Spicy Sesame Noodles
Spicy Sesame Noodles offer a flavorful, nutty, and spicy dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, appealing to fans of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Chinese noodles or thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/4 c. peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sesame paste (tahini) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. light soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried or 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried or 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili paste or chili oil ⓘ
- diced green tops from 2 or 3 scallions ⓘ
- dried red pepper flakes (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package directions and drain.
- Meanwhile, mix together all other ingredients except scallions and red pepper flakes to make the sauce.
- Add the sauce to the cooked noodles and toss well to combine.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and scallions if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the peanut butter and sesame paste before mixing it with other ingredients. If you're out of sesame paste, you can substitute with an equal amount of peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust the chili paste to your heat preference – less for mild and more for spicy. This dish pairs well with proteins from chicken recipes like Stir-Fried Chicken And Cashews.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy sesame noodles warm or at room temperature, garnished with diced scallions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. This dish is excellent on its own or can be served alongside a protein like grilled chicken or tofu. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a refreshing side salad or a veggie stir-fry such as Garden Vegetable Stir-Fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, and warm it in a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating, and avoid overheating to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Sesame Noodles contains roughly 565 calories, with 20g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% 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 make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensuring your soy sauce is plant-based. The peanut butter and sesame paste are already vegan-friendly, making this a great option for plant-based diets.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, start with less chili paste or oil and gradually add more until it reaches your desired heat. You can also omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor. If someone prefers a spicy kick, serve additional chili oil on the side for drizzling.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for Chinese noodles or thin spaghetti, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose to maintain the right texture.
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).