Ina Garten Sesame Noodles – Quick, Flavorful, and Perfectly Savory

Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles are the perfect balance of bold Asian-inspired flavors and easy, no-fuss preparation. Made with simple pantry ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger, this noodle dish is tossed with scallions and optional vegetables for a light, flavorful side or main dish.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a make-ahead lunch.

What Are Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles?

Sesame noodles are a cold or room-temperature noodle dish tossed in a savory sesame-soy dressing with garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat. Ina’s version is elegant, balanced, and incredibly easy. It works with spaghetti, soba noodles, or rice noodles, and it can be served on its own or topped with vegetables or protein.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers
• Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers
• Ina Garten Ribollita
• Ina Garten Maple Scones

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles

• Quick and easy to make – Ready in less than 30 minutes
• Full of flavor – Savory, nutty, tangy, and slightly spicy
• Great served cold or at room temperature – Perfect for picnics or potlucks
• Versatile – Can be a main dish or side
• Ideal for make-ahead meals – Tastes great the next day
• Customizable with protein or vegetables – A flexible base for your favorites
• Family-friendly and vegetarian – Easy to adapt to different diets

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles

• ½ pound spaghetti (or soba noodles)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chopped scallions (green and white parts)
• Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, cucumber, or cilantro

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Sesame Noodles

Step 1: Cook the noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti or noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the sesame dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, peanut butter (if using), vegetable oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth and emulsified.

Step 3: Toss noodles with dressing

Place the cooked and cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the noodles and toss well to coat evenly.

Step 4: Add scallions and mix-ins

Stir in chopped scallions and any additional mix-ins like carrots, cucumbers, or peanuts. Mix until well distributed.

Step 5: Chill or serve immediately

Serve immediately at room temperature, or cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving cold.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles

• Grilled or roasted chicken – Adds protein and balances the flavors
• Seared shrimp or salmon – Seafood complements the sesame sauce
• Crispy tofu or edamame – Vegetarian protein options
• Asian-style cucumber salad – Refreshing and crunchy
• Miso soup or egg drop soup – Light starter options
• Spring rolls or dumplings – Excellent appetizer pairings
• Chilled white wine or iced green tea – Complements the flavor profile

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles

• Rinse noodles after cooking – Prevents sticking and keeps them cool
• Use toasted sesame oil – Adds authentic nutty flavor
• Grate ginger fresh – Powdered ginger won’t deliver the same zing
• Balance the flavors – Taste the sauce before tossing and adjust as needed
• Don’t skip the honey – It balances the salt and vinegar
• Add veggies just before serving – Keeps them crisp and fresh
• Let noodles rest before serving – Allows flavors to soak in

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles

• Add shredded chicken or sliced steak – For a heartier meal
• Mix in julienned red peppers or snow peas – For color and crunch
• Top with soft-boiled or jammy eggs – Ramen-style upgrade
• Use tahini instead of peanut butter – For a nut-free option
• Spice it up with sriracha or chili crisp – Adds bold heat
• Swap in soba or rice noodles – For gluten-free or a different texture
• Sprinkle with furikake or nori flakes – For umami-rich toppings

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Sesame Noodles

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Best eaten within 3 days
• Stir before serving leftovers – Sauce may settle
• Avoid freezing – Texture of noodles and sauce will change
• Store veggies separately if added fresh – Prevents them from getting soggy
• Pack into meal prep containers – Ideal for quick lunches

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Sesame Noodles

• Best served cold or room temp – No reheating needed
• Microwave gently if desired warm – 30 seconds at a time
• Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil – To refresh the flavor
• Top with fresh scallions or seeds – For brightness and crunch
• Serve as-is straight from fridge – Great grab-and-go option

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 580mg

A well-balanced vegetarian meal with protein, healthy fats, and bold flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s sesame noodles ahead of time?

Yes, sesame noodles are perfect for meal prep. You can make them a day ahead and store in the fridge. The flavors develop even more after chilling.

What type of noodles should I use for sesame noodles?

Spaghetti works well, but you can also use soba noodles, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles. Just avoid overcooking so they stay firm after tossing.

Are Ina Garten’s sesame noodles served hot or cold?

They’re typically served cold or at room temperature, but you can enjoy them warm as well. The flavor holds up in all cases.

How can I make sesame noodles spicy?

To add heat, stir in chili oil, sriracha, or extra red pepper flakes into the sauce. You can also top with chili crisp for texture and spice.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles are the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. With their nutty, garlicky dressing and fresh, crunchy toppings, they’re versatile enough to serve as a light lunch, a side dish, or a quick dinner. Keep this recipe on hand for anytime you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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