Sesame Noodles Recipe

Spaghetti: The base of the dish, providing a neutral canvas for the flavorful sauce.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the noodles.

Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of sesame noodles.

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

Honey: Introduces a touch of sweetness to the sauce.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent aroma.

Sesame seeds: Adds a bit of crunch and extra sesame flavor.

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

When preparing the spaghetti, make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This texture will hold up better when tossed with the sauce and provide a more satisfying bite. To enhance the flavor of the sesame seeds, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant. This simple step will add a deeper, nuttier flavor to your sesame noodles.

• spaghetti - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles provide a similar texture and are gluten-free, making them a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

• spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb and gluten-free option that adds a fresh, light flavor to the dish.

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

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free and gluten-free option with a slightly sweeter taste.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used if sesame oil is unavailable, though it will lack the distinct nutty flavor of sesame.

• sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a similar nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute in Asian-inspired dishes.

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

• rice vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a comparable tanginess and can be used as an alternative.

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

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is another vegan-friendly sweetener with a similar consistency to honey.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though the flavor will be slightly less intense.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds offer a similar crunch and nutritional benefits.

• sesame seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar texture and nutty flavor.

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

• scallions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a slightly stronger flavor but can be used in place of scallions in a pinch.

• Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.
• Transfer the sesame noodles to an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the noodles from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The noodles will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the noodles in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out 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 even thawing and maintains the texture.
• Reheat the noodles in a microwave or on the stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
• Garnish with fresh scallions and sesame seeds before serving to restore the dish's vibrant flavors and textures.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of sesame oil or olive oil to the pan.
  3. Toss in the leftover sesame noodles and stir frequently.
  4. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the noodles are heated through.
  5. If the noodles seem dry, add a small amount of soy sauce or a splash of water to moisten them.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover sesame noodles in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the noodles are heated through. If not, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sesame noodles in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the noodles are heated through. If not, continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  2. Place the leftover sesame noodles in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Check if the noodles are heated through. If not, continue to steam for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Boiling Water Method:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  2. Place the leftover sesame noodles in a heatproof colander.
  3. Dip the colander into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Remove the colander and let the noodles drain before serving.

• Large pot: To cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.

• Colander: To drain the cooked spaghetti.

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

• Whisk: To mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.

• Garlic press: To mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

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

• Measuring spoons: To measure the honey and sesame seeds.

• Knife: To slice the scallions.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for slicing the scallions.

• Serving bowl: To toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and serve.

Cook pasta ahead: Boil the spaghetti in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly toss it with the sauce when ready to serve.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Mix sauce in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey mixture. Store it in the fridge for future use.

Pre-slice scallions: Slice the scallions ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Toast sesame seeds: Toast the sesame seeds in bulk and store them in an airtight container for quick use.