These Spicy Sesame Noodles are a tasty treat! They mix soft noodles with a zesty sesame sauce and a kick of spice that makes each bite exciting.
They’re super easy to whip up on a busy day. I love to add some veggies or tofu to amp up the goodness. Who knew quick meals could be this delicious? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using egg noodles for a soft texture, but spaghetti or even rice noodles can work great. If you’re gluten-free, check for gluten-free noodles or use rice noodles as a perfect alternative.
Sesame Oil: While vegetable oil is fine, sesame oil adds a rich flavor that makes this dish special. If you can’t find it, use olive oil in a pinch; just note that you’ll lose some of that nutty taste.
Chilies: Adjust the heat with dried red chilies. If you prefer a milder taste, you can skip them or use crushed red pepper flakes instead. Fresh chilis are also an option if you have them on hand.
Sesame Paste: I prefer sesame paste (tahini) for its creaminess, but if you want a different flavor, creamy peanut butter works well too. Just keep in mind it will change the taste slightly!
Cilantro: For those who aren’t fans of cilantro, you could use parsley or just leave it out. The dish will still taste delicious without it!
How Do You Get Great Flavor When Stir-Frying?
Stir-frying can be tricky, but it’s key for this recipe to develop those lovely flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding oil. This will help seal in flavors and prevent sticking.
- Cook garlic, ginger, and chilies quickly over medium heat to avoid burning. They should only take about 1-2 minutes until they’re aromatic.
- When adding the sauce, keep everything moving! Toss those noodles around to ensure they get coated evenly and heated through.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan; work in batches if needed. This keeps everything cooking evenly and prevents steaming.
With these tips, your noodles will be flavorful and have that perfect texture. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Spicy Sesame Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or spaghetti
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2-3 dried red chilies, chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili paste or sambal oelek
- 1 tbsp sesame paste (tahini) or smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: 1 tsp chili oil for extra spice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes to prepare this tasty dish. It’s a quick recipe, taking about 10 minutes to cook the noodles and sauce, plus some extra time for ingredient prep. Perfect for a speedy yet delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once they’re ready, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, grab a whisk and mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sesame paste (or peanut butter), and honey. Taste the sauce and feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice to fit your preference!
3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
Heat the vegetable oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped dried chilies. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until everything is aromatic but be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the Noodles and Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the skillet! Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, and toss everything together well to ensure the noodles are coated evenly. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and the sauce is mixed well.
5. Add Green Onions and Cilantro:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in most of the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro, leaving a bit aside for garnish.
6. Plate and Garnish:
Transfer the noodles to a serving plate or bowls. Top with the chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and the remaining green onions and cilantro for a fresh touch!
7. Optional Spicy Kick:
If you like a little extra heat, drizzle some chili oil over the top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and spicy sesame noodles!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles or spaghetti are great, you can also use rice noodles or any other type of pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
Yes! To reduce the heat, you can omit the dried red chilies and use less chili paste or sambal oelek. You can also balance the flavors with more honey or sugar if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen the noodles, and warm them in a skillet or in the microwave.
Can I Add Protein to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or another protein of your choice. Just stir it in when you add the noodles to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
