Spicy Sesame Noodles with Veggies

Name: Spicy Sesame Noodles with Veggies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or udon noodles; 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli); ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I often find myself craving a quick, flavorful meal, and Spicy Sesame Noodles with Veggies has become my go-to dish. The combination of chewy noodles and fresh vegetables drenched in a spicy sesame sauce is simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, I love how versatile and satisfying this dish is. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it easy to whip up when the hunger hits. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-30T20:34:27.931Z

When I first made these Spicy Sesame Noodles, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a burst of flavor. The key is the sesame oil and the right balance of soy sauce and chili paste, which infuse the noodles with deep, savory notes. Using fresh veggies not only adds crunch but also vibrant colors, making the dish visually appealing.

Another tip I discovered is to let the sauce sit for a few minutes before tossing it with the noodles. This allows the flavors to meld, giving every bite a delicious burst of spicy sesame goodness. Trust me, this dish is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors
Loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables
Quick and easy to prepare, great for busy nights
Satisfyingly chewy noodles that soak up the sauce

Flavor Balance and Ingredient Roles

The balance of spicy and savory in Spicy Sesame Noodles is meticulously crafted through the careful selection of ingredients. The soy sauce provides a salty umami flavor, while the sesame oil contributes a rich nuttiness that harmonizes beautifully with the spiciness from the chili garlic sauce. Each bite features a distinct profile, making it essential to measure the ingredients accurately. Too much soy sauce can overpower the dish, while too little could lead to blandness. I highly recommend tasting the sauce before combining it with the noodles to ensure the perfect flavor balance.

The mixed vegetables not only add a delightful crunch but also contribute nutrients, color, and texture to the dish. Each vegetable chosen—whether it’s the crispiness of the bell peppers or the sweetness of carrots—brings its unique flavor to the party. If you're in a pinch, you can easily swap the vegetables for whatever you have on hand, such as snap peas, zucchini, or even frozen mixed veggies. Just be mindful of their cooking times; softer veggies like zucchini should be added a bit later in the stir-frying process to avoid mushiness.

Preparation and Cooking Tips

Cooking the noodles al dente is crucial for this dish's texture. Follow the package instructions closely and set a timer. Overcooking will result in mushy noodles that won’t hold up well in the sauce. After draining, rinsing them under cold water halts the cooking process and helps maintain that chewy bite that makes this dish satisfying. If you’re using udon noodles, keep an eye on them as they cook faster than spaghetti, typically requiring only about 5-7 minutes.

When stir-frying the vegetables, it’s best to cook them in batches if you have a lot. This prevents overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of a nice sear. Aim for medium-high heat, and avoid stirring too often; letting the vegetables sit for a moment allows them to develop some golden edges. The goal is to achieve tenderness without losing the vibrant color and crunch. I recommend tasting them as you go to achieve your desired doneness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Noodles

8 oz spaghetti or udon noodles
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)

For the Sauce

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and sesame seeds until well combined.

Cook the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender yet crisp.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well coated. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Pro Tips

For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili garlic sauce to suit your taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great aspects of Spicy Sesame Noodles is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, on busy nights, you can just cook the noodles and stir-fry the vegetables, then toss everything together with the sauce. Alternatively, you can cook the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.

If you want to freeze the noodles, it's best to freeze the sauce and vegetables separately. Cooked noodles tend to lose their texture when frozen and thawed, so consider packing them up for fresh meals instead. You can also adjust the heat level or add different proteins like tofu or chicken after reheating to keep things exciting. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a well-rounded meal, consider serving Spicy Sesame Noodles with a side of miso soup or a light cucumber salad. The coolness of the salad complements the spiciness of the noodles beautifully. You could also top the dish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor and presentation. If you want to make this dish a bit heartier, adding grilled chicken or shrimp can elevate its protein content, making it ideal for post-workout meals.

Experimenting with flavor variations is easy! If you're not a fan of sesame, try swapping it out for peanut butter to create a creamy peanut sauce. You can also play with different types of vinegar for a unique twist: rice vinegar offers a mild tang, while apple cider vinegar brings a bit of fruitiness. Mixing in some Sriracha or hoisin sauce can further customize the flavor to suit your preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti or rice noodles for udon noodles.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.

→ Can I prep this meal in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for easier meal prep.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian! Just ensure you use plant-based noodles.