Zesty Sesame-Spiced Noodles with Peanuts and Thai Basil
Experience the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this Zesty Sesame-Spiced Noodles recipe. Fresh Chinese egg noodles, cooked to perfection, are tossed in a robust and spicy sesame dressing, bursting with the warmth of ginger, garlic, and hot chili oil. Adorned with crunchy roasted peanuts and aromatic Thai basil, this dish combines delightful textures and flavors in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to share with friends, its versatility and bold flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peanut Oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Fresh Ginger
2 tablespoons (Minced and peeled)
Garlic Cloves
2 cloves (Minced)
Sesame Oil
3 tablespoons (For dressing)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons (For acidity)
Sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (For sweetness)
Hot Chili Oil
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (For seasoning)
Chinese Egg Noodles
1 lb (Or fresh angel hair pasta)
Green Onions
12 (Thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only))
Roasted Peanuts
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Fresh Thai Basil
1/4 cup (Thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat the peanut oil until shimmering.
2
Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
3
To the bowl, add sesame oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, sugar, hot chili oil, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
4
In a separate sieve placed over your sink, add the fresh Chinese egg noodles. Using your fingers, gently separate the noodles while shaking to remove excess starch.
5
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water until cool. Make sure to drain thoroughly to avoid excess water.
7
Transfer the cooled noodles to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Add the sliced green onions and toss the noodles gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
8
Let the noodles rest at room temperature for about 1 hour, tossing occasionally. This will allow the noodles to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
9
After the resting period, gently stir in the chopped peanuts and thinly sliced Thai basil. Toss the mixture again to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
10
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if desired.
11
Serve the noodles at room temperature, garnished with extra peanuts and Thai basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Sesame-Spiced Noodles with Peanuts and Thai Basil?
This is a vibrant Southeast Asian-inspired dish featuring fresh Chinese egg noodles tossed in a spicy sesame dressing with ginger, garlic, roasted peanuts, and aromatic Thai basil.
What kind of noodles are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of fresh Chinese egg noodles or fresh angel hair pasta as an alternative.
How do I prepare the ginger and garlic?
You should use two tablespoons of minced and peeled fresh ginger and two minced garlic cloves, then sauté them in peanut oil until fragrant.
What ingredients are in the sesame dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together sesame oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, sugar, hot chili oil, and salt.
How do I remove excess starch from the fresh noodles?
Place the fresh noodles in a sieve and gently separate them with your fingers while shaking to remove excess starch before cooking.
How should the noodles be cooked?
Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until they are just tender.
Why must the noodles be rinsed in cold water?
Rinsing under cold running water stops the cooking process and cools the noodles, ensuring they maintain the right texture for the room-temperature dressing.
When do I add the green onions?
Add the 12 thinly sliced green onions to the bowl when you first toss the cooled noodles with the prepared dressing.
How long does the recipe require the noodles to rest?
The noodles should rest at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow them to fully absorb the flavors of the dressing.
When should I add the peanuts and Thai basil?
The coarsely chopped roasted peanuts and thinly sliced Thai basil should be stirred in after the one-hour resting period is complete.
What part of the green onion should be used?
The recipe specifies using only the white and pale green parts of the green onions, thinly sliced.
What oil is used for sautéing the aromatics?
One tablespoon of peanut oil is used to sauté the ginger and garlic until they are shimmering and fragrant.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of hot chili oil to taste to control the heat level of the noodles.
What type of vinegar provides the acidity in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are used to provide acidity and depth to the spicy sesame sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses noodles, vegetable-based oils, aromatics, peanuts, and herbs, making it a vegetarian dish.
How should the peanuts be prepared for the garnish?
Use half a cup of roasted peanuts and coarsely chop them before adding them to the final mixture.
At what temperature should the noodles be served?
The noodles are intended to be served at room temperature.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking during boiling?
Stir the noodles occasionally while they are cooking in the large pot of salted water.
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
While Thai basil is recommended for its specific aromatic profile, you can use regular basil as a substitute if necessary.
How much sugar is used in the sauce?
The dressing requires 1.5 tablespoons of sugar to balance the spicy and acidic components.
Is there a lot of salt in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of salt in the dressing, plus additional salt for the boiling water.
What gives the noodles their zesty flavor?
The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and hot chili oil creates the signature zesty and robust flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a versatile and bold dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for sharing with friends.
How do I ensure the noodles are evenly coated in sauce?
Toss the noodles gently when first adding the sauce and again occasionally during the one-hour resting period.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients required to make this dish.
How should the Thai basil be sliced?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh Thai basil to be thinly sliced.
Is there soy sauce in the noodles?
Yes, two tablespoons of soy sauce are used as a primary seasoning in the dressing.
Can I use dried pasta if fresh noodles aren't available?
While fresh Chinese egg noodles or fresh angel hair are preferred, you could use dried versions if fresh is unavailable, adjusting cook times accordingly.
Do I need to peel the ginger before mincing?
Yes, the instructions specify using minced and peeled fresh ginger.
Can I add extra garnish before serving?
Yes, you can garnish the final dish with extra chopped peanuts and Thai basil if desired.