Sesame Noodles

SESAME NOODLES that are better than takeout on your table in 30 Minutes!

These Sesame Noodles are super quick and easy with the most flavor bursting, luxuriously, creamy peanut sesame sauce made extra easy in your blender!  I’ve also included the option to stir fry your sesame noodles with chicken and veggies to make most delicious complete meal all in one.   You will crave these Sesame Noodles for days!

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What are sesame noodles?

Sesame noodles have a broad definition but essentially any noodle recipe that contains something “sesame” from sesame oil to sesame paste to sesame seeds can be called Sesame. For my Sesame Noodles recipe, I went with Sesame Noodles smothered in an intoxicating peanut sesame dressing steeped in Asian flavor because we all know I have a mad crush on peanut sauces.

From my Thai Pineapple Peanut Chicken Satay and my Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps in Pineapple Hoisin Peanut Sauce – recipes with peanut sauces are some of my very favorite. But wait, Asian recipes with noodles from my Pad Thai, Vietnamese Noodles and Korean Noodles are some of my favorite.  Put them together:  NOODLES + SESAME PEANUT SAUCE = MY FAVORITE!

And I’m pretty sure these Sesame Noodles will quickly become your favorite.

What Kind of Noodles Do You Use to Make Sesame Noodles?

You can also use any of these Asian Noodles to make Sesame Noodles, but I prefer Soba Noodles:

• Soba:  I recommend soba noodles for this Sesame Noodles recipe.  Soba Noodles are made from buckwheat flour and boast a strong, nutty flavor, which works fabulously with the sesame sauce.  Dried soba noodles (which we use in this recipe) looks like flat spaghetti and are usually light beige to dark brown-gray in color.
• Linguine or Thin Spaghetti:  these are my second choice if you can not easily find soba noodles.  They are thin like soba noodles and can offer a chewy bite if you cook them al dente.
• Udon:  are thick, chewy, dense wheat noodles with a neutral flavor which allows them to pair well with strong sauces, like this Sesame Sauce.
• Ramen:  most of us are familiar with Ramen noodles sold in the square packages with the seasoning package but authentic Ramen noodles are also sold in the Asian section without the seasoning packet.  They are thin, slightly curly wheat noodles with a chewy bite.  For me, they are a last resort for Sesame Noodles because their thin texture is not substantial enough for the thick, creamy peanut sesame sauce.

The Asian Noodles – Soba, Udon and Ramen – can easily be found in the Asian section of your grocery store, you shouldn’t have to make a specialty trip to an Asian market.   Cook all noodles according to package directions.

What Ingredients do I need for Sesame Noodles?

In additional to the noodles,  you will need these ingredients for the BEST Peanut Sesame Sauce:

• sesame oil: toasted is preferable but either will work fine.
• crunchy peanut butter:  you can substitute with smooth peanut butter.
• sesame seeds:  sesame seeds can be found in the seasoning section of your grocery store.
• sodium soy sauce:  use reduced sodium soy sauce or else your Sesame Noodles my be too salty.  You can substitute tamari for a gluten free option.
• brown sugar:  this is necessary to balance the soy sauce and peanut butter. 
• sweet Japanese rice wine or dry sherry:  Rice wine should become a pantry staple if you do much Asian cooking.  Rice wine is NOT rice vinegar- DO NOT switch them out.  Rice wine adds a sweetness and depth of flavor while rice vinegar, on the other hand, will add an acidic flavor.  I use “Kikkoman Aji-Mirin: Sweet Cooking Rice Seasoning” which is commonly found in the Asian section of most grocery stores or you can Amazon it.  I highly suggest you google image before you head off to the grocery store so you know exactly what you are looking for.  The best substitute for rice wine is pale dry sherry.
• rice vinegar:  use unseasoned rice vinegar.
• oyster sauce:  oyster sauce is commonly used in Asian cooking, like in my Beef and Broccoli.  It is a thick, brown sauce with a balance between sweet and salty with an earthy undertone.  Not all oyster sauces are created equal– use only quality oyster sauce like Lee Kim Kee or Kikkoman, otherwise you will regret it (raised hand here).You can find oyster sauce in the Asian aisle of any supermarket for only a few dollars.  I have also been told there are vegetarian oyster sauces as well. 
• freshly grated ginger:  you may substitute the freshly grated ginger with ¾ tsp ground ginger.
• garlic cloves:  you may substitute the garlic cloves with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.  You can add more to taste depending on your garlic love. 
• Asian chili sauce:  I use Sambal Oelek but you can use whatever you have on hand.  Use more or less depending on how spicy you like your Sesame Noodles.  You can always add additional chili sauce to individual servings as well. 
• basil:  you can use 1 teaspoon dried basil or ¼ cup lightly packed fresh basil – both work great. 

How do you make Chinese sesame noodles?

• Step 1 – Cook Noodles:  Cook noodles al dente according to package directions. Drain pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to keep them from sticking together and to infuse with flavor. Set aside.
• Step 2- Make Sesame Sauce:  Meanwhile, add all of the Peanut Sesame Blender Sauce ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth (I use my soup setting on my Blendtec).
• Step 3 – Cook Chicken (optional):  Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook until completely cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
• Step 4 – Stir Fry (optional):  Add an additional 1 tablespoon olive oil to the now empty skillet and heat over medium high heat. Add mushrooms, and saute for 2 minutes. Add peppers and bok choy and stir fry for an additional 2 minutes or until peppers are crisp tender and bok choy has softened.

• Step 5 – Combine:  Add chicken back to the skillet along with pasta, Peanut Sesame Blender Sauce and green onions. Toss until noodles are evenly coated, adding additional water if needed to reach desired consistency.

• Step 6 –  Garnish: Garnish with cilantro, crushed peanuts and sesame seeds and that’s it for quick and easy Sesame Noodles with a depth of deliciousness your whole family will swoon over in every creamy slurpercilious bite after bite after bite….

How do you make sesame noodles with peanut butter?

These Sesame Noodles aren’t just peanut noodles and they aren’t just sesame noodles either but the luxurious sauce is infused with both peanut butter and sesame seeds for a savory complimentary duo that is simply the best!

Many Sesame Noodle recipes include a splash of sesame oil with peanut butter in order to call it “sesame”, but to make truly great sesame noodles, I’ve created a blender Peanut Sesame Dressing that not only has peanut butter but actual sesame seeds (easier and cheaper than buying Tahini).  This dressing is the star of these Sesame Noodles with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, savory and salty.

To make your sesame sauce with peanut butter, simply add all of the sauce ingredients to your blender and blend together with some water until nice and silky – that’s it!  So just  remember when you see the long list of Sesame Peanut Dressing ingredients that it is quick dumping and blending and you’re done!

What Do I serve with Sesame Noodles?

It is also important to garnish your Sesame Noodles to customize them to your taste. I suggest:

• fresh cilantro
• green onions
• crushed salted peanuts
• sesame seeds
• Asian chili sauce to taste

As far as sides go, if you make my Stir-fry version, you don’t need much except some fresh fruit such as mangos or pineapple.  If you serve the Sesame Noodles plain, then they go great with Chinese Chicken Salad, or Asian Salad.  For appetizers, these Sesame Noodles pair nicely with Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls, Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons, and Chinese Chicken Wings.

Can I add chicken to Sesame Noodles?

I’ve included sliced chicken in this Sesame Noodles Recipe.  You can substitute the chicken for tofu, steak or pork or leave it out all together,  It is easiest to slice chicken thinly if it is partially frozen.  It will defrost quickly once sliced.

CAN I ADD VEGETABLES TO SESAME NOODLES?

I wanted to make these Sesame Noodles a complete meal so I added stir fried chicken and veggies but feel free to leave them out – there is no right or wrong with these Peanut Sesame Noodles – except not inviting them into your life.  so so wrong.   For Sesame Noodled with protein and veggies, I use:

• sliced chicken breasts (shrimp would also be fabulous)
• fresh shiitake mushrooms
• red bell pepper
• orange bell pepper
• green onions
• baby bok choy

You can substitute with whatever veggies you have on hand such as zucchini, spinach, carrots, snow peas, bean sprouts, etc.  Sesame Noodles make a great clean-out-the-fridge meal.

Can I make Sesame Noodles Ahead of time?

You can prep your chicken and veggies ahead of time to make these Sesame Noodles come together super quickly.  You can also blend your sesame sauce in advance and store in the refrigerator.

If you want to make the Sesame Noodles completely ahead of time, they reheat fabulously due to the texture of the soba noodles.   Just add a splash of water to the noodles before reheating to thin out the sauce a little which will thicken slightly in the refrigerator.

• You can play with the ratio of peanut butter to sesame seeds depending on your desired flavor.  If you use more sesame seeds then you will want to supplement with a little oil.
• Garnish!  Garnish! Garnish!  Add plenty of cilantro, peanuts and Asian Chili Sauce to taste.
• Add a splash of hot water when reheating leftovers.

Are sesame noodles gluten free?

Sesame Noodles can be made gluten free but as this recipe is written, it is not gluten free.  To make gluten free Sesame Noodles, you will need to substitute the soy sauce with tamari and take care to use a gluten free noodle.

The Soba noodles called for in this recipe are sometimes gluten free.   Many soba noodles also have some wheat flour in them in addition to the buckwheat, which means they’re not gluten-free.

Authentic, pure buckwheat soba noodles (sometimes called juwari soba), however, are gluten free.  They are made with only buckwheat flour and water and boast a stronger, more nutty flavor.   You will need to check the soba noodles label to see if they are gluten free or not.  If you can’t find gluten-free soba noodles, then substitute with your favorite gluten free noodles such as rice noodles or even zoodles.

WHAT SHOULD I SERVE WITH SESAME NOODLES?

This sesame noodles is explosively flavorful bursting with protein, veggies and carbs so it’s a complete meal-in one!  To turn it into a complete Asian feast, pair it with:

• Appetizers: we love sesame noodles with Potstickers, Crab Rangoons, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons, Traditional Egg Rolls, Sesame Chicken Egg Rolls, Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls or Chinese Chicken Wings.
• Salad: some of our favorite Asian inspired salads include Crunchy Asian Salad, Chinese Salad, and Asian Pineapple Salad.
• Soups: Asian soups make a fantastic starter such as Wonton Soup, Egg Drop Soup or Miso Soup.
• Fruit: fresh fruit such as chopped pineapple is always an easy, welcome sweet stir fry side.  Grilled Pineapple, Summer Fruit Salad, Perfect Fruit Salad, Creamy Grape Salad, and Pina Colada Fruit Salad are also fantastic.

HOW TO STORE Sesame Noodles

This sesame noodles recipe reheats wonderfully for lunches or dinners, just take care to not overcook the noodles initially.

• How to store:  store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• How to reheat in microwave: transfer small portions to a microwave safe dish, heat for one minute, stir then continue to heat at 30 second intervals.
• How to reheat on the stove:  for larger portions, rewarm in a large skillet, over medium-high heat stirring often.

Looking for more Asian recipes?

• Beef and Broccoli
• Mongolian Chicken
• Potstickers
• Sesame Chicken
• General Tso’s Chicken
• Beef Bulgogi
• Cashew Chicken
• Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Mongolian Beef
• Kung Pao Shrimp

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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

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Peanut Sesame Noodles (with Chicken & Veggies)

Sesame Noodles loaded with chicken and veggies makes the most delicious complete meal all in one on your table in 30 Minutes! These Sesame Noodles are super quick and easy with the most flavor bursting, luxuriously, creamy peanut sesame sauce made extra easy in your blender!  You will crave these Sesame Noodles for days!

Servings: 6 servings

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

Stir Fry

• 1 pound chicken breasts cut into thin slices*
• 12 oz. soba noodles or linguine
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 4 oz. fresh shiitake mushrooms stems removed, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced then halved
• 1 orange bell pepper thinly sliced then halved
• 3 green onions thinly sliced
• 2 baby bok choy chopped into thick slices
• olive oil

Peanut Sesame Blender Sauce

• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter (may sub smooth)
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Japanese rice wine or dry sherry*
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (like Lee Kim Kee or Kikkoman)*
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger (OR ¾ tsp ground ginger)
• 4 garlic cloves peeled
• 1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup hot water

Garnish

• fresh cilantro
• Crushed salted peanuts
• sesame seeds
• Asian chili sauce to taste

Instructions

• Cook noodles al dente according to package directions. Rinse pasta very well, drain and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, add all of the Peanut Sesame Blender Sauce ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Do not over blend, that will make it runny/thin.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook until completely cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
• Add an additional 1 tablespoon olive oil to the now empty skillet and heat over medium high heat. Add mushrooms, and saute for 2 minutes. Add peppers and bok choy and stir fry for an additional 2 minutes or until peppers are crisp tender and bok choy has softened.
• Add chicken back to the skillet along with noodles, Peanut Sesame Blender Sauce and green onions. Toss until noodles are evenly coated, adding additional water if needed to reach desired consistency.
• Taste and add additional Asian Chili Sauce for spicier, rice vinegar for tangier or brown sugar for sweeter if desired. Garnish with cilantro, peanuts, and sesame seeds.

Notes

*Both oyster sauce and mirin can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. The mirin I use is Kikkoman Manjo Aj-Mirin (Sweet Cooking Rice Seasoning). I suggest googling it before you go to the store so you know exactly what it looks like.

Other Tips and Ticks:

• You can substitute the chicken for tofu, steak or pork or leave it out all together,
• You can substitute the noodles for your favorite noodles or use zucchini noodles.
• Customize the veggies with whatever you have on hand.  Cleaning out the fridge will never taste so good!
• Prep your veggies ahead of time to make these Sesame Noodles come together super quickly.
• You can also make your sauce in your blender ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
• You can play with the ratio of peanut butter to sesame seeds depending on your desired flavor.  If you use more sesame seeds then you will want to supplement with a little oil.
• Use quality oyster sauce!  I didn’t think I liked oyster sauce at first because I had an inferior brand.  Use Kikkoman or Lee Kum Kee for the best taste and therefore best results.  And if you need another excuse to buy oyster sauce try my Broccoli Beef! 
• Add a splash of hot water when reheating leftovers.

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