One of the dishes I make when we have the kind of gathering I mentioned in the last post is Sesame Peanut Noodles. Over the years I’ve tried out different recipes from various sources and have come up with a version I like to make. It can be tossed with cooked chicken – or not, depending on whether or not you want to go vegetarian.
The sauce is so easy – just pour everything in a blender or food processor and puree. Jamie likes helping by pressing the button on the machine.
Jamie striking a pose
A piece I did about making tomato sauce
I make extra sesame peanut sauce so we can use it on leftover noodles. It’s also great as a dressing on steamed veggies.
Sesame Peanut Noodles
8 ounces dry pasta (I use whole wheat spaghetti)
¼ cup roasted sesame seeds*
¼ cup peanut butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
3 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 scallions, greens only finely chopped, for garnish
Optional: Shredded roasted chicken, grated raw carrots, julienned snow peas, red peppers etc.
- Cook pasta as directed on package to al dente firmness.
- While pasta is cooking, make sauce. Set aside about 1 tablespoon of the roasted sesame seeds. Puree the rest of sesame seeds, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a food processor or blender until it is the consistency of heavy cream.
- Drain cooked pasta in colander, transfer to a large bowl and dress with the sesame oil. This will keep the noodles from sticking together. Add sauce to the noodles to taste. Any extra sauce can be passed at the table or used to dress steamed vegetables, shrimp, etc.
- Mix in optional shredded roasted chicken, and raw vegetables if desired (my boys don’t care for the latter, so I usually don’t).
- Garnish with scallions and remaining sesame seeds.
Makes about 6-8 servings.
* Can be found in Asian markets. Otherwise, toast raw sesame seeds in skillet for a few minutes, while stirring.
i’m really loving the short focus / depth of field on jamie, with the background blurred. and those noodles look fabulous – that’s one of my big loves, noodles. did i tell you i gave up flour / baked goods, rice, potatoes, etc?
perhaps someone will make a noodle out of roast duck.
You know what — the peanut sauce is REALLY good with roasted spaghetti squash which is an awesome alternative to noodles. Have you ever had it?
Denis took a lot of these photos! So credit goes to him. But I totally Photoshop-ed the one with Jamie. The background was way too distracting, so I take credit for that much! Thanks!
I have tried so many sesame noodle recipes and have been frustrated when they are too bland or, the opposite, too spicy. This recipe was absolutely delicious — terrific flavor and texture, and my whole family enjoyed it. For all those noodle lovers, you’ve got to try this one!
I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve been enjoying your blog…your recipes…your photos…and your artwork. That piece you made of the boy and the blender…well…it’s definitely one to hang on the wall…as is the picture of your son making the peanut sauce.
Cheers! sheila
Thanks so much!
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