Zesty Sesame Noodles Recipe: Ina Garten’s Magic Touch

Pasta lovers rejoice when sesame noodles burst with flavor and simplicity.

Ina Garten’s easy sesame noodles recipe delivers a delightful twist on classic Asian-inspired cuisine.

The vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of savory and nutty notes.

Silky noodles coated in a rich, fragrant sauce promise a satisfying meal in minutes.

sesame oil and soy sauce form the backbone of this irresistible dish, adding depth and complexity.

Home cooks will love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Grab your chopsticks and dive into a bowl of pure culinary comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

What’s in Ina Garten’s Easy Sesame Noodles

• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Ginger: Provides warm, zesty undertone with subtle spicy complexity.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates smooth blending base for sauce ingredients.
• Tahini: Introduces creamy, nutty richness with Middle Eastern flair.
• Peanut Butter: Contributes luxurious, velvety texture and deep nutty essence.

• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and salty undertone.
• Sherry Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and sophisticated acidic balance.
• Dry Sherry: Enhances complex wine-like flavor dimension.
• Honey: Adds gentle sweetness and helps smooth sauce consistency.
• Sesame Oil: Infuses authentic Asian-inspired nutty aroma.

• Chili Paste: Introduces spicy kick and vibrant red color.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warming heat and aromatic complexity.

• Spaghetti: Serves as primary carbohydrate base with perfect sauce-holding texture.

• Scallions: Adds fresh, sharp green onion brightness.
• Peanuts: Delivers satisfying crunch and complementary nutty flavor.

Cooking Tools for Ina’s Sesame Pasta Bowl

• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, well-mixed sauce with all ingredients.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling spaghetti in salted water to al dente perfection.
• Large Serving Bowl: Crucial for mixing pasta with sauce and combining final ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping scallions and peanuts with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice scallions and chop peanuts quickly and evenly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, honey, and other ingredients.
• Tongs or Pasta Server: Convenient for transferring and tossing pasta in the bowl.

Quick Steps for Ina Garten’s Asian-Style Noodles

Sesame Noodle Magic

• Flavor Foundation

Create a vibrant sauce by blending aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and chili paste with creamy tahini and nutty peanut butter. The blender transforms these components into a silky, complex mixture that will coat your noodles with incredible depth.

• Noodle Transformation

Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until perfectly tender. The key is capturing some starchy cooking liquid, which helps the sauce cling beautifully to each strand, creating a luscious coating.

• Texture and Harmony

Gently fold the hot noodles into the prepared sauce, allowing each strand to become luxuriously dressed. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved cooking water to achieve a glossy, clingy consistency.

• Finishing Flourish

Sprinkle sliced scallions and crunchy chopped peanuts over the noodles. These final touches add brightness, texture, and a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the entire dish from simple to spectacular.

Flavor Variations for Ina’s Easy Sesame Noodles

• Adjust the chili paste amount to match your heat tolerance, from a mild warmth to a bold kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Enhance the dish by folding in grilled chicken, shredded tofu, seared shrimp, or crispy pan-fried tofu for extra protein and texture.
• Toss in blanched broccoli florets, julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, or roasted edamame to create a more nutritious and colorful meal.
• Experiment with different noodle types like rice noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, buckwheat soba, or gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary preferences and add unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare the sauce and noodles in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing for quick and easy meal prep during busy weeknights.

How to Present Ina Garten’s Sesame Dish

• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform this simple sesame noodle dish into a restaurant-worthy meal by serving it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein and excitement.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Sprinkle extra sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil on top to add vibrant colors and layers of texture that make the dish pop.
• Make It a Complete Meal: Pair the noodles with a quick Asian-inspired cucumber salad or steamed edamame on the side to balance the rich, creamy sauce and create a well-rounded dinner experience.
• Customize for Gathering: Prepare the sauce and noodles ahead of time, then set up a DIY toppings bar with chopped herbs, crushed peanuts, and different chili sauces so guests can personalize their plates.

Leftover Hacks for Ina Garten’s Sesame Noodles

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover sesame noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the sauce and pasta separate to prevent sogginess.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm chilled noodles in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture and revive the dish’s vibrant flavors.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare sauce and chop garnishes in advance, allowing you to assemble this quick meal within 15 minutes during busy weeknights or for last-minute lunch solutions.
• Smart Ingredient Storage: Keep tahini, peanut butter, and sesame oil in a cool, dark pantry to maintain their quality, and refrigerate after opening to extend shelf life and prevent rancidity.

Authentic Sesame Noodles Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame noodles showcase Ina Garten’s elegant simplicity with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Creamy sauce, tender noodles, and fresh scallions invite you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
• ¼ cup (60 ml) peanut butter, creamy
• ¼ cup (60 ml) tahini, stirred
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable or canola oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sherry vinegar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dry sherry
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) liquid honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (3 cloves) garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsps ginger, chopped
• 1 tsp chili paste or chili garlic sauce
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• 4 scallions, sliced diagonally (white and green parts)
• ½ cup (75 g) peanuts, salted, roasted, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Sauce Creation: Combine garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, sherry vinegar, dry sherry, honey, sesame oil, chili paste, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Pulse until a smooth, harmonious sauce emerges with silky consistency.
2. Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, targeting precise al dente texture. Drain pasta, reserving a small quantity of starchy cooking liquid.
3. Sauce Integration: Transfer hot pasta to a spacious serving bowl. Drizzle prepared sauce over noodles, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Adjust sauce viscosity by introducing reserved pasta water, creating a glossy, clinging texture.
4. Finishing Touches: Elegantly scatter thinly sliced scallions and roughly chopped roasted peanuts across the pasta. Taste and refine seasoning with additional salt if desired. Serve warm or allow to rest at room temperature, permitting flavors to harmonize and intensify.

Notes

• Sauce Mastery: Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats noodles evenly without clumping.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti exactly al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure ideal texture when mixed with sauce.
• Liquid Gold Tip: Save pasta water as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping ingredients bind seamlessly.
• Flavor Enhancement: Let dish rest briefly at room temperature to allow seasonings to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg