8ozwhole wheat spaghetti or your preferred noodles
2tablespoonssesame oil
1eachred or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1cupsnap peas, ends trimmed
1mediumcarrot, julienned
3eachgreen onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
2clovesgarlic, minced
1teaspoonfresh ginger, finely grated
3tablespoonslow-sodium soy sauce
2tablespoonssriracha sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
1tablespoonrice vinegar
1tablespoonsesame seeds for garnish
1handfulfresh cilantro or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
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.
Notes
Serve the noodles in deep bowls for an inviting presentation. Offer extra sriracha on the side for those who enjoy a kick.