Peanut Sesame Noodles
Peanut Sesame Noodles offer a delightful combination of nutty, savory, and spicy flavors, with a hint of freshness from cilantro and green onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish is easy to prepare and appeals to fans of bold Asian-inspired tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti.
- Rinse in cold water and toss with 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil.
- Set aside.
- Place remaining sesame oil in a large heated frying pan.
- Add green onions, garlic, and hot pepper flakes.
- Stir over medium heat until onions have softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Heat the mixture, tossing to combine for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in chopped peanuts and cilantro.
- Add salt to taste and transfer to a serving bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts. Adding a splash of lime juice can brighten the flavors. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the dried hot pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha. Fresh veggies like bell peppers or snap peas can also be tossed in for added crunch and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the noodles warm or cold as a refreshing salad. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal. Consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad to complement the dish. For a vegetarian twist, browse more vegan recipes that can be served alongside.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut sesame noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or additional sesame oil and warm them in a pan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Sesame Noodles contains roughly 274 calories, with 12g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2341mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute thin spaghetti with rice noodles or whole wheat noodles for a different texture. Just adjust cooking times according to the noodle type to ensure they are cooked al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari and ensure the noodles are made from rice or another gluten-free grain. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without gluten.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the noodles and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).