Spicy Sesame Noodles with Veggies

Name: Spicy Sesame Noodles with Veggies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti or rice noodles; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced; 1 cup snap peas; 1 carrot, julienned; 2 green onions, sliced; Handful of cilantro, chopped

Highlighted under: Taste the Globe

I love how quick and easy these Spicy Sesame Noodles with Veggies are to prepare! With a kick of spice and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish satisfies both my craving for flavor and my need for a wholesome meal. The nutty sesame sauce binds everything together beautifully, elevating simple ingredients to a whole new level of deliciousness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, I often catch myself craving this delightful dish that is as healthy as it is satisfying.

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-01-30T19:46:28.595Z

When I first stumbled upon Spicy Sesame Noodles, I was amazed by how such simple ingredients could create layers of flavor. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of heat from the chili paste forms a sauce that is both rich and vibrant. I experimented with different vegetables and found that bell peppers and snap peas not only add color but also a delightful crunch.

One tip I picked up along the way is to use chilled noodles for a refreshing touch, especially on warm days. Tossing the veggies in the sauce while they’re still warm helps to infuse them with flavor, making each bite an explosion of taste. These noodles are perfect for meal prep, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and simple to whip up in just 20 minutes
A beautiful combination of spicy and nutty flavors
Loaded with colorful veggies for a nutritious boost
Versatile base that can be customized with your favorite proteins

The Perfect Noodle Choice

Choosing the right type of noodles is crucial for achieving the desired texture in Spicy Sesame Noodles. While spaghetti adds a delightful chewiness, opting for rice noodles offers a gluten-free alternative that easily absorbs the sesame sauce. If you go for rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes first, then drain. This prevents them from clumping and ensures they’re perfectly tender without a chewy bite.

Regardless of your noodle choice, remember to reserve a little pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much, providing a perfect consistency that clings beautifully to the dish without being overly saucy.

Vegetable Variations

The vegetable medley in this dish not only adds color but also boosts its nutritional profile. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or even sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor experience. Quickly stir-frying veggies until they’re just tender keeps them vibrant and crisp, enhancing both the taste and texture of your noodles.

If you’re looking to increase protein, consider adding cooked edamame or grilled chicken. These additions complement the nutty sesame flavor well, making it a heartier meal without overshadowing the existing ingredients.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Spicy Sesame Noodles can be made ahead and stored for quick meals throughout the week. Prepare the noodles and sauce in advance, but consider adding fresh vegetables just before serving to maintain their crunch. Store the components separately in airtight containers; they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To serve leftovers, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sesame oil, stirring until warmed through. For a cold dish option, simply let them chill in the fridge and enjoy as a refreshing salad.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

200g spaghetti or rice noodles
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Vegetables

1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 cup snap peas
1 carrot, julienned
2 green onions, sliced
Handful of cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Noodles

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, chili paste, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic. Stir well until smooth.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a pan, sauté the bell peppers, snap peas, carrot, and green onions over medium heat until just tender, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles and sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Serve

Serve immediately, or let it chill for a refreshing dish. Enjoy your Spicy Sesame Noodles with Veggies!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal. Adjust the level of spice to suit your taste, adding more chili paste if you prefer things hotter.

Adjusting Spice Levels

The chili paste provides a lovely kick in this dish, but it’s completely adjustable based on your preference. If you prefer a milder taste, start with just half a tablespoon and gradually increase. You can also experiment with sriracha or even chili flakes for a slightly different flavor profile. Remember that the heat often intensifies as the dish sits, so taste before serving.

If you accidentally overdo the spice, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can help balance the heat. Just mix in a teaspoon or so until you achieve your desired flavor balance.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is delightful on its own, serving it can elevate the experience. I recommend going the extra mile by adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch. A slice of lime on the side not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a zing that brightens the entire dish.

To take it a step further, pair your Spicy Sesame Noodles with a side of Asian-inspired cucumber salad or even a warm miso soup. This combo offers a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for both solo meals and gatherings. If you’re cooking for a larger group, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly. Keep in mind to maintain the same cooking times for the noodles and vegetables; larger batches won’t require significantly longer cooking times as they need sufficient space to cook evenly in the pot.

When scaling, ensure the balance of sauce remains consistent. It’s better to err on the side of caution and mix a bit more sauce if you find that the noodles are clumping or not getting enough flavor. Keeping a scale or measuring tools handy can help you get it just right.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The noodles can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

You can use broccoli, zucchini, or any seasonal veggies you have on hand for a variation.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These noodles can be easily made in advance and are perfect for lunchboxes.