Sesame Noodles with Shredded Chicken and Vegetables

When it comes to finding good sesame noodles, living near Chinatown may be the key, but fear not! We’ve taken matters into our own hands and developed a sensational sesame noodle recipe that you can easily make at home. Typically, authentic sesame noodles rely on hard-to-find Asian sesame paste, but we’ve discovered a winning combination of chunky peanut butter and toasted sesame seeds that makes an excellent substitute. By blending these ingredients together, we achieve a nutty and fresh-tasting sauce with a complex flavor profile. To further enhance the sauce, we’ve incorporated rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. The addition of bell pepper strips, sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, and thinly sliced scallions not only adds color but also provides a satisfying crunch to each bite. Whether you choose to use fresh Chinese noodles or dried spaghetti, both options work wonderfully in this recipe, making it easy to find the right noodles at your local supermarket. Furthermore, this recipe is an excellent way to utilize leftover cooked chicken, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste. Should you not have any cooked chicken on hand, we’ve included quick instructions on how to cook and shred chicken. With our tips on measuring out long pasta strands without a scale, you’ll find the process of creating these delectable sesame noodles a breeze. So, let’s embark on this flavorful journey to recreate the magic of Chinatown sesame noodles right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

INGREDIENTS: SAUCE

• 2½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
• 1½ tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot water, plus extra as needed

CHICKEN AND NOODLES

• 8 ounces fresh Chinese noodles or 6 ounces dried spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• ½ red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and cut into ¼-inch-wide strips
• ½ cucumber peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼ inch thick
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
• 2 scallions, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

PREPARATIONS: FOR THE SAUCE:

1. Process all sauce ingredients except hot water in a blender until smooth, about 30 seconds.
2. With the blender running, add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches the consistency of heavy cream.

FOR THE CHICKEN AND NOODLES:

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add noodles and salt, and cook, stirring often, until tender.
2. Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water, drain again, and then toss them with toasted sesame oil.
3. Transfer the noodles to a large bowl, add the sauce, shredded chicken, red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, scallions, and cilantro (if using), and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the dish and serve.

TIPS:

• When measuring long strands of pasta without using a scale, refer to the provided link for helpful tips.

YIELD: 2 servings

With our delectable homemade sesame noodles recipe, the hunt for good sesame noodles becomes a thing of the past. Armed with chunky peanut butter and toasted sesame seeds, we’ve unlocked the secret to creating a truly delicious sauce that rivals authentic Asian sesame paste. The blending process brings out the nutty goodness, while the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic blend harmoniously, resulting in a sauce that tantalizes the taste buds.

Flexibility is at the heart of this recipe, allowing you to choose between fresh Chinese noodles or dried spaghetti, both of which pair beautifully with the delightful sauce. The medley of bell pepper strips, sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, and thinly sliced scallions add a burst of color and a delightful crunch to the dish.

For added convenience, the recipe provides a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it a smart choice for efficient meal planning. However, if you don’t have any cooked chicken on hand, worry not; quick instructions on how to cook and shred chicken are thoughtfully included.

As you embark on this culinary journey, the provided tips will guide you through measuring long pasta strands without using a scale, ensuring precision in your cooking process.

Indulging in the flavors of Chinatown sesame noodles is now within reach, and you’ll find yourself savoring every mouthful. The distinctive taste and satisfying textures will transport you to the bustling streets of Chinatown, all from the comfort of your kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful dinner for two, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your own dining table. With the savory and nutty sauce coating each strand of noodles, the sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds adds the finishing touch, elevating the dish into a culinary masterpiece.

So, why wait to experience the delights of Chinatown sesame noodles? Follow this recipe to create a memorable meal, sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your craving for a truly special dish.

In conclusion, our homemade sesame noodles recipe unlocks the mystery of authentic Chinatown flavors, offering a delicious and accessible alternative for any home cook. Enjoy the delightful textures, mouthwatering sauce, and harmonious blend of tastes as you savor every moment of this culinary adventure.