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For this dish, you need 8 oz. of whole wheat noodles. They give a nice, nutty taste. Whole wheat noodles are also healthier than regular ones. They add fiber to your meal, making it filling. You can cook them just like regular pasta. Next, gather your seasonings. You will need: - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for spice level) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup These ingredients mix well for a tasty sauce. The sesame oil adds a rich flavor. Garlic and ginger give it a fresh kick. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while the chili paste brings heat. Honey or maple syrup balances the spice with sweetness. Now, let’s talk about the veggies. You’ll need: - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro for garnish These fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Carrots bring sweetness, and red bell peppers add a nice crunch. Snap peas offer a bright taste. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds are perfect for topping. They add flavor and make the dish look pretty. Fresh cilantro gives a burst of freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz. of whole wheat noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Don't forget to save a little pasta water! Grab a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together 3 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Next, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Mix everything well. You can add more chili paste if you want it spicier! Now, heat a splash of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 cup of thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup of trimmed snap peas. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright and a bit tender. Add the cooked noodles to your skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the spicy sauce over the noodles. Toss everything together well. Make sure the noodles and veggies are coated evenly. If it feels too dry, add a little of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. When ready to serve, divide the spicy sesame noodle mix into bowls. Top each bowl with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and some fresh cilantro. Enjoy your colorful and tasty dish! You can make this dish as spicy as you like. Start with one tablespoon of chili paste. If you want more heat, add extra chili paste, one teaspoon at a time. Taste the sauce after each addition. Remember, the flavor should shine through the heat. Balance the spice with honey or maple syrup if it gets too hot. Cook your noodles until they are al dente. This means they should still have a bit of bite. Overcooked noodles can become mushy. After cooking, drain them, but save a little pasta water. This water helps loosen the sauce later, keeping your noodles perfectly coated without being too saucy. Feel free to get creative! Add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra nutrition. You can also toss in other veggies like broccoli or zucchini. For a fresh twist, include fresh herbs like basil or mint. A splash of lime juice can brighten up the dish, adding a nice zing. Pro Tips Adjust Spice Level: If you're sensitive to heat, start with less chili paste and add more as needed to suit your taste. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value to your dish. Choose vibrant, crisp veggies. Leftover Noodles: If you have leftover noodles, toss them in a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking before reheating. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the cilantro and sesame seeds; they add a burst of flavor and make your dish visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your spicy sesame noodle bowls. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. If you choose chicken, cook it in the skillet before the veggies. For shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden. Each option brings a new flavor and texture. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers all add great taste. You can even toss in some baby spinach or bok choy for a fresh twist. The key is to use colorful veggies that you enjoy. This keeps the dish vibrant and fun. If you need a gluten-free version, just switch the noodles. Rice noodles or gluten-free pasta are excellent choices. Be sure to check your soy sauce too. Look for a gluten-free version or use tamari as an alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy the spicy sesame flavors. You can store leftover spicy sesame noodle bowls in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about three days. Make sure to let the noodles cool before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess. If you want to freeze the noodles, it’s best to store them without the veggies. Place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to help steam the noodles. Stir until heated through. This keeps them from drying out. Yes, you can make Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowls ahead of time. Cook the noodles and prepare the sauce separately. Store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just combine them. You might need to add a little water to the mix. This keeps the noodles from getting dry. The flavors will blend well overnight, making it even tastier. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or peanut oil. These oils have different flavors but work well in this dish. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for. You can also mix in a little toasted sesame oil for flavor. This gives a nice touch without losing the essence of the dish. To make this recipe vegetarian, simply skip the honey and use maple syrup instead. If you want it to be vegan, the same syrup works great. All the other ingredients are already plant-based. This way, you can enjoy the spicy flavors while keeping it vegan. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowls. We covered key ingredients like whole wheat noodles, essential seasonings, and fresh veggies. Then, we walked through step-by-step cooking, sautéing, and serving. I shared tips to adjust spiciness and improve noodle texture, plus variations for protein and vegetables. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods. Now you can enjoy vibrant dishes anytime. Experiment with flavors, and share your creations!

Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowls

A flavorful and spicy noodle dish with fresh vegetables and a sesame sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat noodles
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 3 pieces green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • to taste none fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, chili paste, and honey/maple syrup until well combined. Adjust the spiciness by adding more chili paste if desired.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant and slightly tender.
  • Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles and veggies are evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Serve: Divide the spicy sesame noodle mixture into bowls. Top with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for garnish.

Notes

Adjust the chili paste for desired spice level.
Keyword noodles, sesame, spicy, vegetarian