Stir-Fried Sesame Garlic Noodles

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

Quick wok-tossed noodles with a savory garlic-sesame sauce and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a fun weeknight dinner. This Asian Fusion-inspired noodle recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs dry spaghetti noodles, sesame oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 400 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz dry spaghetti noodles and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup shredded carrot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften but retain a slight crunch.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained noodles to the wok along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and the sauce evenly coats them.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 2 thinly sliced scallions, and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Garlic Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Garlic Noodles?

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 dry spaghetti noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sesame Garlic Noodles?

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 Stir-Fried Sesame Garlic Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Garlic Noodles 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.

Related recipes