Sesame-Noodle-Stuffed Tomatoes
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring sesame-stuffed tomatoes with colorful pasta and fresh vegetables, perfect for light lunches or casual dinners with a nutty, tangy zest.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Chinese-style thin noodles or vermicelli ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- dash of ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 4 green onions, cut in 2-inch long strips ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, cut into 2-inch long strips ⓘ
- 8 medium tomatoes
- 2 boxes tricolor pasta ⓘ
- 4 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large yellow pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper, diced ⓘ
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 1 Bermuda onion, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Rinse the cooked pasta well and drain.
- Mix the drained pasta with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl.
- Add diced yellow and red peppers, diced tomatoes, diced Bermuda onion, and green onion strips to the pasta.
- In a small bowl, combine cider vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seed, minced garlic, ground red pepper, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss to coat evenly.
- Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides to create a cavity.
- Stuff the prepared tomatoes with the pasta mixture.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing the stuffed tomatoes, choose ripe but firm tomatoes so they hold their shape. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use rice noodles instead of traditional pasta. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the filling for extra flavor. This dish can also be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These sesame-noodle-stuffed tomatoes make a vibrant centerpiece for a summer picnic or a light lunch. They pair beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or browse more vegetarian recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tomatoes watery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame-Noodle-Stuffed Tomatoes contains roughly 757 calories, with 18g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (120% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% 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
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Chinese-style thin noodles or vermicelli are ideal for this dish, but you can also use any short pasta like fusilli or penne. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the vegetables in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. You can use diced cucumbers, shredded cabbage, or even some chopped spinach. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
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).