Vegan Garlic Noodles

$- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or rice noodles - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 6 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari These main ingredients are key to making your vegan garlic noodles shine. The noodles serve as the base. You can use either spaghetti or rice noodles based on your preference. Olive oil provides richness and helps sauté the garlic. Garlic brings strong flavor, while red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. Soy sauce or tamari gives the dish a savory depth. - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 4 green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) - Lime wedges for serving To boost flavor, add maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Sesame oil adds a nutty taste that pairs well with the garlic. Chopped green onions and sesame seeds add crunch and freshness. Fresh cilantro gives a bright finish, while lime wedges add zest and balance the dish. These elements turn simple noodles into a vibrant meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, cook your spaghetti or rice noodles. Follow the package directions for best results. Once done, drain them well. Rinsing under cold water is key. This stops the noodles from cooking more and helps keep them firm. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir gently as the garlic cooks. Watch closely so it does not burn. Cook for about two minutes until it smells great. The garlic should turn golden but not brown. Now, pour soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil into the skillet. Stir well to mix the flavors. Let it cook for one to two minutes. Then, add your cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat with the sauce. Heat everything for two to three minutes until warm. Remove from heat and mix in chopped green onions and sesame seeds. For a pop of color, add fresh cilantro if you like. Serve the noodles in bowls and include lime wedges on the side. The lime will add a bright touch to the dish. To adjust the spice level, start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add a bit more. Taste as you go. Balancing flavors is key. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or maple syrup for sweetness. Also, consider adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They add texture and nutrients. For making garlic noodles, you need a large skillet or wok. A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking. Heat your pan over medium heat before adding olive oil. This helps the oil spread evenly. When sautéing garlic, keep the heat moderate. Too high, and it burns. A golden color is what you want. To serve your noodles, use a large bowl. Twirl the noodles for a nice look. Top with green onions and sesame seeds for color. Try adding sliced radishes for crunch. If you want more flavor, drizzle with extra sesame oil. It adds a rich finish. Using lime wedges on the side gives a fresh pop. Pro Tips Fresh Garlic is Key: Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic can lose its pungency, resulting in a milder taste. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed. Use Quality Soy Sauce: Choose a high-quality soy sauce or tamari for a richer taste. Low-sodium options can also help control the salt level. Customize Your Noodles: Experiment with different types of noodles like udon or soba for a unique twist on this classic dish. {{image_2}} If you want to make vegan garlic noodles gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles. You can find rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti at most stores. Check the package to ensure they are truly gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the dish without worry. Adjust the cooking time based on your noodle choice. Always rinse them after cooking to stop the cooking process. You can easily add plant-based protein to this dish. Tofu and tempeh are great options. Simply cube tofu and sauté it until golden. For tempeh, steam it first to soften, then sauté it with the garlic. You can also toss in veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. This adds color and nutrition, making your meal more balanced. Feel free to explore different sauces for more flavor. Try teriyaki for a sweet touch or chili soy for a kick. You can also swap out herbs to change the taste. Fresh basil or mint can make the dish feel new. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor profile. To store leftover garlic noodles, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Let the noodles cool down first before sealing them tight. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. After that, they may lose flavor or texture. When reheating garlic noodles, use a skillet for the best results. Heat a little olive oil in the pan, then add the noodles. Stir them gently to warm up. This method keeps the flavor strong and the noodles nice. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the noodles mushy. If you must use it, heat in short bursts and add a splash of water to help. Yes, you can make this recipe oil-free. Here are some great alternatives to oil: - Use vegetable broth to sauté garlic. - Try water or a splash of vinegar for cooking. - You can also use unsweetened applesauce in some dishes. These swaps will keep your noodles tasty without the oil. Many options work as soy sauce replacements. Here are a few: - Tamari is a good gluten-free choice. - Coconut aminos offer a sweeter flavor. - Liquid aminos can add a similar taste. - For a homemade option, mix water with miso paste. All these choices will keep your dish flavorful. Want to spice things up? Here are some suggestions: - Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Include chopped fresh chili peppers for heat. - Try a splash of hot sauce during cooking. - Use spicy sesame oil for an extra kick. Feel free to adjust the heat to match your taste! This blog post covers how to make delicious garlic noodles. You learned about key ingredients like spaghetti or rice noodles and essential flavors from garlic and soy sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and mixing, plus tips for enhancing taste and presentation. You also discovered variations, gluten-free options, and how to store leftovers. Garlic noodles are easy and fun to prepare. With the right techniques, you can impress anyone with this dish. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and make it your own!$

A delicious and quick vegan noodle dish with garlic and a hint of spice.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 stalks green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
to taste fresh cilantro for garnish
as needed lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti or rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
Pour the soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil into the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, gently tossing to coat in the garlic sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the noodles in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword garlic, noodles, quick meal, vegan