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If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bold flavors while being incredibly simple to whip up, you’re going to adore this Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe. Imagine tender egg noodles enveloped in a luscious sauce that perfectly balances savory soy, nutty sesame, zesty ginger, and a hint of garlic heat, all topped with crunchy peanuts and toasted sesame seeds. It’s a quick, vibrant meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated, whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or a flavorful side at dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but absolutely essential, each playing a unique role in building this dish’s memorable taste, delightful texture, and inviting color. From the bright zing of fresh ginger to the creamy richness of peanut butter, every component lends its charm to the final bowl.
- Fresh egg noodles: The soft, slightly chewy base that soaks up all that delicious sauce perfectly.
- Green onions (scallions): Finely sliced to add a fresh, subtle crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted lightly for a nutty aroma and a delicate texture contrast.
- Crushed peanuts (optional): Adds an irresistible crunch and nutty depth that complements the sesame beautifully.
- Dark soy sauce: Brings a rich, umami-packed saltiness that deepens the flavor profile.
- Regular soy sauce: Balances the dark soy with lighter saltiness and a clean finish.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a zingy brightness that cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
- Sesame oil: The star for that unmistakable toasted sesame fragrance and silky texture.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds warmth and a subtly spicy kick to brighten the sauce.
- Minced garlic clove: Offers a pungent, savory backbone that ties all flavors together.
- White sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough to round out the savory and tangy notes.
- Peanut butter: Creates creaminess and enhances the nutty character in the sauce.
- Chinese sesame paste or tahini: Provides a rich, slightly earthy sesame depth that’s pure comfort.
- Garlic chili paste (like Sambal Oelek or Sriracha): Adds a gentle heat and complexity, adjustable to your spice preference.
How to Make Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Begin by cooking your fresh egg noodles exactly as the package directs. After draining, give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. This little step keeps your noodles perfectly tender and separate, ready to soak up the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients — soy sauces, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, peanut butter, sesame paste, and your chosen chili paste. Mix everything until smooth and harmonious. If the mixture feels a bit thick, a brief zap in the microwave helps it loosen up and blend beautifully.
Step 3: Toss everything together
Place the cooked noodles in a large bowl, then add the finely sliced green onions, the velvety sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts if you’re using them. Toss everything thoroughly so each strand is generously coated. Sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds on top for garnish, then serve warm or at room temperature for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
How to Serve Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe, garnishing thoughtfully is key. Fresh cilantro leaves or thinly sliced red chili add a fiery contrast, while a wedge of lime brightens the whole plate with a tangy punch. Don’t forget a few extra crushed peanuts and sesame seeds for that perfect final touch of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This noodle dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Crisp cucumber salad or a simple Asian slaw bring refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the noodles. You could also serve it alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas to keep the meal vibrant and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these noodles in individual glass jars or small bowls for a casual party or picnic vibe. You can also pile the noodles atop a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage for added texture. Turning it into a noodle bowl with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp makes it a heartier main that’s still bursting with flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles absorb more sauce as they sit, intensifying the flavor. Give them a quick toss before serving chilled or warmed.
Freezing
While freezing fresh noodles tends to change their texture, you can freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge and toss it with freshly cooked noodles for an easy meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a microwave-safe dish or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or sesame oil to keep them moist. Stir occasionally to heat evenly without drying out that scrumptious sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Although fresh egg noodles are ideal for their texture and ability to absorb sauces, you can use spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid mushiness.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
This Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply ensure you use soy sauce without fish ingredients and skip any optional toppings like eggs or meat-based garnishes.
How spicy is the garlic chili paste in this recipe?
The chili paste adds a gentle heat that can be easily adjusted to your liking. Start with less, especially if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more to taste. You can always customize it with milder or hotter chili sauces.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, preparing the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, then just toss it with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have Chinese sesame paste?
If you don’t have Chinese sesame paste, tahini is an excellent substitute. While slightly different in flavor, it still provides that creamy, nutty sesame character essential to this recipe’s signature taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe has become a beloved staple for good reason — it’s flavorful, fast, and simply satisfying. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a shareable side dish, it never disappoints. I encourage you to try it out, experiment with your favorite add-ins, and watch it become your go-to recipe for effortless, delicious noodles.
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Print
Easy Sesame Noodles with Garlic, Ginger, and Peanuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 – 8 as a side dish)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Sesame Noodles recipe perfect as a side dish or light main. Tender fresh egg noodles are tossed in a rich, nutty sauce made with sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, and a kick of garlic chili paste, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts for added texture and aroma.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 500 g / 1 lb fresh egg noodles
Toppings
- 3/4 cup green onions, finely sliced (scallions)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- 2 – 3 tbsp crushed peanuts, optional, plus more for garnish
Sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp normal soy sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp Chinese sesame paste or tahini
- 2 tsp garlic chilli paste (like Sambal Oelak or Sriracha, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the fresh egg noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse briefly under cold running water to stop them from sticking together and to cool them slightly.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine dark soy sauce, normal soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, white sugar, peanut butter, Chinese sesame paste or tahini, and garlic chili paste. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. If the sauce is too thick or difficult to mix, microwave it briefly to help blend the ingredients evenly.
- Toss and Serve: Place the drained noodles in a large bowl, add the sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts if using. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and crushed peanuts as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh egg noodles for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the level of garlic chili paste to suit your preferred spice level.
- Microwaving the sauce slightly helps to mix peanut butter and sesame paste smoothly.
- This dish is great served as a side or a light main meal.
