Sesame Noodles

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Chinese

Creamy sesame noodles feature rich tahini, soy, and chili oil flavors, complemented by fresh cucumber and scallions, perfect for a quick, flavorful vegetarian meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 3/4 c. tahini paste
  • 1 c. Chinese tea
  • 5 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 5 Tbsp. chili oil
  • 3 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1 lb. fresh lo-mein noodles
  • 1/2 c. chopped scallions
  • 1/2 c. shredded cucumber

Instructions

  1. Process garlic until minced.
  2. Add tahini, tea, soy sauce, chili oil, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, sugar, and vinegar; process until smooth.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more tahini or a splash of water to the sauce. If you want a bit of crunch, toasted sesame seeds can be a great addition. You can substitute the lo-mein noodles with soba or rice noodles if preferred, but adjust cooking times accordingly. For a spicy kick, add more chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sesame noodles chilled or at room temperature, garnished with chopped scallions and shredded cucumber for freshness. They pair beautifully with Chinese Cucumber Salad as a refreshing side. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside Ginger-Lime Chicken Stir-Fry or Fried Won Tons for a complete Asian-inspired feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sesame noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of hot water or sesame oil to loosen the sauce, then gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This prevents the noodles from becoming too dry.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sesame Noodles contains roughly 305 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2219mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).

305 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 12.8g 16% DV
Carbs 43.2g 16% DV
Fiber 3.5g 13% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2218.6mg 96% DV
Potassium 341.4mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 20.2mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 43.5mg 3% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten Soy Sesame

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 make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This sesame noodles recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses tahini and soy sauce. Just ensure that the soy sauce you choose is also gluten-free if needed. You could add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition without compromising on flavor.

What can I substitute for tahini?

If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with sunflower seed butter or almond butter, as they can provide a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, a mix of peanut butter and a little bit of water can work in a pinch, though it will change the flavor slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level of your sesame noodles, you can add extra chili oil to the sauce. Additionally, incorporating sliced fresh chilies or a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick. Adjust the spice to your preference for the perfect balance.

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).

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