Sesame Noodles Recipe

Spaghetti: A long pasta that serves as the base for this dish.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce.

Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty aroma and taste.

Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

Honey: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.

Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note to the sauce.

Green onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

To enhance the flavor of your sesame noodles, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant. This will bring out their natural oils and add a deeper, nuttier taste to your dish. Additionally, when cooking the pasta, make sure to salt the water generously. This will season the noodles from the inside out, making the overall dish more flavorful.

• spaghetti - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles provide a similar texture and are a great gluten-free option.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the distinct sesame flavor.

• rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used as a replacement.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and is a vegan alternative.

• toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it is less pungent.

• grated ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used, but it has a more concentrated flavor, so use less.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.
• Transfer the cooled sesame noodles to an airtight container. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The noodles will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the noodles. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the noodles have been stored.
• When ready to eat, thaw the noodles in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures they defrost evenly.
• Reheat the noodles gently in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen them up and restore their original texture.
• Garnish with fresh green onions before serving to add a burst of freshness and flavor.

• Microwave method:

  1. Place the sesame noodles in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.

• Stovetop method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of sesame oil or vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Add the sesame noodles to the skillet and toss gently.
  4. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until the noodles are heated through.
  5. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of water.

• Oven method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sesame noodles in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a small amount of water or broth to keep the noodles moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  6. Check the temperature and bake for an additional 5 minutes if necessary.

• Steamer method:

  1. Place the sesame noodles in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer basket.
  2. Add a small amount of water or broth to the dish.
  3. Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  4. Place the dish in the steamer basket and cover.
  5. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.

• Pot: Used to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, garlic, and ginger.

• Whisk: Helps to thoroughly combine the sauce ingredients.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves.

• Grater: Necessary for grating the ginger.

• Knife: Used to chop the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the green onions.

• Tongs: Handy for tossing the cooked pasta with the sauce.

• Serving bowl: Ideal for presenting the finished sesame noodles.

Pre-make the sauce: Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, garlic, and ginger ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic and ginger: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic and ginger.

Cook pasta in advance: Boil the pasta earlier in the day, then rinse with cold water and toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Chop green onions ahead: Pre-chop the green onions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.