey and use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener. Ensure the noodles are vegan (some instant ramen contains egg).
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Calories: The dish is fairly light in calories but can become more caloric depending on the toppings or additional ingredients you add. A typical serving without extra toppings can be around 300-400 calories.
- Protein: While the noodles themselves don’t provide a lot of protein, adding tofu, chicken, or a hard-boiled egg will significantly boost the protein content.
- Fat Content: Sesame oil is high in healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated fats. However, the recipe can be modified for lower fat content by using less sesame oil or opting for a lighter oil like olive oil.
- Carbohydrates: Ramen noodles are carb-heavy. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can use zucchini noodles or other veggie-based alternatives instead of traditional ramen.
- Fiber: The dish is low in fiber unless you add vegetables. Adding leafy greens like spinach or bok choy can increase fiber and make it a more balanced meal.
FAQ:
1. Can I make this dish without sesame oil? Yes! If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with another oil, like vegetable oil or olive oil. However, you’ll miss the distinct nutty flavor that sesame oil imparts.
2. Can I use another type of noodle? Yes, you can substitute ramen with other types of noodles like soba noodles, udon, or even rice noodles. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary.
3. How can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, add a bit of water or soy sauce and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce and noodles ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss them together and reheat.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Feel free to toss in any vegetables you like, such as spinach, carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy. For added flavor, sauté them in the sesame oil before adding the noodles and sauce.
These 10-Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles are a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe is an easy way to indulge in a savory, aromatic meal!
10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
- 8.5 oz dried noodles 240g
- 4 tbsp tahini
- 2.5 tbsp lime juice about 1 lime
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
- 2-3 tbsp water to thin
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ inch ginger 1 tsp grated
- To serve
- 2 green onions use the green parts only
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Put water on to boil for noodles. Measure and add tahini, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar to a small bowl or microwaveable container.
- Peel and finely grate ginger and measure 1 tsp and add to the sauce ingredients.
- Crush the garlic cloves and add to sauce ingredients.
- Stir sauce ingredients (they won’t mix easily yet) and place in the microwave and heat on high for one minute.
- Add the noodles to the boiling water and set a timer for the minutes specified on the package.
- Take the sauce out of the microwave and whisk with a fork. It will be thick, add 2-3 tbsp water little by little to loosen until it’s as thick as you wish.
- Finely chop the green parts of the green onions.
- When the noodles are done, drain and rinse well with cold water. Tap the strainer/colander to remove excess water and return to the pot and toss with the sauce and most of the green onion and sesame seeds (reserve some for garnish).
- To serve chilled, empty into a container with a lid and move to the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- To serve warm, return to the stovetop until as warm as desired.
- Garnish and serve.