Description
This Shortcut Sesame Butter Noodles recipe offers a quick and comforting meal featuring noodles tossed in a creamy and flavorful sesame-peanut butter sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, it comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner with an Asian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 300 g noodles, such as spaghetti, ramen, or udon
Sauce
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 tbsp hot water
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water before draining.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and chili flakes if using. Gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water to the mixture, whisking constantly, until the sauce reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Place the drained noodles in a large bowl or skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss thoroughly to evenly coat them. If necessary, add a little of the reserved noodle cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro over the noodles. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add shredded chicken, crispy tofu, shrimp, or edamame for added protein.
- Substitute tahini for peanut butter to make a nut-free version of the sauce.
- Include fresh vegetables like cucumber or shredded carrots for extra freshness and crunch.
- Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Noodles, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
