This recipe for sesame noodles comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a fast option for lunch or dinner when you need a quick meal. Get flavorful sesame noodles ready in no time.
Key takeaways
- Achieve a creamy sauce by gradually whisking warm water into sesame paste to create an emulsion.
- Adjust sauce consistency and flavor with additional liquid, seasonings, or sweetener.
- Cook noodles al dente and toss with oil to prevent sticking.
- Substitutions like peanut butter or different vinegars can alter flavor but maintain texture.
Quick 15-Min Sesame Noodle Bowls
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sesame paste (or tahini)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Sriracha and sugar to taste
- 6-8 ounces stir fry noodles, Chinese egg noodles, or linguine in a pinch
- 2 cups edamame, cooked
- 2 cucumbers, diced
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sesame paste, warm water, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated garlic. Add Sriracha and sugar to taste. Whisk until smooth, or shake in a jar.
- Cook noodles: Cook your chosen noodles a few minutes LESS than package directions. If they seem sticky, rinse them under cold water.
- Combine: Toss the cooked noodles with about half of the prepared sesame sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble bowls: Divide the sauced noodles among your meal prep containers.
- Add toppings: Top the noodles with cooked edamame and diced cucumber.
- Finish and store: Drizzle with a little extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional). Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Enjoy hot or cold!
Notes
– A splash of lime juice can brighten the sauce flavor.
– Feel free to add other veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers.
– For a spicier kick, increase the Sriracha. Allergens: Sesame, Soybeans, Wheat. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
The technique that makes it
What makes these quick sesame noodle bowls work is the emulsification of the sauce. Sesame paste, especially tahini, can be quite thick and oily. To achieve a smooth, creamy, and cohesive sauce that coats the noodles beautifully, the key is to gradually incorporate the warm water while whisking vigorously. Start by combining the sesame paste with the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated garlic. Then, slowly drizzle in the warm water, a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously. This process breaks down the sesame paste and allows the oil and water components to bind together, creating a stable emulsion. If the water is too hot, it can cause the sesame paste to seize up; warm water (around 100-120°F or 38-49°C) is ideal for loosening the paste without cooking it. Adjusting the consistency with more warm water or soy sauce allows you to tailor the sauce thickness to your preference, ensuring it clings perfectly to the noodles without being too watery or too pasty.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce is too thick or clumpy: Gradually whisk in more warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired smooth consistency is reached. Ensure you are whisking vigorously to re-emulsify.
- Sauce is too thin: While difficult to thicken significantly once diluted, you can try whisking in a little more sesame paste or tahini. Alternatively, let it sit for a few minutes; it may thicken slightly as it cools.
- Noodles are sticking together: Ensure you toss the noodles with a small amount of sesame oil immediately after draining. If using dried noodles, cook them slightly al dente and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Flavor is bland: Taste and adjust seasonings. Add more soy sauce for saltiness and umami, rice vinegar for acidity, a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors, or sriracha for heat. Grated garlic can also be increased if desired.
Substitutions
- Sesame paste/Tahini: If you don’t have sesame paste or tahini, a creamy peanut butter can be used as a substitute. The flavor profile will change to peanut noodles, but the creamy texture and emulsification principle remain similar.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos offer a soy-free alternative with a slightly sweeter profile. Adjust sweetness accordingly.
- Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be substituted for rice vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but will provide the necessary acidity to balance the sauce.
- Noodles: Any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine will work in a pinch if Asian-style noodles are unavailable. Ensure they are cooked al dente.
Pro tips
- For extra crunch, add some chopped peanuts or cashews.
- A splash of lime juice can brighten the sauce flavor.
- Feel free to add other veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, increase the Sriracha.
Enjoy these incredibly quick and versatile sesame noodles as a satisfying meal prep option. Experiment with add-ins to make them your own!
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of noodles are best for 15-minute sesame noodles?
For speed, dried ramen, udon, or even spaghetti work well. Fresh noodles cook even faster, often in just 3-5 minutes. Ensure they are cooked al dente to avoid sogginess, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Avoid thick, dense pasta shapes that take longer to boil.
Can I make the sesame noodle sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sesame noodle sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk it well before serving, as it may separate. You might need to thin it slightly with a tablespoon of warm water if it thickens too much upon chilling.
How do I store leftover sesame noodles?
Leftover sesame noodles are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce and become a bit sticky. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan with a splash of water or microwave briefly. They are also delicious served cold as a noodle salad.
What can I add to quick sesame noodles for protein?
To add protein, consider including cooked shredded chicken, pan-fried tofu cubes, or a fried egg on top. Edamame or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also add a protein boost. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or black beans can be stirred in. These additions make the dish more filling and nutritious.
