Creamy Peanut Sesame Noodles

Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with these incredible sesame noodles, featuring a rich, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy peanut sauce, all elevated by a fragrant hint of sesame.

For many years, the idea of incorporating peanut butter into a savory dish, especially one involving noodles, felt somewhat unconventional to me. My culinary curiosity, however, took a delightful turn after a memorable visit to a charming local restaurant. There, I tasted a similar dish that completely redefined my perception. It was an awakening for my taste buds, and I knew instantly that I had to bring that extraordinary flavor experience into my own kitchen.

Unlocking the Magic of Homemade Sesame Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Inspired by that unforgettable restaurant experience, I embarked on a mission to recreate this sensational dish. My search led me to a highly trusted culinary source, and the recipe I found became the foundation for what I now consider an absolutely, utterly fantastic meal. While my homemade version isn’t an exact replica of the restaurant’s offering – it’s perhaps a touch less creamy and saucy – it undeniably captures the essence of that perfect blend. It delivers a beautiful balance of subtle sweetness, a gentle warmth from the spice, and an inviting aroma of sesame, all wrapped up in a comforting noodle dish.

One small observation I’ve made is that the pasta can tend to become a little dry if left standing for an extended period. However, this is easily remedied: simply stir in a tablespoon of very hot water, and the noodles magically regain their perfect texture and coating. In fact, for those who, like me, appreciate a dish with a generous ‘sauce-factor,’ consider doubling the peanut sauce next time. Even with this minor adjustment in mind, this recipe has permanently cemented sesame noodles as a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. And truly, that is a wonderful thing indeed.

Why These Sesame Peanut Noodles Will Become Your New Favorite

This recipe for sesame noodles with peanut sauce isn’t just another meal; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation:

• Explosion of Flavor: The homemade peanut sauce is a masterpiece of balance, hitting all the right notes with its savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy profile. The toasted sesame seeds add an irresistible depth.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile & Customizable: Whether you prefer chicken, tofu, or shrimp, or want to load up on extra vegetables, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
• Satisfying & Wholesome: Packed with protein (if using chicken), healthy fats from peanuts, and fiber from vegetables, it’s a filling meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: While best served warm or at room temperature, leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day, making it an ideal choice for meal planning.

Crafting the Perfect Peanut Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors

The heart and soul of these sesame noodles lies in their incredibly delicious peanut sauce. It’s a carefully crafted blend that creates a rich, complex flavor profile. We start with chunky peanut butter, which provides a creamy base and a satisfying texture. Freshly minced garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with aromatic, zesty notes, characteristic of great Asian cuisine. Soy sauce brings the essential umami and salinity, while rice vinegar adds a crucial tanginess that brightens the entire mixture. A touch of hot pepper sauce introduces a subtle kick, and light brown sugar balances everything with a touch of sweetness. The magic happens when these ingredients are pureed to a silky smoothness, then thinned with hot water to achieve that perfect pourable consistency – thick enough to cling to every noodle, yet light enough to coat evenly. This balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy is what makes this peanut sauce truly irresistible.

Choosing Your Noodles and Protein for an Ultimate Asian Noodle Experience

While spaghetti noodles are a fantastic choice for this recipe, their sturdy texture and ability to absorb the sauce beautifully, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties. For a more traditional Asian feel, try using ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet), linguine, or even thicker rice noodles. Each option will bring a slightly different mouthfeel and absorbency, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preference. The boneless, skinless chicken breast, quickly broiled and shredded, adds a lean protein element that complements the rich sauce without overpowering it. However, this dish is incredibly versatile. For a vegetarian or vegan option, simply omit the chicken and consider adding pan-fried tofu or tempeh for a protein boost. Shrimp or thinly sliced beef are also excellent alternatives that cook quickly and absorb the flavors wonderfully. Remember to season your chosen protein well before cooking for maximum flavor.

A Look Back at Past Favorites:
One Year Ago: Decadent Truffle Hot Chocolate Balls
Two Years Ago: Irresistible Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Three Years Ago: Classic Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Sesame Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Yield:

6
Servings

Prep Time:

15
mins

Cook Time:

30
mins

Total Time:

45
mins

4.25 stars (4 ratings)

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Ingredients

• ¼ cup
  sesame seeds, toasted
• ¼ cup
  chunky peanut butter
• 2 medium
  cloves garlic, minced or pressed (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon
  minced fresh ginger
• 5 tablespoons
  soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons
  rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon
  hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco, adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons
  packed light brown sugar
• 
  Hot water, for thinning sauce
• 1 ½ pounds
  boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon
  salt, for cooking noodles
• 12 ounces
  dried spaghetti noodles
• 2 tablespoons
  toasted sesame oil
• 4
  scallions, sliced thin on diagonal, for garnish
• 1 medium
  carrot, grated, for garnish

Instructions

• Prepare the Sesame Seeds and Peanut Sauce: In a medium skillet, toast ¼ cup of sesame seeds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once toasted, remove from heat. Reserve 1 tablespoon of these toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl for garnish. Transfer the remaining 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds to a blender or food processor. Add the chunky peanut butter, minced garlic, fresh minced ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hot pepper sauce, and packed light brown sugar. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth, approximately 30 seconds. With the machine still running, gradually add hot water, one tablespoon at a time (you’ll likely use about 5 tablespoons in total, but adjust as needed), until the sauce achieves the consistency of heavy cream – slightly thickened yet perfectly pourable. Set the blender jar or food processor workbowl aside.
• Cook the Chicken: Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large stockpot over high heat (this will be for the noodles later). While the water heats, adjust an oven rack to 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler. Lightly spray a broiler pan or a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the prepared pan. Broil the chicken for 4 to 8 minutes, or until lightly browned. Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken breasts over and continue to broil for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken is no longer pink when cut into and registers an internal temperature of about 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
• Shred Chicken and Cook Noodles: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Once the water in the stockpot is boiling vigorously, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the dried spaghetti noodles. Boil the noodles until they are tender yet still firm to the bite (al dente), typically about 10 minutes, or according to the package directions.
• Assemble and Serve: Drain the cooked noodles thoroughly. Transfer the drained noodles to a large mixing bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil until they are evenly coated. Add the shredded chicken, sliced scallions, grated carrot, and the prepared peanut sauce to the bowl with the noodles. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the additions are evenly distributed. Divide the sesame noodles among individual serving bowls. Just before serving, sprinkle each bowl with a portion of the reserved toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Chicken: To be honest, the chicken in this recipe, while good, can sometimes feel like a secondary component. This dish is exceptionally versatile and can easily be made vegetarian by simply omitting the chicken. Alternatively, if you prefer, the chicken can be grilled, pan-fried, or baked in any method you choose; the key is to ensure it’s cooked through and well-seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking to maximize its flavor when shredded and added to the noodles. Consider adding a touch of garlic powder or onion powder to your chicken seasoning for an extra layer of taste.

Sauce: For those who, like me, appreciate a noodle dish on the saucier side, I highly recommend considering doubling the peanut sauce quantity. When combining, add the sauce gradually to the noodles until you achieve your desired coating and consistency. This allows for personal preference and ensures every strand of noodle is lusciously dressed.

Temperature: The original recipe suggested serving these noodles cold, but my personal preference (and experience!) has shown that they are absolutely fantastic when served slightly warm or even at room temperature. The flavors tend to meld beautifully and become more pronounced when not chilled straight from the refrigerator. Experiment to find your preferred serving temperature!

Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and crunch of your sesame noodles by adding more fresh vegetables. Consider thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), shredded cabbage, julienned cucumbers, blanched broccoli florets, or even snow peas. Stir them in along with the scallions and carrots for a vibrant, satisfying meal.

Spice Level: The hot pepper sauce provides a subtle heat. If you enjoy a more fiery kick, feel free to increase the amount or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, you can reduce or omit the hot sauce entirely.

Author:
Mel

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
Asian

Method:
Stovetop, Broil

Serving:
1
Serving

,

Calories:
514
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
53
g

,

Protein:
37
g

,

Fat:
17
g

,

Saturated Fat:
3
g

,

Cholesterol:
73
mg

,

Sodium:
2216
mg

,

Fiber:
4
g

,

Sugar:
7
g

Recommended Kitchen Essentials

12-Inch Nonstick Skillet

Breville Food Processor

Over-the-Sink Colander

Recipe Source: Adapted slightly from the culinary experts at Cook’s Illustrated