Noodles are nothing without the right sauce to back them up. You should skip the random bottles at the store and mix up your own condiments at home.
These 12 recipes range from garlicky to umami and work for any level of cooking expertise. I know you will find the perfect solution here for your next meal.
1. Spicy Szechuan Sauce
Just thinking about this one makes my mouth water. It brings a definite spicy kick. You get a blend of garlicky and savory notes with the perfect amount of sweetness.
Forget about extra toppings. This sauce is all you need for your noodles.
2. Garlic Sauce
This works wonders on both Italian and Asian noodles. The flavor profile is savory and sweet with a buttery garlic punch.
Try it on angel hair or lo mein. You can add chicken and caramelized onions for a spaghetti dish. Tofu and veggies make a great Asian option too.
3. Lo Mein Sauce
You only need this one sauce for perfect lo mein. It comes together fast with impeccable flavor. The balance comes from sugar and black pepper mixed with sesame oil and Shaoxing wine.
Two types of soy sauce deepen the taste. Cornstarch works as your thickener. Dinner is ready in under 10 minutes.
4. Teriyaki Sauce
Homemade teriyaki tastes so much fresher than the bottled kind. You avoid preservatives this way too. It might seem hard but even beginners can do it.
Just mix sugar with mirin and soy sauce. Add it to a skillet with garlic and oil for an easy meal.
5. Gochujang Sauce
Fans of spicy Asian food likely know gochujang well. This thick fermented Korean chili paste brings the heat. It is also savory and sweet.
Mix it with garlic and sesame oil. Lime and hoisin sauce round out the flavors. The result is zesty and fiery.
6. Parmesan Butter Sauce
Fix up plain pasta quickly with this comforting option. You just need pepper and chopped herbs alongside the butter and parmesan. Use dried herbs if you lack fresh ones.
Pour it over any pasta you like. This is perfect for busy nights or picky eaters.
7. Thai Red Curry Sauce
Thai red curry is my absolute favorite type. This recipe balances the flavors perfectly for a noodle dish.
You mix Thai red curry paste with coconut milk and soy sauce. Ginger and garlic add punch.
Maple syrup and tomato paste are unusual additions here. They make it work beautifully though.
8. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce works for almost any Asian noodle dish. There are actually many different types like light or dark or sweet.
This foolproof recipe combines both light and dark varieties. It also includes Sriracha and fish sauce. The flavor is much better than using plain soy sauce alone.
9. Chow Mein Sauce
Make restaurant quality chow mein at home with this blend. Shaoxing wine is the key ingredient here. It is essential for that authentic Chinese cuisine flavor.
Make sure you use a high quality oyster sauce too. Avoid the ones loaded with extra sugar.
Add juicy chicken and veggies to the mix. Beef strips or tofu work great as well.
10. Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Sauce
The perfect Asian sauce requires balance. You want savory and sweet notes mixed with spicy and salty ones.
Braggs works as a great gluten free alternative to soy sauce here. Mix in sugar and sesame oil.
Garlic powder and chili garlic sauce round it out. The whole thing is dairy free and takes 15 minutes.
11. Sesame Peanut Sauce
This sesame peanut option tastes like a heavenly delight. It feels indulgent but stays relatively healthy.
The bulk of it comes from peanut butter and gluten free tamari. Sesame oil and Sriracha add flavor depth.
Coconut sugar provides natural sweetness. It might just become your new favorite.
12. Tsuyu Sauce
Tsuyu is not as well known here as teriyaki. You will want to tell everyone about it though.
It is a Japanese soy sauce made with sake. Bonito flakes make the flavor profile very umami.
Kelp adds a salty kick. Serve it with cold rice noodles or in a brothy soup.