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Ready for a quick, tasty meal that packs a punch? My Spicy Sesame Noodle Stir Fry is the answer! You’ll whip this dish up in no time with simple ingredients like fresh veggies, your favorite noodles, and a zesty sauce. Whether you’re pressed for time or just craving a burst of flavor, this recipe delivers satisfaction. Let’s dive into the easy steps and make dinner exciting again!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sesame oil, garlic, and sriracha creates a deliciously bold flavor that satisfies every craving.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
- Healthy Twist: Using whole wheat noodles and fresh veggies makes this dish a nutritious option without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti or your preferred noodles
– 1 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed
– 1 medium carrot, julienned
– 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
Sauce Components
– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
Optional Garnishes
– Fresh cilantro or basil leaves for garnish
This dish shines with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Whole wheat spaghetti gives a hearty base. The bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot add crunch and nutrition. Fresh garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth to the taste.
The sauce combines soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. This blend gives a perfect balance of salty, spicy, and tangy. Sesame oil adds a rich finish, while sesame seeds provide a lovely crunch. For that extra touch, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can elevate the dish beautifully.
These ingredients come together to create a meal that is both easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy preparing this delightful stir fry with fresh, wholesome ingredients!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
1. Fill a large pot with water and add salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Add 8 oz. of whole wheat spaghetti or your favorite noodles.
4. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, as the package suggests.
5. Drain the noodles in a colander.
6. Rinse them under cold water to stop cooking.
7. Set the rinsed noodles aside for later use.
Preparing the Sauce
1. In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce.
2. Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.
4. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
5. Set this sauce aside for later.
Sautéing Aromatics and Vegetables
1. Take a large skillet or wok and heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic.
3. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add 1 thinly sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of snap peas, and 1 julienned carrot.
5. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Combining Noodles and Sauce
1. Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles.
3. Toss everything together gently to coat the noodles evenly.
4. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes until everything is warm.
Final Touches
1. Stir in the sliced green tops of 3 green onions.
2. Sauté for an additional minute.
3. Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Serve the stir-fry in deep bowls.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or basil leaves.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To prevent noodles from sticking, rinse them in cold water after cooking. This step cools the noodles and stops the cooking process. When you stir-fry, make sure to add enough oil to the pan. This helps the noodles move freely without clumping together.
For evenly cooking vegetables, cut them into similar sizes. Thin slices of bell pepper and snap peas cook quickly. Carrots take longer, so julienne them thinly. Stir-frying over high heat helps keep the veggies crisp and bright.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add more spices to boost the flavor. Try adding red pepper flakes for extra heat. A splash of lime juice gives a zesty kick. If you like, mix in some peanut butter for a creamy twist.
Adjust the spice level by controlling the sriracha. Start with less if you’re unsure. You can always add more later. Taste as you go, and find your perfect balance.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the noodles in deep bowls to make them look inviting. You can also layer the dish with veggies on top for a colorful effect. Use bright garnishes like cilantro or basil for visual appeal.
Garnishes are key to a great presentation. They add color and texture. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top gives a nice crunch. If you want, offer extra sriracha on the side for those who like it hot!
Pro Tips
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: To ensure the best texture, cook the noodles until they are al dente. This helps them maintain a slight bite and prevents them from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your vegetables sliced and sauces mixed before starting to cook. Stir-frying is a quick process, and being prepared will help everything come together seamlessly.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference. You can also experiment with other spicy sauces or add fresh chili for an extra kick.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes! Fresh herbs and sesame seeds not only enhance the dish’s flavor but also add visual appeal, making it more inviting to eat.

Variations
Protein Options
You can easily add protein to your spicy sesame noodle stir fry. Chicken is a great choice. Just cut it into thin strips. Cook it in the sesame oil before adding the veggies. Tofu works well too. Use firm tofu and cube it. Sauté until golden brown. Shrimp is another tasty option. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. Each protein choice adds flavor and makes the dish more filling.
Vegetable Swaps
Feel free to swap the vegetables based on what you have. Broccoli or bok choy can add great crunch. You can use zucchini instead of carrots. If you want something different, try mushrooms. They add a nice umami flavor. Seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans can be great too. Get creative with what you find!
Noodle Alternatives
Not a fan of whole wheat spaghetti? You can use rice noodles for a lighter dish. They cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you need a gluten-free option, try zucchini noodles or rice noodles. Both are healthy and fun options. Each noodle type gives a unique taste and texture, so choose what you like best!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your spicy sesame noodle stir fry, let it cool down. Once cool, place it in a container with a tight lid. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to use a container that fits the amount you have left. This keeps the flavor fresh and tasty.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or broth in a pan. Heat on medium until warm. Stir often to keep it from sticking. When using the microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or a microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly.
Storage Duration
You can keep the stir fry in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. It stays good in the freezer for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance. Chop the bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot a day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also mix the sauce and keep it ready. Cook the noodles fresh before serving for the best taste.
Is this stir fry suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This stir fry is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You save time and enjoy a tasty meal all week.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the sriracha sauce. Start with one tablespoon instead of two. You can also add a bit of honey or sugar to balance the heat. Adding more vegetables like carrots can help, too. Adjust to your taste to find the right balance.
Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes, you have many options! Rice noodles, egg noodles, or even zucchini noodles work well. Each type brings a different texture. For example, rice noodles are soft and chewy, while whole wheat spaghetti adds a nutty taste. Choose what you love best for a fun twist!
This blog post covers making a tasty stir fry with whole wheat noodles and fresh veggies. We looked at key ingredients, sauce components, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. Remember, you can easily adjust flavors, add proteins, or change the noodles. This dish is perfect for meal prep and will keep well in the fridge. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite of your stir fry masterpiec
Spicy Sesame Noodle Stir Fry
A flavorful stir fry featuring whole wheat noodles, vibrant vegetables, and a spicy sesame sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti or your preferred noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 each red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 each green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 handful fresh cilantro or basil leaves for garnish
In a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water, add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop further cooking. Set the rinsed noodles aside.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until well mixed and set this sauce aside for later use.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the sliced bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry these vegetables for approximately 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are tender yet still crisp.
Incorporate the cooked noodles into the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated and heated through for about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the sliced green onion tops (reserving the white parts for the previous step) and sauté for an additional minute. Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning if necessary, perhaps adding more sriracha for extra heat.
Transfer the spicy sesame noodle stir fry to serving dishes. Generously sprinkle sesame seeds on top and add a handful of fresh cilantro or basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.
Serve the noodles in deep bowls for an inviting presentation. Offer extra sriracha on the side for those who enjoy a kick.
Keyword noodles, spicy, stir fry, vegetarian
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