Sesame noodles are a beloved dish with their irresistible sweet, nutty, and addictive flavor. Our recipe for easy but authentic-tasting sesame noodles relies on everyday pantry staples to recreate this classic dish. By using chunky peanut butter and toasted sesame seeds, blended together to form a flavorful sauce, we achieve the same rich taste as Asian sesame paste. The sauce is enhanced with fresh garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hot sauce, and brown sugar, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Tossed with Chinese noodles, shredded chicken, scallions, and grated carrots, these sesame noodles are a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you use fresh Chinese noodles or substitute them with dried spaghetti or linguine, you can enjoy this flavor-packed dish with ease.
INGREDIENTS:
- ¼ cup chunky peanut butter
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ cup hot water
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound fresh Chinese noodles or 12 ounces dried spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 4 scallions, sliced thin
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated
PREPARATIONS:
- In a blender, process the chunky peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and hot sauce until smooth, about 30 seconds. While the blender is running, add hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches the consistency of heavy cream (you may not need all the water).
- Adjust the oven rack to 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler. Spray the broiler pan top with vegetable oil spray. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, and place them on the prepared pan. Broil the chicken until lightly browned and it registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit, about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through broiling. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-size pieces.
- Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the noodles and cook, stirring often, until tender. Drain the noodles, rinse them with cold water, and drain again, leaving them slightly wet. Transfer the noodles to a large bowl and toss them with sesame oil. Add the shredded chicken, scallions, carrot, and sauce, and toss to combine. Sprinkle each individual portion with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and serve.
YIELD: This recipe serves 4 people.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Blending the peanut butter, sesame seeds, and other sauce ingredients creates a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Broiling the chicken breasts adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the dish.
- Using toasted sesame oil enhances the nutty taste of the noodles.
TIPS:
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers for added freshness and crunch.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 532
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 103mg
- Sodium: 926mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 38g
These easy and authentic-tasting sesame noodles are delightful dishes that can be made with pantry staples. The combination of chunky peanut butter, toasted sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, and other flavorful ingredients creates a delicious sauce that coats the noodles perfectly. The addition of shredded chicken, scallions, and grated carrot adds texture and freshness to the dish. Whether you choose to use fresh Chinese noodles or substitute with dried spaghetti or linguine, this recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With its rich nutty taste and balanced flavors, these sesame noodles are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
