If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh flavors, the Simple Tahini Noodles with Savory Garlic Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This vibrant bowl perfectly balances creamy tahini sauce with garlicky, tender-crisp broccoli and noodles that soak up every bit of the savory, tangy sauce. It’s delightfully easy to whip up, yet so satisfying that it feels like a special treat. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a tasty weeknight dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes for quick, wholesome, and crave-worthy eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here; this recipe shines because of its simplicity and the way each component works together naturally. Every ingredient adds an essential layer—whether it’s texture, flavor, or color—to bring the dish to life.
- 8 ounces Noodles: Your favorite type like spaghetti or rice noodles will do wonderfully, providing a satisfying base that soaks up the sauce.
- 2 cups Broccoli florets: Fresh and chopped into bite-sized pieces for that perfect crunch and vibrant green color.
- 3-4 cloves Garlic: Minced to release maximum aroma and flavor that infuses the broccoli delightfully.
- 1/2 cup Tahini: This creamy sesame paste brings rich nuttiness and smoothness to the sauce, making it irresistibly silky.
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami notes that balance the tahini’s nuttiness and bring everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a lively, bright contrast that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used for sautéing garlic and broccoli, enhancing their flavors with a gentle fruitiness.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: The essential seasoning duo that enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle kick and a hint of warmth.
How to Make Simple Tahini Noodles with Savory Garlic Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by boiling your noodles in salted water until they reach the perfect al dente texture—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon to help loosen the sauce later on and bind everything beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While your noodles are cooking, give your broccoli a good rinse under cold water. Chop it into bite-sized florets so every forkful gets that satisfying snap and fresh green burst.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Heat your olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté it just until it’s fragrant and golden—about 1 to 2 minutes—being careful not to let it burn because that would turn bitter and overpower the delicate flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Next, toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it tender but still crisp and bright green—perfect for that satisfying bite. If things get a bit dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to help steam and soften the broccoli gently.
Step 5: Whisk the Tahini Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re going for a bit of heat. Whisk until smooth and silky. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of that pasta water little by little until you reach a luscious, creamy consistency ready to coat the noodles evenly.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Return the drained noodles to the skillet with the broccoli, then pour the tahini sauce over everything. Toss thoroughly so each noodle strand is lovingly dressed with that creamy, garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Heat Through
Give the whole mix a quick toss and cook for just another minute to warm everything together, letting the sauce cling even better. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as you like—this step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve your Simple Tahini Noodles with Savory Garlic Broccoli Recipe piping hot. If you have fresh herbs or sesame seeds on hand, sprinkle them on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s ready to enjoy now!
How to Serve Simple Tahini Noodles with Savory Garlic Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Try topping with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, or fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to introduce a lively, herbal brightness. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or even a drizzle of chili oil can make this dish feel festive and personalized.
Side Dishes
This dish holds beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or even some edamame for an extra boost of protein and texture variety. The clean, fresh sides complement the richness of the tahini sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner party touch, serve the noodles in individual bowls with colorful garnishes artfully arranged on top. Or, spread the noodles on a large platter and invite guests to help themselves while adding their own toppings. This way, the Simple Tahini Noodles with Savory Garlic Broccoli Recipe becomes a social, shareable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, but the noodles may soak up extra sauce, so keep reserved pasta water handy to loosen it when reheating.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Tahini sauce can sometimes separate or change texture a bit when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze leftovers, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Add small splashes of water or broth to bring back creaminess without drying out the noodles. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge if possible, to keep that silky sauce intact.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is a star in this recipe, feel free to swap in snap peas, green beans, or even baby spinach. Each will bring its own texture and freshness while keeping the dish vibrant and healthy.
Is tahini necessary, or can I substitute it?
Tahini gives this recipe its signature creamy, nutty flavor, but if you don’t have it, peanut butter or almond butter can be fun alternatives. Just be mindful of the flavor differences and slightly adjust other seasonings as needed.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The pinch of red pepper flakes adds just a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, making the dish approachable for most palates. You can always omit or increase the flakes according to your taste.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! This dish is naturally vegan if you use soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) that’s vegan-friendly. The tahini sauce and all ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect vegan comfort meal.
What type of noodles work best?
Spaghetti, rice noodles, udon, or even soba noodles all work beautifully here. Pick your favorite based on texture and preference, and cook according to package instructions for perfect al dente noodles.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try the Simple Tahini Noodles with Savory Garlic Broccoli Recipe as I am to share it. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy without fuss, packed with layered flavors, and comes together quickly from start to finish. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you want something comforting yet fresh. Give it a go—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Simple Tahini Noodles with Savory Garlic Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple Tahini Noodles With Savory Garlic Broccoli is a quick and flavorful plant-based dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a creamy tahini sauce enriched with soy sauce and lemon juice. The broccoli is sautéed with garlic to provide a savory and aromatic complement to the rich sauce. This nutritious recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal and delivers a delicious balance of textures and flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces noodles (spaghetti or rice noodles)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup tahini (creamy sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and cut into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Add reserved pasta water if the pan becomes too dry or to help steam the broccoli slightly.
- Prepare Tahini Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add some reserved pasta water incrementally to thin the sauce to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the broccoli, pour the tahini sauce over the top, and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through and allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the tahini noodles warm. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Use gluten-free noodles if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- For added protein, toss in some tofu or chickpeas before serving.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired heat level.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness and texture of the broccoli.
