Garlic-Sesame Noodles with Scallions and Chili Oil
Tender wheat noodles tossed in a savory garlic-sesame sauce with fresh scallions and a drizzle of spicy chili oil. This asian fusion-inspired noodles ready in about 20 minutes pairs wheat noodles, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz wheat noodles
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 12 oz wheat noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp sesame oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp chili oil until sugar dissolves and sauce is well combined.
- Step 3: Add the drained noodles to the bowl with sauce. Toss vigorously until every strand is coated and noodles are glossy.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped scallions and 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.
- Step 5: Serve noodles warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side or light main dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Sesame Noodles with Scallions and Chili Oil take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic-Sesame Noodles with Scallions and Chili Oil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep wheat noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Sesame Noodles with Scallions and Chili Oil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic-Sesame Noodles with Scallions and Chili Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Garlic-Sesame Noodles with Scallions and Chili Oil?
Asian Fusion noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.