Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water and Cook Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes for spaghetti or soba noodles, but check the package for exact timing.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove any excess starch. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sesame Sauce

1. Heat Sesame Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Toasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty flavor to the dish, so be sure not to skip this step.
2. Add Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients: Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, letting the flavors meld together for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Sauce

1. Add Noodles to the Skillet: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic sesame sauce. Toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the sauce, using tongs or a pair of chopsticks to mix everything together.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for acidity, or honey for sweetness if desired.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Transfer the Garlic Sesame Noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
2. Serve: Enjoy the noodles on their own, or serve them with additional toppings like grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or stir-fried vegetables. These noodles are great warm, cold, or at room temperature.