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- 200g soba noodles - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Optional: Sriracha for extra heat When you choose your ingredients, aim for the best. Fresh vegetables make a big difference. Look for bright red bell peppers and snap peas that snap when you bend them. Quality soba noodles should be firm and not broken. For sauces, use high-quality sesame oil and soy sauce. This enhances the flavor of your dish. If you have allergies, or if you need alternatives, there are many options. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you dislike soba noodles, try rice noodles or whole wheat pasta. For those who can't eat sesame, olive oil works well. You can switch out the vegetables too. Broccoli, carrots, or spinach can add great taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the soba noodles. Cook the noodles for about 4 to 6 minutes. Check the package for exact times. When they are done, drain the noodles. Rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps them from getting mushy. Grab a small bowl for the sauce. In this bowl, whisk together sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Mix until it's smooth and well combined. Want more heat? Just add more chili garlic sauce to taste. This sauce gives the noodles their spicy kick. Get a large skillet and add a little sesame oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want them tender but still bright and colorful. This step adds crunch and freshness to your dish. Now, add the cooked soba noodles to your skillet with the veggies. Pour your sauce over everything. Toss all the ingredients together until the noodles are fully coated. Keep tossing for about 2 minutes until everything is heated through. This step mixes all the flavors well. Once mixed, take the skillet off the heat. Transfer the noodle bowl to serving bowls. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. If you like it spicy, drizzle some Sriracha on top. Serve it hot, and enjoy your meal! To change the heat level, you can adjust the chili garlic sauce. If you want it milder, use just one tablespoon. For more heat, add a little more sauce. You can also add Sriracha on top for extra spice. Just remember to taste as you go. This way, you can find the right balance that suits you. Cooking soba noodles is simple. Use a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding the noodles. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually 4-6 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them from getting mushy. For a beautiful presentation, use deep bowls. Heap the noodles in the center of the bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Add a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty touch. Using chopsticks can make eating more fun and engaging. This adds to the overall experience of your meal. Pro Tips Perfect Noodle Texture: Ensure you rinse the soba noodles in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and maintain their firm texture. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce in the dressing according to your spice preference. Start with less and gradually increase for the perfect balance. Colorful Veggies: Use a variety of colorful vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli for added nutrition and visual appeal. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! Store the noodles and sauce separately from the vegetables to keep everything fresh throughout the week. {{image_2}} To make your Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowl vegetarian, simply swap the protein. You can add tofu, which soaks up flavors well. Firm tofu is best. Just press it to remove water, then cube it. Stir-fry the cubes until golden. You can also use tempeh for a nutty taste. Chickpeas are another great choice. They add protein and a nice texture. If you want more protein, consider chicken or shrimp. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cook them in the skillet first, then set aside. For shrimp, add them to the pan after the veggies. Cook until they turn pink. Both options boost protein while keeping the dish tasty. You can easily change the flavor too. Try adding fresh ginger for a spicy, warm note. Garlic adds depth; just sauté it with the veggies. For a tangy twist, add lime juice before serving. You can also use different vegetables. Broccoli or carrots work well. Each change brings a new taste to your bowl. To store your Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowl, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the noodles fresh and prevents them from drying out. Your dish will stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. To reheat, add a splash of water to your noodles. This helps them regain moisture. Heat in a pan over medium heat. Stir often until the noodles are hot, about 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Place your cool noodles in a freezer-safe container. They can freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Soba noodles are thin, brown noodles made from buckwheat flour. They have a nutty flavor. These noodles are popular in Japan and are great for many dishes. They cook quickly, usually in 4-6 minutes. You can enjoy them hot or cold. Yes, you can! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is similar in taste but made without wheat. You can also choose gluten-free soba noodles. Always check the package to ensure they are gluten-free. To make this dish ahead of time, cook the noodles and veggies first. Let them cool fully before storing. Keep the sauce in a separate container. Combine everything when you're ready to serve. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy. You can add many ingredients to this bowl! Try adding cooked chicken or tofu for protein. Chopped carrots, cucumbers, or broccoli can add crunch. Feel free to experiment with different veggies based on your taste. Sesame noodles come from Asian cuisine, especially in China. They are often served cold as a salad or warm with sauce. The dish combines sesame paste or oil with noodles and various toppings. It’s a simple but flavorful meal enjoyed by many. This post covered the key elements of creating a delicious Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowl. We explored the best ingredients to use, cooking methods, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. You can adapt the recipe to your tastes, with options for different proteins or flavors. Finally, proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers. Cooking can be simple and fun when you follow these steps. Now, you'll have a tasty meal ready whenever you want!

Spicy Sesame Noodle Bowl

A flavorful noodle dish with a spicy sesame sauce and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g soba noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 1 to taste Sriracha for extra heat

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically around 4-6 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop cooking.
  • Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup until well combined. Adjust the spiciness by adding more chili garlic sauce if desired.
  • Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still vibrant in color.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked soba noodles to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro on top. Drizzle with Sriracha for extra heat if desired.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with chopsticks or forks. A wedge of lime on the side can add a zesty touch!
Keyword noodles, quick meal, spicy, vegetarian