Sesame Noodles with Udon, Edamame, and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Introduction
Sesame Noodles offer a delightful balance of nutty, spicy, and savory flavors with a satisfying chewy texture from fresh udon noodles. This versatile dish is quick to prepare and perfect as a main or a side dish, packed with fresh vegetables and a robust sesame sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch scallions, top 1 inch trimmed and sliced on a bias
- 20 ounces (570g) fresh udon noodles
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or crushed
- 3 to 3 ½ tablespoons (40 to 50g) Chinese roasted sesame paste
- 2 tablespoons Chinese light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- ½ tablespoon agave nectar or organic cane sugar
- ½ tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek
- 6 ounces (170g) shelled edamame (optional)
- Kosher salt, as needed
- 1 medium red or orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- A few handfuls of shredded napa or savoy cabbage
- A few handfuls of finely diced English cucumber
- ¼ cup (35g) roasted peanuts, chopped (omit for nut-free)
- 2 tablespoons roasted white or black sesame seeds
- Chinese chili crisp or chili oil (optional)
- Fresh chili peppers, sliced (optional, for spicy)
- A drizzle of toasted sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil for the noodles.
- Step 2: While the water heats, soak the sliced scallions in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their pungency. Drain and dry thoroughly.
- Step 3: Prepare the sesame sauce by stirring together the ginger, garlic, sesame paste, both soy sauces, agave nectar, black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and chili-garlic sauce. Whisk well to combine and adjust to taste.
- Step 4: Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve some noodle cooking water. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water until cool. Return noodles to the pot or a large bowl. Toss with a little sesame oil if not serving immediately to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: If using edamame, season it with a pinch of kosher salt in a separate bowl.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles and sesame sauce. Toss with tongs, adding reserved noodle water as needed to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.
- Step 7: Add the drained scallions, sliced bell pepper, shredded cabbage, diced cucumber, seasoned edamame, sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts. Toss gently to mix everything well.
- Step 8: Serve topped with Chinese chili crisp, fresh chili peppers, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil if desired. For leftovers, freshen flavors with a dash of vinegar or extra chili sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use dried noodles or spaghetti as a substitute if fresh udon is unavailable, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Omit peanuts for a nut-free version, or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Soaking scallions helps reduce sharpness but can be skipped if you prefer stronger flavor.
- Adjust chili-garlic sauce to control heat level, or omit entirely for a mild dish.
- Add shredded cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Storage
Store leftover sesame noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or toss with a splash of water or additional sesame oil to restore moisture. Adding a squeeze of vinegar or fresh chili sauce can brighten flavors after refrigeration.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh udon?
Yes, dried noodles like spaghetti or ramen can be used. Cook according to package directions and rinse with cold water to cool before tossing with the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much chili-garlic sauce and fresh chili peppers you add. You can easily adjust the spice to your preference or omit the chili ingredients for a milder flavor.
Print
Sesame Noodles with Udon, Edamame, and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sesame Noodles recipe delivers a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring fresh udon noodles tossed in a rich, savory sesame sauce with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce. Crisp vegetables like scallions, bell peppers, cabbage, and cucumber add freshness and crunch, while roasted peanuts and sesame seeds provide texture. Perfect as a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe balances bold Asian flavors with a vibrant and satisfying noodle bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 1 bunch scallions, top 1 inch trimmed and sliced on a bias
- 20 ounces (570g) fresh udon noodles
- 1 medium red/orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- A few handfuls shredded napa or savoy cabbage
- A few handfuls finely diced English cucumber
- 6 ounces (170g) shelled edamame (optional)
Sesame Sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or crushed
- 3 to 3 ½ tablespoons (40 to 50g) Chinese roasted sesame paste
- 2 tablespoons Chinese light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- ½ tablespoon agave nectar or organic cane sugar
- ½ tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek
Toppings and Garnishes
- ¼ cup (35g) roasted peanuts, chopped (omit for nut-free)
- 2 tablespoons roasted white or black sesame seeds
- Chinese chili crisp or chili oil (optional)
- Fresh chili peppers, sliced (optional)
- A drizzle of toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Kosher salt, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare scallions: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil for the noodles. Meanwhile, place the sliced scallions in a bowl of cold water and soak for 10 minutes to mellow their pungency. Then, remove with a slotted spoon and dry with a towel.
- Make the sesame sauce: In a bowl, whisk together grated ginger, garlic, Chinese roasted sesame paste, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), agave nectar, Chinese black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and chili-garlic sauce until smooth, breaking up any sesame paste clumps. Adjust taste for sweetness, acidity, or heat as desired.
- Cook noodles: Cook the fresh udon noodles according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve some noodle cooking water. Drain and rinse noodles under cold water until cooled, then return to the saucepan or a large bowl. Toss with a little sesame oil if not serving immediately to prevent sticking.
- Prepare edamame: If using edamame, place in a bowl and season with a few pinches of kosher salt.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Combine the cooled noodles and sesame sauce in a large bowl. Add reserved noodle water as needed (start with 2 tablespoons) to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly and prevent dryness.
- Add vegetables and toppings: Mix in the drained scallions, bell pepper, cabbage, cucumber, seasoned edamame (if using), roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve and garnish: Optionally spoon some Chinese chili crisp or chili oil on top for extra heat. Garnish with fresh sliced chili peppers and an extra drizzle of toasted sesame oil if desired. Leftovers can be refreshed with a dash of black vinegar or chili sauce before serving.
Notes
- Note 1: Fresh udon noodles can be substituted with fresh or dried wheat noodles or thick Chinese egg noodles.
- Note 2: Chinese roasted sesame paste is made from toasted sesame seeds and is thicker and more flavorful than standard tahini.
- Note 3: Use Chinese light soy sauce for a lighter saltiness; other light soy sauces can be used if Chinese brand is unavailable.
- Note 4: Dark soy sauce is optional and adds color and depth but can be omitted.
- Note 5: Chinese black vinegar adds a tangy sweetness and can be replaced with balsamic vinegar if unavailable.
- Note 6: Chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek provides a spicy kick; adjust quantity based on heat preference.
- Note 7: Edamame is optional and can be omitted to serve as a simple side dish.
- To keep noodles from sticking when preparing ahead, toss with a bit of toasted sesame oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: sesame noodles, Chinese noodles, udon noodles, vegetarian noodle recipe, sesame sauce noodles, easy Asian noodles, spicy sesame noodles
