10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms humble instant ramen into a restaurant-style dish bursting with savory, garlicky flavor and toasted sesame aroma. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and ready in just ten minutes—ideal when you crave a quick, satisfying bowl without the wait.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cakes dry instant ramen noodles (approx. 140 g)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 green onion (or scallion) stalks, thinly sliced – keep the green and white parts separate
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes or coarse chili powder
• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce works too)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ¼ cup water

Directions

1. Cook the noodles: Boil the ramen cakes in water just until al dente (about 2–3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Toast sesame seeds: In the same (or a separate) pan on medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until lightly golden and fragrant—around 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a pan. Add white parts of green onions and minced garlic, cooking 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add heat: Sprinkle in the chili flakes and stir for another 30 seconds.
5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and cornstarch until combined.
6. Combine noodles and sauce: Add cooked noodles to the garlic mixture. Pour in the sauce and toss well to coat; let it simmer briefly for 1–2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, stir in toasted sesame seeds and green parts of the scallions. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 generous portions
• Prep time: 2 minutes
• Cook time: 8 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes

Quick enough to make when hunger strikes, yet full of flavor that feels fulfilling.

Variations

• Add protein: Top with a soft‑boiled egg, sliced tofu, or shredded chicken.
• Veggie boost: Toss in spinach, bok choy, snap peas, or shredded carrots in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy upgrade: Add sriracha, gochujang, or a drizzle of sesame chile crisp.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Nutty crunch: Swap white sesame seeds for toasted black sesame or mix both for visual appeal.

storage/reheating

• Store cooled noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth, tossing until warmed through.
• Tip: Vegetables wilt quickly, so add fresh raw greens after reheating if desired.

FAQs

 Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of dry cakes?

Yes—use about 200 g fresh ramen, cook per package instructions, then drain and proceed with the sauce steps.

 Can I skip the cornstarch in the sauce?

Absolutely. Without cornstarch, your noodles will be saucier rather than glossy—still delicious.

 Is oyster sauce necessary?

It adds depth and umami, but you can omit it or swap with hoisin or mushroom sauce. The flavor will shift slightly but remain tasty.

 How spicy is this?

Mild to medium heat from the chili flakes—you can adjust up or down to suit your taste.

 Can I make this vegan?

Yes—just use vegetarian oyster sauce, or swap for hoisin or mushroom stir-fry sauce.

 What sides go well with this dish?

Try it alongside kimchi, steamed edamame, pickled cucumbers, or a fresh green salad.

 Can I double the recipe?

Yes—the sauce keeps well. Just add noodles, veggies, and sauce as needed, stirring over low heat until everything warms through.

 Can I add more garlic?

Certainly. Feel free to boost to 6–7 cloves for an extra garlicky kick.

 Is this freezer-friendly?

Not ideal—ramen texture changes when frozen. Better to store in the fridge and reheat fresh.

 Can I make it spicier?

Add sambal, chili garlic sauce, or even a dash of cayenne to fire things up.

Conclusion

This 10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles recipe transforms basic instant ramen into a flavorful, satisfying dish with minimal effort. Packed with savory aromatics, toasty sesame, and a touch of heat, it feels like a treat without the takeout. Perfect for nights when you want something quick, delicious, and totally comforting. Enjoy!

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