One-Pot Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

If you enjoy Asian-inspired flavors or simply love a comforting bowl of noodles, these Garlic Sesame Noodles will quickly become a favorite. They balance savory, salty, and sweet notes and are simple to prepare. Add shredded zucchini, peas, bean sprouts, tofu, or cooked chicken to make them heartier. This is an excellent, versatile noodle recipe for weeknights or gatherings.

After hosting guests at the Jersey Shore for a month, I’m back to sharing new recipes. Let’s get cooking!

Recently we’ve enjoyed summer favorites like Avocado, Corn and Cucumber Salad and Dill Pickle Potato Salad, and I’ve added these Garlic Sesame Noodles to the menu. They’re already a hit and have become one of our go-to pasta recipes for entertaining.

Why you’ll love these sesame garlic noodles

• Quick and easy – With just a few pantry staples and minimal steps, this recipe comes together fast.
• One-pot – The dish is prepared using a single pot, which keeps cleanup simple. A Dutch oven works well.
• Flavorful – The combination of oyster sauce, soy, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil creates a savory-sweet-salty profile that’s delicious hot or at room temperature.
• Versatile – Serve the noodles as a side or add vegetables and protein to turn them into a satisfying main course.

Ingredients & substitutions

This recipe uses pantry staples plus a few fresh items. Scroll to the recipe card for exact amounts.

• Noodles – Thin linguine or spaghetti are preferred, but rice noodles or soba work too. Cook according to package directions.
• Oyster sauce – Adds a rich, slightly briny depth that’s characteristic of many Asian noodle dishes.
• Reduced sodium soy sauce – Keeps salt under control; adjust to taste.
• Light brown sugar – Balances the savory elements. Dark brown sugar can be used instead.
• Toasted sesame oil – Use the toasted variety for a stronger, nutty flavor.
• Butter – Salted butter adds richness; use unsalted if preferred.
• Green onions – Thinly sliced scallions give brightness and crunch.
• Fresh garlic – Minced fresh garlic is best for aroma and flavor.
• Shredded carrots – Pre-shredded or freshly grated both work.
• Sesame seeds – A mix of black and white (tuxedo) adds visual contrast and nutty crunch; plain white or black seeds are fine too.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a finishing touch of spice.

How to make one-pot Asian noodles

These sesame garlic noodles are straightforward. Below is a concise overview—see the recipe card for full instructions and measurements.

Step 1: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the noodles.

Step 2: Combine the sauce ingredients—oyster sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil—then set aside.

Step 3: In the same pot, melt the butter and quickly sauté green onions and minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 4: Turn off the heat, add the drained noodles and the sauce, and toss to combine the noodles with the sautéed aromatics and sauce.

Step 5: Stir in shredded carrots and sesame seeds. If the noodles seem sticky, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with extra sliced green onion and more sesame seeds.

Expert tips

• Prep ingredients first. Have everything prepped and within reach—this recipe moves quickly once you start cooking.
• Reserve noodle water. The starchy cooking water helps loosen the sauce and lets it cling to the noodles.
• Don’t rinse cooked noodles. Rinsing removes the starch that helps bind the sauce to the noodles.

Variations

Customize the dish with these easy variations:

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or garlic chili sauce.
• Vegetables: Mix in shredded zucchini, peas, bean sprouts, steamed broccoli, shredded cabbage, or water chestnuts.
• Protein: Add shredded chicken, grilled steak pieces, cooked shrimp, flaked salmon, seasoned tofu, sliced hard-boiled egg, or cooked ground meat.

Long, thin noodles work best here—thin linguine or spaghetti are ideal. Rice noodles, ramen, or fresh pasta are also great options. Follow package cooking instructions for each type.

These noodles are most flavorful when served hot or at room temperature.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture changes.

Reheat in the microwave covered lightly at 60% power for 1 minute, then continue in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of the reserved noodle water to refresh the sauce if needed.

One more thing

Did you try this recipe?

Leave a comment and star rating below to share your thoughts. If you post photos, tag the author on social media so others can see your version. Thanks — Amy