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Easy Sesame Ginger Noodles Recipe with Crunchy Vegetables for Perfect Lunch

sesame ginger noodles - featured image

A quick and easy noodle dish featuring a zingy ginger and toasted sesame oil sauce paired with crunchy fresh vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti, rice noodles, or soba noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • ½ cup sliced green onions
  • Optional: ½ cup snap peas or snow peas
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional protein: grilled chicken, tofu cubes, or shrimp

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of your chosen noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 6-8 minutes for spaghetti, 4-5 for rice noodles). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix well and set aside.
  3. While noodles cook, shred 1 cup carrots, thinly slice 1 cup red bell pepper, shred 1 cup green cabbage, and slice ½ cup green onions. If using snap peas, trim and slice them.
  4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil or neutral oil. Toss in the carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and snap peas if using. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender but still crunchy. Add the green onions last and cook for another minute.
  5. Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat noodles and veggies evenly. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm through and flavors to blend. You should see a glossy coating on the noodles.
  6. Remove from heat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the top. If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes here. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
  7. Divide onto plates or bowls, garnish with extra green onions or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Rinse noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and stop cooking. Keep heat high when stir-frying to maintain vegetable crunch. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden for extra flavor. Prep vegetables ahead to save time. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles. For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame ginger noodles, easy noodle recipe, quick lunch, crunchy vegetables, stir-fry noodles, vegetarian noodles, healthy lunch