Sesame Noodles Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s ridiculously easy to whip up, yet it delivers a burst of bold, savory flavors thanks to the perfect blend of soy sauce, peanut butter, and ginger. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy warm or cold, making it ideal for both cozy nights in or quick lunches on-the-go.

I enjoy preparing uncomplicated but tasty meals such as these Sesame Noodles. With 8 ounces of spaghetti or Chinese egg noodles mixed in a tasty sauce made with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and a little bit of peanut butter, this dish is both good for you and really hits the spot.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti or Chinese Egg Noodles: Provide carbohydrates for energy and a comforting texture.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor and richness; a sodium-rich seasoning.
• Sesame Oil: Offers nutty aroma and flavor; contains healthy fats.
• Peanut Butter: Contributes creaminess and protein; a source of healthy fats.
• Ginger: Adds warmth and spice; has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Garlic: Provides savory depth; known for heart health benefits.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces heat; can boost metabolism slightly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz spaghetti or Chinese egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Follow the package directions to prepare the spaghetti or Chinese egg noodles. After cooking, drain the noodles, rinse them in cold water, and set the noodles aside.

2. In a tiny bowl, combine and whisk well the smooth soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and peanut butter together until they are well mixed. Then add in the sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes and mix until everything is well combined.

3. In a big frying pan or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat.

4. Put the skillet on the stove. Add the sesame seeds and toast them for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are golden and fragrant.

5. Place the noodles into the skillet and add some oil, if you think they need it (post-haste!). You want to reheat them nicely; putting them in with the oil before the noodles have heated through will only make them oily, not to mention give them a less-than-appealing texture. So, this is a big toss you want to get right. Evenly coat the noodles in oil and toasted sesame seeds. Taste for salt. If you’re not already using a very salty soy sauce, this is a good moment to reach for the salt.

6. Put the sauce on top of the noodles and toss to mix. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed and the noodles are well coated. Serve enjoying.

7. Toss the noodles with the shredded carrots in the skillet, giving the heat of the noodles a chance to slightly soften the carrots as they come together.

8. Take the skillet off the heat and add the chopped green onions. Stir them in.

9. Plate the sesame noodles in a serving dish.

10. If desired, garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions and serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer/colander
3. Small bowl
4. Whisk
5. Large frying pan or wok
6. Stove
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Measuring spoons
9. Grater
10. Cutting board
11. Knife
12. Serving dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use whole wheat noodles for this recipe?A: You can swap whole wheat noodles in for an option that’s healthier, but the texture may be a little off.
• Q: Is there a substitute for peanut butter?A: You can use almond butter or tahini in place of peanut butter.
• Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?You can make this dish gluten-free by using:

  – gluten-free noodles

  – gluten-free tamari sauce (instead of soy sauce)

• Q: Can the noodles be served hot or cold?A: It is traditional to serve these sesame noodles cold, but one can also enjoy them warm if desired.
• Q: How long can leftovers be stored in the fridge?You can keep uneaten portions in a container that seals in air and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Sea bass, for instance, can’t even make it to the 3-day mark because fish can go bad much quicker than other proteins.
• Q: Is there a way to add protein to this dish?A: An additional protein boost can be gained by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with soba noodles or rice noodles, and you have something altogether different. And, really, that’s the beauty of this dish. Though it tastes authentically somen, the bronzed noodles could be just about anything and still be delicious.
Soy sauce. Alternatives that are gluten-free include tamari and coconut aminos.
Rice vinegar: In a pinch, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work.
Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter or tahini for a nutty flavor.
Canola oil or grapeseed oil can be used as a neutral-flavored alternative to vegetable oil.

Pro Tips

1. Optimizing the Sauce Texture To ensure a smooth and creamy sauce, make sure the peanut butter is at room temperature or slightly warmed before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help it blend more easily and evenly with the soy sauce and sesame oil.

2. Enhancing Flavor Consider adding a splash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce for an extra layer of umami. Just be cautious with the amount as these ingredients can be quite strong.

3. Customizing Heat Level Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can also add a dash of sriracha or chili oil for more heat and flavor complexity.

4. Improving Crunch & Freshness Adding chopped peanuts or cashews at the end will give the dish a satisfying crunch. Fresh cilantro leaves can also be added for extra freshness and flavor.

5. Preventing Sticky Noodles After rinsing the noodles with cold water, toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together before they’re added to the pan. This will make tossing them with the sauce easier and prevent clumping.