Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowls

$To make spicy sesame noodle bowls, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz. soba noodles (or your preferred type of noodles) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (substitute with tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance) - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup cucumber, julienned - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - Fresh cilantro or basil for garnishing - Salt to taste When picking fresh produce, look for bright colors and firm textures. For carrots, choose those that are smooth and without spots. For cucumbers, ensure they are crisp and unblemished. Red bell peppers should feel heavy for their size and have shiny skin. For herbs, look for vibrant leaves. Avoid wilted or discolored items. Always check for freshness to get the best flavor. To make this dish vegan, you can use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is made without wheat, making it gluten-free. You can also swap soba noodles with rice noodles or quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you need to avoid any animal products, ensure your chili garlic sauce is vegan. These swaps keep the dish flavorful while meeting dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, cook 8 oz. of soba noodles. Follow the package directions closely. This step is key for the best texture. Once the noodles are tender, drain them in a colander. Rinse them under cold water. This halts cooking and keeps the noodles firm. Place the cooled noodles in a large bowl. This is where all the magic happens. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce. Whisk these together until you have a smooth sauce. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while rice vinegar brings a tangy flavor. Adjust the chili garlic sauce to suit your spice level. This sauce will coat the noodles beautifully. Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the sauce. Toss them gently to ensure every noodle is coated. Next, mix in 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 cup of julienned cucumber, and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir carefully so that the veggies mix well with the noodles. Top this colorful mix with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions. Add salt to taste. Finally, give everything a gentle toss again, mixing all the flavors together. Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil. Enjoy your vibrant, spicy sesame noodle bowls! To make your dish just right, start with less chili garlic sauce. You can always add more later. If you want it spicy, go for a full tablespoon. If you like it mild, start with half a tablespoon. Taste as you go. This way, you can find the heat level that works for you. Cook your soba noodles until they are al dente. This means they should have a slight bite when you chew them. Rinse them under cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking and helps keep them firm. Soft noodles can make your dish mushy. When you mix the noodles with the sauce, be gentle. Use a large bowl to give the noodles room to move. This helps coat them evenly. After adding veggies, stir softly to keep everything intact. Serve in individual bowls and top with fresh herbs. This makes each serving look nice and taste great. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, start with half the amount of chili garlic sauce and add more to taste. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Crisp cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers will elevate your dish. Make it Ahead: This dish can be made in advance! Toss the noodles and sauce together, and add the veggies just before serving to keep them fresh. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like crushed peanuts, avocado slices, or a dash of lime juice for extra flavor. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your spicy sesame noodle bowls. Chicken is a great choice. Cook it in a pan until it is golden brown. Tofu is a fantastic plant-based option. Press it first to remove water, then cube and sauté until crispy. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Sauté shrimp for just a few minutes until they turn pink. Each of these proteins brings a different flavor and texture to the dish. Adding more vegetables makes your dish colorful and nutritious. Broccoli florets add crunch and a vibrant green color. Steam them lightly for a tender bite. Snap peas offer a sweet flavor and crisp texture. Just toss them in raw for a fresh crunch. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. You can use red, yellow, or green bell peppers. Slice them thin and mix them in with the noodles. Feel free to get creative with sauces. Use peanut sauce for a nutty twist. It pairs well with the sesame flavor. A splash of lime juice adds a zesty kick. You can also try hoisin sauce for a sweet and savory combo. For an extra kick, include sriracha or more chili garlic sauce. Every change can make the dish unique and exciting. To store leftovers, place the spicy sesame noodles in an airtight container. Make sure the noodles cool down before sealing. This helps keep them fresh longer. Store the container in the fridge. The noodles stay good for about three to four days. To reheat, take the noodles out of the fridge. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. In a skillet, add a splash of water or oil. Heat on low until warm. This keeps the noodles moist and tasty. Fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers last about five to seven days in the fridge. Store them in a separate bag to keep them crisp. Soba noodles last a long time, about a year if kept dry. The sauces, like soy sauce and rice vinegar, can last months in your pantry. Always check labels for best-by dates to ensure quality. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the noodles and prepare the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, mix everything together. This helps keep the noodles fresh and the veggies crisp. If you can't find soba noodles, try these options: - Rice noodles - Udon noodles - Whole wheat spaghetti Each of these will give a unique look and taste. Choose what you like best! To reduce the heat, use less chili garlic sauce. You can also add more sesame oil and soy sauce. This will balance the spice while keeping the flavor. Adding a little honey or sugar can also help tone down the heat. This article covered key points for a tasty noodle dish. We looked at the main ingredients and how to pick fresh produce. You learned how to make a spicy sesame sauce and cook the noodles just right. I shared tips for adjusting spice and achieving perfect noodle texture. You also saw different protein and veggie options to try. Finally, I covered how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen with these easy steps!$

A flavorful and spicy noodle dish with fresh vegetables and a sesame sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

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 red bell pepper thinly sliced
2 green onions thinly sliced
1 bunch fresh cilantro or basil
1 to taste salt

Instructions

Begin by cooking the soba noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to quickly halt the cooking process. Set them aside in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully blended and create a cohesive sauce.
Add the cooled, cooked noodles to the bowl containing the sauce. Gently toss the noodles with the sauce until they are evenly coated, ensuring every strand is infused with flavor.
Add the shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the noodles. Stir carefully to incorporate the vegetables, ensuring they are well dispersed amongst the noodles.
Top the noodle mixture with toasted sesame seeds and slices of green onions, seasoning with salt to taste.
Give everything a final, gentle toss to ensure all ingredients are harmoniously combined.
Serve the spicy noodle bowls in individual serving bowls, garnishing each with a generous handful of fresh cilantro or basil for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

Adjust the chili garlic sauce based on your spice tolerance.

Keyword noodles, soba, spicy, vegetarian