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- 200g rice noodles - 1/4 cup sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 carrot, julienned - 1 cucumber, julienned - 4 green onions, sliced (green and white parts) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted - Salt and pepper to taste - Add spices like crushed red pepper or chili flakes for extra heat. - Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch. - Substitute honey with agave syrup for vegan needs. - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options. - You will need a large bowl for mixing. - A whisk is great for blending the dressing. - Use a pot to boil water for the noodles. - Serve in a large, shallow bowl or individual plates. - Garnish with extra sesame seeds and cilantro for color. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cook the rice noodles. Follow the package instructions for timing. I usually boil water, add the noodles, and cook for about 5 minutes. Once they are soft, drain them in a colander. Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools them down quickly. In a large bowl, I whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey. This mix gives the salad its unique flavor. If you want more heat, add extra sriracha. If you like it milder, use less. Taste as you go. Now, add the cooled noodles to the dressing. Toss gently to coat them evenly. Next, add the sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, and cucumber. Mix everything well. Then, sprinkle in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Toss again until combined. Finally, taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Don’t forget to top it with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. To make your Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad shine, serve it in a large, shallow bowl. This allows the vibrant colors of the veggies to pop. You can also present it in individual plates for your guests. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sprigs of fresh cilantro for a nice touch. Pair this salad with proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These options add protein and make the meal more filling. For side dishes, consider spring rolls or steamed dumplings. They complement the noodles well and make a great spread. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help maintain its crunch and flavor. It can last up to three days. If you want to prep ahead, mix the noodles and dressing, but keep the veggies separate until serving. Reheating is not recommended since the fresh veggies will lose their texture. If you must, warm the noodles gently in a pan, but avoid overcooking them. One common mistake is overcooking the rice noodles. Follow the package instructions carefully to ensure they stay firm. After cooking, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Balancing flavors in the dressing is key. If it tastes too salty, add a bit of honey. If it's too sweet, a splash of rice vinegar can help. Taste as you go to find the perfect mix. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha according to your personal spice tolerance; start with less and add more if needed. Add Protein: For a heartier salad, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables for the best flavor and crunch. Seasonal produce can enhance the dish significantly. Make it Ahead: This salad can be made in advance; just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegan. Just swap honey for agave syrup. Agave syrup gives the same sweetness without animal products. You can also try maple syrup if you want a different flavor. For a richer taste, use tahini instead of sesame oil. Add other vegan-friendly ingredients too. Sliced avocado adds creaminess. Edamame provides protein and texture. Toss in some cooked chickpeas for more heartiness. These swaps keep your meal satisfying and nutritious. If you like heat, adjust the spice level. Start with a tablespoon of sriracha. Taste it and add more if you want extra kick. You can also mix in chili oil for a different kind of heat. Try adding hot sauce or chili paste. Each adds a unique flavor while turning up the heat. Remember to balance spice with sweetness to keep the flavors in check. Using seasonal vegetables makes this salad even better. In the summer, add fresh corn or zucchini. In the fall, roasted sweet potatoes add a warm touch. You can also switch up the dressing. Try a peanut sauce for a nutty flavor. A sesame-ginger dressing adds brightness and depth. These simple swaps keep your salad fresh and exciting, making it a dish you want to make again and again. You can serve Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad with different proteins. Grilled chicken works well. Shrimp adds a nice touch too. For a vegetarian option, try tofu. You can also pair it with crunchy spring rolls or a light soup. These sides balance the flavors and textures of the salad. To make the salad gluten-free, use gluten-free rice noodles. Most rice noodles are already gluten-free, so check the label. For the soy sauce, choose a gluten-free version. Tamari is a great option. This way, you can enjoy the same bold flavors without gluten. Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad lasts in the fridge for about three days. Store it in an airtight container. Before eating leftovers, check for freshness. If it smells off or looks strange, toss it. To keep it fresh, avoid adding toppings until you serve it. Each serving of Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad has about 300 calories. This dish serves four people, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. This salad packs a punch of nutrition. It has: - Rice Noodles: They offer a good source of carbohydrates for energy. - Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamin C, it helps boost the immune system. - Carrots: Full of beta-carotene, they support eye health. - Cucumber: Low in calories, it keeps you hydrated. - Cilantro: Adds flavor and is a source of antioxidants. The combination of these ingredients gives you vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and healthy fats from sesame oil. This salad fits many dietary needs. It is: - Vegetarian: No animal products are used. - Vegan: Substitute honey with agave syrup for a plant-based option. - Gluten-Free: Ensure to use gluten-free rice noodles. You can enjoy this dish while accommodating various diets. This article laid out how to make a tasty Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad. We explored the main ingredients, optional extras, and cooking tools you'll need. I shared detailed steps for cooking, making dressing, and combining everything perfectly. We also talked about great serving options, storage tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Finally, I offered fun variations, FAQs, and key nutritional details. You now have all the tools to create a flavorful dish that suits your taste! Enjoy your cooking and the delightful flavors awaiting you in this salad.

Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad

A refreshing and spicy noodle salad with a sesame dressing, perfect for a light meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g rice noodles
  • 0.25 cup sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1 cucumber julienned
  • 4 green onions sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
  • Add the cooled noodles to the bowl and toss them gently in the dressing to coat evenly.
  • Incorporate the sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, and cucumber into the noodle mixture.
  • Sprinkle in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro, and toss everything together until combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with extra sesame seeds and cilantro.
Keyword noodle salad, sesame, spicy, vegetarian