Whole Wheat Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut-Sriracha Sauce
Try this Whole Wheat Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut-Sriracha Sauce recipe.
Try this Whole Wheat Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut-Sriracha Sauce recipe.
- 3 slices
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon il
- 1/2 lb. whole wheat spaghetti
- generous amount of salt added to water for cooking pasta
- 2 cups coleslaw mix shredded napa cabbage or shredded cabbage
- 2 cups (or more) sliced sugar snap peas
- 1 red bell pepper seeds and stem cut away and then thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon eeds optional (i used black sesame seeds, but white ones would also b
- 3 tablespoon r soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon egar (not seasoned)
- (more or less to taste)
- agave nectar, or sweetener of your choice (start with 1 tablesp
- salt to taste optional (i added just a little pinch of salt)
- Carbohydrate 57.258019401375 g
- Cholesterol 4.8 mg
- Fat 16.5582366475 g
- Fiber 3.20474997162819 g
- Protein 16.388795466375 g
- Saturated Fat 3.267076039325 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (174g)
- Sodium 24.2859237 mg
- Sugar 54.0532694297468 g
- Trans Fat 1.0858332708375 g
- Calories 418 calories
Step-by-step
- Break spaghetti in half.
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add spaghetti and cook until barely al dente (The spaghetti should still be slightly chewy. I cooked this pasta not quite 9 minutes.)
- While spaghetti cooks, measure 2 cups coleslaw mix (or slice cabbage). slice green onions, slice sugar-snap peas, and slice red pepper strips.
- Put the peanut butter into a big glass measuring cup and microwave 20-30 seconds, until it’s just starting to soften. Then add the Tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha sauce to taste, sesame oil, and 1 T sweetener. Whisk together to make a creamy sauce.
- Taste to see if you want more sweetener (or more Sriracha if you really like it spicy.) You might also want to add a pinch of salt if you’d like it a bit more salty. You can also add a tablespoon or so of water if the sauce seems too thick.
- When it’s done, drain spaghetti into a colander placed in the sink, then rinse with very cold water and let drain well.
- When spaghetti is well drained, put noodles in a bowl, add sauce, and gently stir to coat all the noodles with sauce. Stir in the veggies and gently combine.
- If desired, put sesame seeds in a small frying pan on the stove and toast for a minute or so. (If you buy toasted sesame seeds you can skip this step.)
- Put finished noodle into a bowl, garnish with sesame seeds and a few extra slices of green onion, and serve.
- Leftovers of this will keep in the fridge for a few days. I eat them cold, but you could microwave very briefly to heat if you prefer.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Whole Wheat Sesame Noodles
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Whole Wheat Sesame Noodles recipe has become a staple in our household. It's surprisingly easy to make, even on a crazy weeknight, and the flavors are absolutely addictive. The spicy peanut-sriracha sauce is the star of the show, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. The whole wheat noodles add a nutritious twist, making this dish feel a little less indulgent than your typical takeout.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don't have coleslaw mix? Shredded cabbage works perfectly. Out of sugar snap peas? Broccoli florets or even some chopped carrots would be a great substitute. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to customize it to your preferences and dietary needs. I often add a handful of edamame for extra protein, or some chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous touch. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: A Quick Weeknight Solution
One of the biggest challenges for working parents is finding time to cook healthy meals. This recipe is my answer to that challenge. The prep time is minimal, and the cooking time is even faster. I often prep the vegetables while the noodles are cooking, ensuring everything is ready at the same time. This efficiency is crucial in my busy schedule, allowing me to spend quality time with my family rather than being stuck in the kitchen for hours on end.
This recipe is more than just a quick meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and bold flavors. It's a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few pantry staples and some fresh vegetables, you can create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal that the entire family will love. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it a visually appealing dish, too, adding an extra touch of elegance to a weeknight dinner.
Tips and Tricks for Noodle Perfection:
- Don't overcook the noodles! Al dente pasta is key to the dish's texture and overall success. Slightly undercooked noodles are preferable, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking. If you're not a fan of spicy food, simply reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce or omit it altogether. Alternatively, you can add a dash of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Toasting the sesame seeds is optional but highly recommended. Toasting them enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the finished dish.
- Make it a meal prep hero. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
- Get creative with your veggies! This recipe is a blank canvas for experimentation. Add any vegetables that you love. Peppers, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms all work well.
This Whole Wheat Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut-Sriracha Sauce recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious food can be readily accessible even during the busiest of schedules. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
