Ready for comfort food with a flavor punch? These Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles come together in 10 minutes flat and deliver big, bold taste that’s absolutely addictive. Creamy tahini and spicy sriracha swirl together in a silky, savory sauce, turning humble noodles into pure slurpable magic. Whether you need a last-minute dinner or crave a quick lunch upgrade, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Fast & Easy: You’re only ten minutes and one saucepan away from crazy-good noodles—ideal for those hangry moments or late-night cravings.
- Creamy, Spicy, and Savory: The sauce coats every strand in bold flavor—nutty from tahini, garlicky and gingery, with just the right hint of heat.
- Totally Customizable: Add veggies, protein, or extra heat—Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles are endlessly adaptable to your mood, pantry, or dietary needs.
- Perfect Hot or Cold: Serve them warm for cozy comfort, or chilled for a refreshing noodle salad (ideal for meal prep or summer lunches!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few everyday staples come together to make these Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles extraordinary. Each ingredient has a job to do—some add creaminess, others bring zing, and together they make every bite irresistible.
- Dried noodles (about 8.5 oz/240g): Classic ramen or any noodle you love works here; springy and fast-cooking is best for a slurp-tastic texture.
- Tahini (4 tbsp): This is where the magic happens—tahini lends a rich, creamy body and that unmistakable nutty flavor.
- Fresh lime juice (2.5 tbsp): Brightens everything up and balances the richness—fresh is highly recommended.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (3 tbsp): Delivers those deep umami notes while staying mellow on the salt.
- Sesame oil (1.5 tbsp): Toasty and fragrant, it’s the signature for any good Asian noodle dish.
- Sriracha sauce (1 tbsp): For that addictive, tangy heat! Feel free to use your favorite chili garlic sauce instead.
- Brown sugar (1.5 tbsp): Adds a gentle sweetness that smooths out spicy and salty edges.
- Water (2–3 tbsp, to thin): Loosens the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garlic cloves (2): Crush ‘em fresh! Garlic is essential for big, bold flavor.
- Fresh ginger (½ inch piece, about 1 tsp grated): Gives the noodles warming depth and fresh zing.
- Green onions (about 2 green parts): For garnishing, crunch, and a fresh oniony kick.
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp): For that final pop of texture and roasty flavor—don’t skip!
Variations
One of the best things about Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles? You can riff on them endlessly based on what you have or how fiery, nutty, or veggie-packed you want them. Use this recipe as your springboard and make it truly yours!
- Add Veggies: Toss in julienned carrots, thin cucumber slices, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of fresh spinach for extra color and crunch.
- Swap the Protein: Stir through cubes of crispy tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or edamame for a hearty meal with more staying power.
- No Tahini? Use smooth peanut butter or cashew butter for a different nutty vibe—equally delicious.
- Spice it Up: Go bolder with extra sriracha or a spoonful of chili crisp for even more fiery depth.
- Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free tamari and your favorite rice or buckwheat noodles.
How to Make Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
Step 1: Prep the Sauce Ingredients
Start by getting a pot of water going for your noodles—multitasking is the name of the game here! While it heats, measure out your tahini, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar into a small bowl or microwave-safe container. Then, grate the ginger and crush the garlic right into the mix for maximum freshness and punch.
Step 2: Heat and Combine the Sauce
Give your sauce ingredients a quick stir (it’ll look a bit separated, but that’s normal), then microwave them for a minute. This helps mellow the garlic and ginger and brings the flavors together. After heating, whisk everything well with a fork—add 2–3 tablespoons of water, little by little, until you reach your ideal creamy sauce consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles & Toss
Add your noodles to the boiling water and cook according to their package instructions. Once they’re just tender, drain them well and rinse under cold water—this stops cooking and keeps the texture perfect. Shake off as much water as possible, return them to the pot, and toss with the luscious sauce and most of the green onions and sesame seeds (saving a little for garnishing later).
Step 4: Serve—Warm or Chilled
For warm noodles, just warm the pot gently until you reach your desired temperature. For a noodle salad vibe, transfer everything to a container and chill for at least 30 minutes—the flavors get even better as they meld in the fridge. Pile into bowls, sprinkle with reserved green onions and sesame seeds, and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
- Sauce Consistency Control: Add water little by little to get a sauce that’s pourable but still coats the noodles—too thin and it won’t cling, too thick and it might clump.
- Rinse for Perfection: After draining, rinsing the noodles in cold water stops cooking and produces the best chewy texture (especially for chilled noodle salads).
- Fresh Aromatics First: Grate and crush the ginger and garlic just before mixing into the sauce for that unbeatable aroma and depth.
- Don’t Skip Garnishes: Those final sprinkles of green onion and sesame seeds add major flavor pops and make every bowl feel restaurant-worthy.
How to Serve Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
Garnishes
Top your Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles with extra sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and color. If you like, add paper-thin chili slices, a handful of crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for even more flavor and flair.
Side Dishes
For a satisfying meal, pair these noodles with quick cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or crispy tofu. Blistered green beans or a simple miso soup turn it into a cozy, balanced plate you’ll want to make again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when you want to impress, twirl the noodles into small nests with tongs and plate individually. Top each serving with colorful julienned veggies or edible flowers, or serve in wide bowls with chopsticks and a lime wedge for a fresh, bistro-inspired look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles store beautifully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep their great taste and texture for up to 3 days—just freshen with a splash of lime or soy sauce before eating.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze these noodles, the creamy tahini sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing—so it’s best enjoyed fresh or simply refrigerated. If you really need to freeze, stir well after thawing and adjust with fresh sauce if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the noodles in a skillet with a splash of water and gently warm over low heat, stirring until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as the noodles can get mushy—these are also fabulous enjoyed cold straight from the fridge!
FAQs
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Can I use instant ramen noodles instead of dried ramen?
Absolutely! Simply discard the seasoning packet and cook the noodles as directed. The texture will be slightly softer, but they’ll still soak up the delicious sesame garlic sauce beautifully.
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Is there a substitute for tahini in this recipe?
If you’re out of tahini, smooth peanut butter or even cashew butter works great—each brings its own unique flavor but keeps the sauce creamy and rich.
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How can I make Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles even spicier?
Add more sriracha or a spoonful of chili oil, chili crisp, or finely diced fresh red chili to the sauce. Taste as you go so the heat level is just right for you!
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Can I make these noodles ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! These noodles taste amazing cold and can be packed for lunch or picnics. For the best flavor, store the sauce and noodles separately if prepping more than a day ahead, then toss together before eating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast and fabulous meal, you’ll fall head over heels for these Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself to a bowl (or two!) and savor all that creamy, spicy goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new comfort food favorite!
PrintSesame Garlic Ramen Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 side servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal or a tasty side. The combination of sesame, garlic, and a hint of spice creates a delicious sauce that coats the noodles beautifully. Whether served warm or chilled, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8.5oz dried noodles (240g)
Sauce:
- 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
- 1/2 inch ginger (1 tsp grated)
To Serve:
- 2 green onions (green parts only)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: Boil water for noodles. Combine tahini, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha, and brown sugar in a bowl. Add grated ginger and crushed garlic. Microwave for 1 minute.
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles as per package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Make Sauce: Adjust sauce consistency with water. Toss noodles in sauce with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Chill for 30 minutes or reheat as desired. Garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can use any chili garlic sauce instead of Sriracha and substitute brown sugar with your preferred sweetener.
- Adjust Sriracha to increase spice level according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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