Garlic Sesame Lo Mein Recipe

I whipped up my Easy Asian Noodle Recipes that combine 8 oz lo mein noodles with minced garlic, grated ginger and toasted sesame seeds. The blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar and a pinch of red pepper creates an enticing, vibrant flavor that makes this dish perfect for a quick meal.

I love exploring new ways to bring bold flavors to my meals and this Garlic Sesame Lo Mein is one of my recent obsessions. Its bright mix of garlic and ginger really awakens your taste buds, while the nutty toasted sesame seeds add a crunch that makes it extra fun to eat.

I started by cooking 8 oz of lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if you cant find them) and then tossed them in a light mix of vegetable oil and sesame oil. The dish comes together quickly with minced garlic, grated ginger, a splash of soy sauce, a bit of rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar to balance all the flavors.

I love how a dash of red pepper flakes or dried red chilies can easily adjust the heat level. Finishing with sliced green onions and more toasted sesame seeds makes it both a healthy and simple side dish perfect for any Asian meal.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how quick and easy this recipe is – it means i can throw it together even on messy days when i’m low on time or energy.
2. The combo of garlic, ginger and toasted sesame seeds really hits the spot for me, giving the dish that awesome, aromatic flavor that makes my mouth water.
3. I like that i can tweak the spice level to match my mood – sometimes i want it fiery, sometimes chill – and the red pepper flakes or dried chillies let me do just that.
4. It feels like i’m cooking something authentic at home, even if i’m not a top chef; the ingredients and the simple steps always make me feel like a pro in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Lo mein noodles are a carb source that gives energy and a chewy, satisfying texture.
• Garlic not only adds great flavor it helps boost immunity with its natural antioxidants.
• Ginger gives a warm, zesty kick and helps with digestion when added to the dish.
• Soy sauce dissolves saltiness and umami, building a perfect balance of savory taste overall.
• Sesame seeds add crunch, healthy fats and a nutty aroma to brighten up the meal.
• Rice vinegar brings a delicate tang that lightens the dish’s richness beautifully.
• Sugar gives a hint of sweetness to balance the tangy and spicy flavors nicely.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if you cant find them)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make this

1. Start by cooking the lo mein noodles in a big pot of boiling water till they’re al dente, then drain them and set aside (you can reserve a little cooking water if needed).

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

3. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, just until they start smelling really good.

4. Add the red pepper flakes or dried red chilies, and stir for a few seconds to let the heat wake up.

5. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sprinkle in the sugar; give it a quick stir to help the sugar dissolve.

6. Dump the noodles into the pan with the sauce and toss them around so they get well coated – if it gets too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

7. Drizzle the sesame oil all over the noodles and mix it in well.

8. Finally, mix in the sliced green onions and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top, then serve hot and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Big pot for boiling the noodles
2. Colander for draining the noodles
3. Large pan for stir-frying the garlic, ginger, and sauce
4. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and tossing the noodles
5. Knife for chopping the garlic and slicing the green onions
6. Cutting board to prep your ingredients
7. Measuring spoons and cups for the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and oils
8. Grater for the ginger

This list covers the basic tools you’ll need for the recipe.

FAQ

Garlic Sesame Lo Mein Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t find lo mein noodles, try using ramen or even spaghetti as a substitute.
• If you don’t have sesame oil, a small amount of peanut oil works too, though you’ll miss that distinct nutty flavor.
• No sesame seeds on hand? Lightly crushed peanuts can add a similar crunch and flavor.
• Don’t have rice vinegar? A mix of white vinegar and a touch of sugar will do the trick.
• If you’re out of fresh ginger, ginger paste is a quick and easy swap.

Pro Tips

1. Try using fresh ginger and garlic instead of the dried kind if you can find them. They really boost the flavor and give the dish a fresher kick.

2. Save a little bit of the noodle cooking water. Adding a splash of it when mixing the sauce in can make everything blend together smoother, especially if things look a little dry.

3. Make sure your pan is hot when you add the garlic and ginger. They should sizzle right away, but if they burn it will mess up the flavor, so keep an eye on them.

4. For a tiny extra heat, you can adjust the red pepper flakes or dried chilies to your taste, but start with a little and add more as needed.