Instant Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and satisfying stir-fry featuring instant noodles tossed with fragrant garlic and nutty sesame, finished with crisp vegetables for texture. This asian-inspired instant pot (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs instant ramen noodles, sesame oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 package instant ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Toss in the cooked noodles, 2 sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 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 Instant Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame?

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 instant ramen noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame?

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 Instant Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Instant Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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