Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe – Quick Vegetable & Spaghetti Stir-Fry

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe – Quick Vegetable & Spaghetti Stir-Fry

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Spicy Sesame Noodles recipe is exactly that. I first stumbled upon a version of this when I was craving something comforting and a little bit spicy, and it’s been a weeknight staple ever since. It’s a vibrant, veggie-packed stir-fry that comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another noodle dish. It’s a burst of flavor with a satisfying kick! The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili sauce creates a wonderfully umami-rich sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti and veggie. Plus, it’s super customizable – feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. It’s quick, easy, and seriously delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Spicy Sesame Noodles magic:

• 250 gms Spaghetti
• 1 tsp Salt (for pasta water)
• ?? tsp Sesame Oil (for tossing noodles)
• 3 tbsp Sesame Oil (for stir-frying)
• 3 tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Ginger, minced
• ?? cup Scallions (white portion), chopped
• 3 Green Chillies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 4 Whole Dry Red Chillies
• 1 cup Purple Cabbage, shredded
• 2 Carrots, julienned
• 1 Bell Pepper, sliced
• 5 Baby Corn, halved or quartered
• ?? tsp Black Pepper Powder
• 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Sriracha
• 1 tbsp Red Chilli Sauce
• ?? cup Scallion greens, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Spaghetti: While this recipe calls for spaghetti, don’t be afraid to experiment with other noodles (more on that later!).
• Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced is always best for that vibrant aroma and flavor.
• Green Chillies: I like to use Thai green chillies for a good kick, but jalapeños work well too. Remove the seeds for less heat.
• Dry Red Chillies: These add a lovely depth of flavor and a subtle smoky heat.
• Purple Cabbage: Adds a beautiful color and a nice crunch.
• Dark Soy Sauce: This is key for that authentic flavor and beautiful color.

Sesame Oil Varieties & Their Flavor Profiles

Did you know there are different types of sesame oil? Light sesame oil is great for everyday cooking, while toasted sesame oil (the one we’re using here!) has a much more intense, nutty flavor. A little goes a long way!

The Role of Dark Soy Sauce in Authentic Flavor

Dark soy sauce isn’t just about color; it adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and depth that regular soy sauce just can’t match. It’s a staple in many Asian cuisines and really elevates this dish.

Choosing the Right Type of Chili Peppers

The heat level is totally up to you! Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapeños, and bird’s eye chilies pack a serious punch. Start with less and add more to taste.

Regional Variations in Noodles – Exploring Alternatives to Spaghetti

While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to explore! Udon noodles, ramen noodles, or even lo mein noodles would be fantastic in this recipe. Each will give a slightly different texture and absorb the sauce beautifully.

Vegetable Substitutions – Adapting to Seasonal Availability

Don’t have purple cabbage? No problem! Use regular green cabbage. Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy would also be delicious additions. Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package directions. Once cooked, drain it well and drizzle with ?? tsp sesame oil. Toss to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Now, heat 3 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, chopped scallion whites, green chillies, and whole dry red chillies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant – you want to smell that amazing aroma!
3. Add the shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced bell pepper, and baby corn to the wok. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry for 5-8 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. We want a little bite to them!
4. Pour in the dark soy sauce, sriracha, and red chilli sauce. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated in that gorgeous, spicy sauce.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the wok. Toss everything together vigorously until the noodles are well-coated and heated through.
6. Finally, garnish with the chopped scallion greens and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Achieving the Perfect Wok Hei (Smoky Flavor): A really hot wok is key! Don’t overcrowd the pan, and let the ingredients get a little bit of char.
• Preventing Noodles from Sticking: That little drizzle of sesame oil after draining the spaghetti makes all the difference.
• Balancing the Spice Level: Taste as you go! Add more sriracha or red chilli sauce if you like it hotter.
• Preparing Vegetables for Optimal Texture: Julienne or slice the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check that your sriracha and red chilli sauce don’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free spaghetti and tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce.
• Adjusting the Spice Level – Mild, Medium, and Hot: For mild, omit the green chillies and use 1 tsp of sriracha. For medium, use 1 green chilli and 2 tbsp of sriracha. For hot, use 2-3 green chillies and 3+ tbsp of sriracha!
• Festival Adaptation – A Quick Weeknight Meal or Party Appetizer: This is great for potlucks! You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Sesame Noodles dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A side of steamed edamame
• Crispy spring rolls
• A refreshing cucumber salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce, so you might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating.

FAQs

What type of noodles work best for this recipe besides spaghetti?

Udon, ramen, or lo mein noodles are all great options!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the noodles and stir-fry everything together just before serving.

How can I adjust the spiciness to my preference?

Adjust the amount of green chillies, sriracha, and red chilli sauce. Start small and add more to taste!

What is the best way to store leftover noodles?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Is it possible to use different vegetables in this stir-fry?

Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and bok choy are all excellent choices.