Sautéed Garlic and Chili Noodles with Sesame and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried noodles tossed with fragrant garlic, chili, and toasted sesame for a flavorful Asian-inspired meal. This asian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs rice noodles, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 8 minutes until tender but firm, drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic edges turn golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained noodles to the skillet along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss continuously for 3-4 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 4 sliced scallions.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic and Chili Noodles with Sesame and Scallions 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 Sautéed Garlic and Chili Noodles with Sesame and Scallions?

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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Chili Noodles with Sesame and Scallions?

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 Sautéed Garlic and Chili Noodles with Sesame and Scallions 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic and Chili Noodles with Sesame and Scallions 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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