Whirlwind Weekday Noodles: Sesame Bowls of Deliciousness
Are you ready to transform your lunch routine from drab to fab? Imagine looking forward to a midday meal that's not only incredibly tasty but also quick and easy to prepare. That's exactly what you get with these sesame noodle bowls – a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing!
The Magic of Sesame
These aren't just any noodle bowls; they're a symphony of silky smooth noodles, an unbelievably creamy sesame sauce, and your choice of perfectly cooked protein and fresh vegetables. Whether you're a fan of tender chicken, crispy tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg (yes, that's a great idea!), this recipe is customizable to your preferences.
The best part? The sauce comes together in a flash! Just shake it up in a jar for a lusciously creamy base that clings perfectly to each and every noodle. Combine that with some salted edamame, refreshing cucumber bits, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and you have a bowl that's both satisfying and healthy. It's like a party in a bowl, and everyone's invited!
Easy Does It
We all know that meal prepping can sometimes feel like a chore, but not with this recipe. The sauce takes mere moments to whip up, and the noodles cook in just two minutes. Yes, you heard that right—two minutes to noodle heaven! This means you can throw together these noodle bowls even on the busiest of weekdays. And the beauty of it all is how versatile these bowls are, you can add or subtract elements based on what you have and still create a meal that’s just as delicious.
Hot or Cold? The Choice Is Yours
Whether you're a fan of a comforting warm bowl or a refreshing cold salad, this recipe is equally amazing served either way. If you prefer to eat it hot, just keep the cucumber separate and add it after heating the rest. This recipe is not just a desk lunch; it’s a happy dance for your taste buds. Say goodbye to counting down the hours until lunchtime and say hello to a midday meal that you'll be excited about!
Your Sesame Noodle Bowl Questions Answered
- Sauce or Noodles? It's up to you! If you're a sauce lover, go ahead and make a 1.5x batch. You can use some on the protein or save some for a later meal.
- What Noodles to Use? I used Oriental Style Noodles, but Chinese egg noodles also work wonderfully. Just cook them a minute or two less than the package instructions.
- Dark or Regular Soy Sauce? I've tried both and either works great. Use what you have on hand!
- Hot or Cold? Both are delicious. Add the cucumber after heating if you're going hot.
- Other Add-Ins? The sky's the limit. Carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, green onions, shrimp, salmon, tofu, tempeh, peanuts – make it your own!
Recipe Card
15-Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls
Yields: 4 bowls Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup sesame paste (or tahini)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Sriracha and sugar to taste
- Bowls:
- 6–8 ounces stir fry noodles, Chinese egg noodles, or linguine
- 2 cups edamame, cooked
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced (or protein of choice)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauce: Whisk or shake all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Noodles: Cook noodles until al dente, rinse with cold water if sticky. Toss with half the sesame sauce.
- Bowls: Divide noodles, edamame, cucumber, and protein into containers. Drizzle with extra sauce and sesame seeds. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Serve hot or cold.
More Twirly Noodle Adventures
If you love the versatility of noodles, check out these other great recipes:
- Coconut Curry Ramen
- Back Pocket Stir Fry with Noodles
- Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad
- 15-Minute Lo Mein
One More Slurp!
And, if you are a total noodle fanatic, make sure to check out our simple slurpable noodles page. You won't be disappointed!