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To make spicy sesame noodle bowls, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz. soba noodles (or any noodles of choice) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust for spice preference) - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup cucumber, julienned - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 2 green onions, sliced - Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish - Salt to taste You can switch out soba noodles for other types. Here are some tasty choices: - Rice noodles: These are light and soak up flavors well. - Udon noodles: Thick and chewy, they add a unique texture. - Spaghetti: A common pantry staple that works in a pinch. - Zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, try spiralized zucchini. Garnishes add flavor and color. Here are some ideas: - Chopped fresh cilantro: It adds a bright, herbaceous note. - Basil leaves: Sweet basil gives a fragrant touch. - Crushed peanuts: They add crunch and nutty flavor. - Extra chili flakes: For those who love more heat. - Lime wedges: A splash of lime juice brightens the dish. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of soba noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Stir the noodles gently to keep them from sticking. Once they are done, drain them in a colander. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. This step keeps the noodles fresh and firm. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, combine several ingredients to make the sauce. Use 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for a rich flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari if you're gluten-free. Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for a tangy kick. The star of the sauce is 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, which brings heat. Feel free to adjust this amount based on how spicy you want your dish. Whisk these together until they mix well. This sauce will coat the noodles and give them a delicious taste. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked soba noodles to the bowl with the sauce. Toss them gently to coat the noodles evenly. Next, add 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 cup of julienned cucumber, and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Mix well to ensure the vegetables spread throughout the noodles. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Adjust salt to taste. Toss everything lightly for a final mix. Finally, serve the noodle bowls in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro or basil for that aromatic touch. To make your Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowls just right, adjust the chili garlic sauce. If you like it spicy, use more sauce. If you prefer mild, add less. It is easy to change the heat! You can also add fresh chili slices. This gives a nice kick without changing the base sauce. These noodle bowls are perfect for meal prep. Cook a big batch of noodles and store them in the fridge. Make the sauce ahead, too. Mix the sauce and noodles just before serving. Add fresh veggies on the day you eat. This keeps them crisp and tasty. If you're cooking for many, double the recipe. Use a large bowl to mix everything. Cook the noodles in batches if needed. Set up a noodle bar with toppings. Let guests customize their bowls with their favorite veggies and herbs. This makes the meal fun and interactive. Pro Tips Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure your noodles are cooked al dente for the perfect texture that holds up well with the sauce and vegetables. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce based on your spice preference; you can even omit it for a milder flavor. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil to add a burst of flavor and freshness to your noodle bowl. Make It a Meal: Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make this noodle bowl a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. This swap keeps it gluten-free too. For the chili garlic sauce, pick a brand that is vegan-friendly. If you want added flavor, try adding some crushed tofu. Just sauté it in sesame oil until golden. This adds protein and texture to your meal. If you want to add protein, there are many choices. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef all pair well. For a vegetarian option, try edamame or chickpeas. Just toss them in with the noodles and sauce. They add a hearty bite and boost nutrition. For a quick option, consider using rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Switching up veggies keeps your dish fresh. In the spring, add snap peas or asparagus. In the summer, try fresh corn or zucchini. In the fall, butternut squash or sweet potatoes work well. During winter, you can use kale or Brussels sprouts. Using seasonal produce not only tastes better, but it also supports local farms. Plus, it adds color to your bowl! After making your spicy sesame noodle bowls, let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or color changes. You can freeze these noodle bowls, but it's best to store the sauce and noodles separately. Use freezer-safe containers. The noodles can freeze well for about one month. When freezing, make sure to label the containers with the date. This helps you know when to use them. To reheat, you have a few options. You can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the noodles in a bowl, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to a pan. Heat over low until warm. Enjoy your noodles fresh! To make spicy sesame noodle bowls gluten-free, choose gluten-free noodles. You can use rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Also, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari tastes similar but does not have gluten. This way, you still enjoy great flavor while being mindful of dietary needs. If you can't find soba noodles, don't worry! You can use other noodles. Rice noodles work well. They cook quick and have a nice texture. You could also try spaghetti or whole wheat pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the noodle type. The goal is to keep the dish tasty and fun. Want more heat? Add extra chili garlic sauce! Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. For a fresh kick, try adding sliced fresh jalapeños or Thai bird chilies. Just remember, spice can sneak up on you, so go slow to find your perfect heat level! You learned about the key ingredients and how to cook noodles perfectly. We covered tips for spice levels and meal prep to make cooking easier. You can adapt recipes for special diets and use seasonal veggies for more flavor. Remember to store your dish correctly for later. With these insights, you can enjoy tasty noodle bowls any time. Cooking is fun, so get creative and share your new dishes with others.

Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowls

A flavorful and spicy noodle dish with fresh vegetables and a sesame sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz soba noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 2 stalks green onions
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or basil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce until well combined.
  • Add the cooked noodles to the bowl with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly.
  • Incorporate the shredded carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper into the bowl, mixing until the vegetables are distributed throughout the noodles.
  • Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top, adjusting salt to taste.
  • Toss everything lightly again for a final mix.
  • Serve the noodle bowl in individual bowls, and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Adjust the chili garlic sauce for desired spice level.
Keyword Asian, noodles, spicy, vegetarian