I recently found myself craving spicy sesame noodles. Unfortunately, I had trouble finding a ready-made recipe that appealed to me. One recipe was too sweet, another was too bland. Yet a third called for ingredients I didn’t have at hand, like tahini and sesame paste. While those would be good, I dislike buying an entire jar/package/bottle of something just for one recipe. It did give me the idea to include some ginger, which I liked. Besides, I wanted spicy sesame noodles right then and there, not several hours or days in the future!
So, I combined and improvised. And, of course, cut down the recipes from eight or four people to just one serving.
I also didn’t have long rice noodles, only linguine, so I used that. If you use rice noodles, follow the directions on the package to cook them. There are instructions in the recipe for both. If you only have linguine (or even short pasta) use that and don’t worry about it.
So, instead of a ready-made recipe, I ended up with my own twist. But, I’m happy to say it turned out really well.
A bit of a warning about this recipe. As is, it’s really spicy, since that chili garlic sauce packs a punch, so if you prefer a milder version, leave it out.
It’s great for a hot summer day, as it requires only that you cook the noodles, and nothing else. Just chop, mix, arrange in a bowl, and eat.
Spicy Sesame Noodle Recipe for One
Spicy sesame noodle recipe for one. This make a great quick and easy lunch.
Notes
* Rice Noodles: If you use rice noodles, follow the package directions for how to cook them. Generally, that means pouring boiling water over them, letting them sit, and then running the noodles under cold water. Check to make sure, because some are cooked like standard wheat noodles.
**Peanut Butter: if you use natural peanut butter, add an additional pinch of sugar and mix in 1/4 tsp or so canola oil to make it sweeter and smoother
Ingredients
- 2 oz. dry linguine (about two inches around) or long rice noodles*
- 1 T canola oil
- pinch sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp smooth peanut butter**
- 1/2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 tsp sriracha
- 1/2 scallion (just the green part), chopped
- 1/8 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Fill a medium size saucepan about two-thirds of the way full with water and bring to a boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, make the spicy sauce.
- If using linguine, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook 8-10 minutes. If using rice pasta, follow the package directions (see note below)
- Mix the remaining ingredients (except for the scallions and sesame seeds) in a small bowl.
- Once the linguine is cooked, drain it, and run it under cold water to cool off. Pour the drained pasta into a serving bowl.
- Add the sauce and stir to coat the pasta.
- Top with scallions and sesame seeds.
Spicy Sesame Noodles Recipe for One Person Substitutions and Variations
- if you don’t have rice vinegar, use white vinegar
- top with diced fresh bell pepper
- add lightly cooked snow peas or broccoli
- if you want a heartier meal, add in some cooked chicken
- add 1 tsp tahini
to the sauce
- garnish with sliced cucumber
- use the peanut butter and cucumber to make a peanut butter and cucumber sandwich — yes, really)
More Spicy Noodle Recipes
Spicy Beef Noodle Soup for One
Exactly one serving of hot, spicy soothing soup. And it only takes a few minutes to prepare too. You don’t have to simmer it for hours.
Think Dan Dan noodles, but faster and easier. You only need a few ingredients, and you don’t have to order out either.
Easy Singapore Noodles with Chicken for One Person
Nobody knows how this got its name. It’s not really from Singapore. But, it is crunchy, slightly spicy, warm, and delicious. Also a good way to clean out the fridge.
Chinese Chicken Noodle Cabbage Soup for One Person
Infused with garlic, chili, and just a touch of sweetness, this is a wonderful, quick soup that’s perfect for a cool fall day.