Here's a recipe for Garlic Sesame Noodles that yields a savory, aromatic, and delicious dish:
**Ingredients:**
* 8 oz (225g) noodles of your choice (e.g., soba, udon, or rice noodles)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp (30g) sesame oil
* 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce
* 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar
* 1 tsp (5g) grated ginger
* 1 tsp (5g) sesame seeds
* 1/4 tsp (1.25g) red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and grated ginger for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the noodles**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Make the garlic-sesame sauce**: In a small saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. **Add the sauce ingredients**: Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Whisk until combined.
4. **Simmer the sauce**: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
5. **Combine the noodles and sauce**: Add the cooked noodles to the saucepan with the garlic-sesame sauce. Toss until the noodles are well coated.
6. **Season with salt and pepper**: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. **Garnish and serve**: Divide the noodles among bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and grated ginger (if using). Serve immediately.
**Tips for cooking Garlic Sesame Noodles:**
* Use a light hand when adding the garlic to the saucepan, as it can quickly become overpowering. You can always add more garlic, but it's harder to remove excess garlic flavor.
* If using soba or udon noodles, you can cold soak them in water for 30 minutes to rehydrate them before cooking. This helps reduce cooking time and prevents overcooking.
* Adjust the amount of soy sauce and rice vinegar to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other seasonings like hoisin sauce or five-spice powder to create variations.
* For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the saucepan.
* To make Garlic Sesame Noodles more substantial, add cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
**Variations:**
* **Spicy Szechuan Garlic Sesame Noodles**: Add 1-2 tsp (5-10g) Szechuan pepper kernels to the saucepan with the garlic and sesame oil. Proceed with the recipe as instructed.
* **Japanese-Inspired Garlic Sesame Noodles**: Substitute mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake) for the rice vinegar and add 1-2 tsp (5-10g) Japanese curry powder to the saucepan with the garlic and sesame oil.
* **Korean-Style Garlic Sesame Noodles**: Add 1-2 tsp (5-10g) Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the saucepan with the garlic and sesame oil. Proceed with the recipe as instructed.
* **Vegan Garlic Sesame Noodles**: Replace the soy sauce with tamari or nama shoyu, and omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Sesame Noodles, and feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences!
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