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 taste that is essential for the dish.

Rice vinegar: Adds a slight tanginess to balance the flavors.

Honey: Brings a touch of sweetness to the sauce.

Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and enhances the sesame flavor.

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

Scallions: Offers a fresh, mild onion taste and a pop of color.

When preparing spaghetti, ensure to cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This texture allows the sauce to cling better to the noodles, enhancing the overall flavor. To achieve this, follow the package instructions closely and taste the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. If it’s slightly firm but not hard, it’s ready. After draining, rinse the spaghetti briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

• spaghetti - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles provide a similar texture and are often used in Asian cuisine, making them a great alternative.

• 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 if sesame oil is unavailable, though it will have a different flavor profile.

• rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used in place of rice vinegar.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can be used as a vegan alternative.

• toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Toasted 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 the flavor will be slightly different.

• scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute.

• Allow the sesame noodles to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.
• Transfer the cooled noodles to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of noodles snugly to minimize air exposure.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The sesame noodles will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, portion the noodles into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Place each portion into a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bags or containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the sesame noodles have been stored.
• When ready to eat, thaw the noodles in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to refresh the flavors.
• Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving to restore the dish's original vibrancy.

• 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.
  5. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds 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 and a splash of water or broth.
  4. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
  5. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the noodles are heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sesame noodles in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of water or broth and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the sesame noodles in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer basket.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to the noodles.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid.
  4. Steam over boiling water for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  5. Stir the noodles halfway through the steaming process for even heating.

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

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked spaghetti.

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

• Whisk: Used to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves.

• Knife: Required for slicing the scallions.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the scallions.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the honey and toasted sesame seeds.

• Serving bowl: Ideal for tossing the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and serving.

• Tongs: Useful for tossing the spaghetti with the sauce to ensure even coating.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and slice the scallions ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-cooked noodles: Opt for pre-cooked spaghetti or pasta to save on boiling time.

Make the sauce ahead: Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey in advance and store it in the fridge.

Toast sesame seeds in bulk: Toast a large batch of sesame seeds and store them for future use.

Use a large mixing bowl: Toss the spaghetti with the sauce in a large bowl to ensure even coating quickly.