Dinner

Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Introduction

These Garlic Sesame Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch. The combination of soy, sesame, and a hint of chili creates a savory and slightly spicy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti beautifully.

The image shows a white bowl filled with noodles coated in a light brown sauce, giving them a glossy and slightly thick texture. The noodles are intertwined and occupy the whole bowl, with a few pieces of chopped green onion sprinkled on top adding a fresh green contrast. Small white sesame seeds are scattered across the noodles, providing texture and visual interest. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti noodles
⅓ cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon tahini

1 tablespoon Mirin sweet cooking rice wine
2 teaspoons grated ginger

1 teaspoon Thai roasted red chili paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 to 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
½ teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook for 9 to 11 minutes, or just until lightly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, tahini, Mirin, grated ginger, and Thai roasted red chili paste until well combined.
Step 3: Heat a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it becomes bubbly and starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet. Toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce until fully coated.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the noodles with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

Swap spaghetti for rice noodles or udon for a different texture.

Add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Adjust the chili paste amount to control the spice level to your preference.
For a richer flavor, drizzle a little toasted sesame oil on top before serving.

Storage

Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of glossy brown noodles coated in sauce, held up by black chopsticks with a woman's hand just out of frame. The noodles are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, showing their soft and slightly sticky texture. The base layer is a white round plate filled with more noodles, sitting on a cloth with black and white stripes. In the blurred white marbled background, a small white bowl with green onions and a wooden bowl with light sesame seeds are visible, along with two glasses of water with lemon slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce works well with various noodles such as rice noodles, udon, or even soba. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and gluten-free noodles like rice noodles. Ensure other ingredients like chili paste are also gluten-free.