Aunt Pearl's Spicy Sesame Noodles
Discover the vibrant flavors of Aunt Pearl's Spicy Sesame Noodles, a delightful dish that's sure to impress. This recipe combines al dente spaghetti with a rich and creamy sesame-infused sauce, punctuated by the heat of Chinese chili and the aromatic essence of garlic and ginger. Served with refreshing cucumber and aromatic coriander, this dish is perfect for warm lunches or as a tasty snack. Whether enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, these noodles are a comforting treat that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or a quick solo lunch, let Aunt Pearl's culinary magic shine at your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1/2 lb (cooked until al dente)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
sherry wine
1 tablespoon (none)
Chinese chili sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
tahini
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
white sugar
1/2 tablespoon (none)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
fresh ginger
1 slice (size of a dime) (peeled and chopped)
green onions
2 (finely sliced)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
English cucumber
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
fresh coriander
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions, ensuring it remains al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled noodles with the sesame oil, ensuring they are well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3
To create the sauce, combine the low sodium soy sauce, sherry wine, Chinese chili sauce, tahini, and white sugar in a separate bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended and smooth.
4
Pour the prepared sauce over the tossed noodles and mix well until every strand is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
5
Season the noodles with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then, gently fold in the chopped English cucumber and fresh coriander for added crunch and flavor.
6
Serve the dish either at room temperature or chilled, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Aunt Pearl's Spicy Sesame Noodles, a flavorful Asian-inspired pasta dish with a creamy sesame sauce.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of spaghetti, cooked until it is al dente.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and ensures the noodles remain firm and cool for the salad.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The creamy base is created by whisking together tahini, Chinese chili sauce, low sodium soy sauce, sherry wine, and white sugar.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the recipe features heat from 1 1/2 tablespoons of Chinese chili sauce.
What kind of oil is used to coat the noodles?
One tablespoon of sesame oil is used to coat the noodles and prevent them from sticking while adding flavor.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?
While the recipe specifies low sodium soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce, though you may want to adjust the amount to manage saltiness.
What fresh aromatics are included?
The recipe includes 3 cloves of minced garlic and a dime-sized slice of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.
What provides the crunch in the noodles?
Finely chopped English cucumber and fresh coriander provide a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavor.
How should the dish be served?
The noodles can be served either at room temperature or chilled.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, Aunt Pearl's Spicy Sesame Noodles are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
What garnish is recommended?
You can garnish the dish with additional finely sliced green onions if desired.
How much tahini is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 tablespoons of tahini.
What type of cucumber is best for this recipe?
An English cucumber is recommended because it is generally seedless and has a thinner skin.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for fresh ginger for its aromatic essence, but you could use a small pinch of ground ginger in a pinch.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?
The 1/2 tablespoon of white sugar helps balance the heat from the chili sauce and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Is there wine in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sherry wine in the sauce mixture.
How many green onions should I use?
You should use 2 green onions, finely sliced.
Can these noodles be eaten as a snack?
Yes, the description mentions they are perfect for warm lunches or as a tasty snack.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of chili sauce should I look for?
The recipe specifies Chinese chili sauce for an authentic flavor profile.
How do I ensure the noodles are 'al dente'?
Follow the timing on the spaghetti package instructions but check them a minute early to ensure they still have a slight bite.
Is fresh coriander necessary?
Fresh coriander adds a specific aromatic flavor; if you dislike it, you could substitute with more green onions or parsley.
How much cucumber should be added?
You should add 1/2 cup of finely chopped English cucumber.
Can I make this recipe in a single bowl?
You will need one bowl for the noodles and another separate bowl to whisk the sauce before combining them.
Does the recipe contain black pepper?
Yes, you should add freshly ground black pepper to taste at the end of the preparation.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The fresh ginger should be peeled and then chopped.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and primarily involves boiling pasta and whisking a sauce.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Asian cuisine.