I stumbled upon this sesame noodle recipe during a whirlwind week, and let me tell you, it was like finding a hidden gem in a bustling city. Picture this: silky noodles mingling with vibrant greens, all cloaked in a rich, nutty sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chaotic day, but with a zing that wakes up your taste buds—just the thing to turn an ordinary Tuesday into something special.
Steps
- Start by preparing the sesame sauce. Mince a clove of garlic and mix it with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to blend.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the whole wheat spaghetti. Cook until the pasta is tender, then drain it and return it to the pot with the heat turned off.
- Pour the sesame sauce over the drained pasta, stir well to coat, and cover the pot with a lid to keep it warm. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the wilted greens. Mince another clove of garlic and sauté it in olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and sauté until it just wilts, ensuring it remains bright green and slightly plump. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Cook four eggs using your preferred method, such as sunny side up or soft boiled, ensuring the yolk remains runny for best results.
- Stir the pasta again to redistribute the sesame sauce if needed, and divide it into four bowls. Add a portion of wilted greens to each bowl, place a cooked egg on top, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces of whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic
- 8 ounces of fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1565.32kcal | Carbohydrates: 199.6g | Protein: 69.72g | Fat: 59g | Sodium: 4818.72mg | Fiber: 26g
FAQ
- Can I Substitute Different Types of Noodles?
- Absolutely! While the recipe uses whole wheat pasta for its nutty flavor and added nutrients, you can opt for soba or buckwheat noodles, which are excellent alternatives. Keep in mind, though, that they might be a bit pricier unless sourced from an Asian market.
- Is It Possible to Use Other Greens in This Dish?
- Certainly! Although this recipe features spinach, you can experiment with other greens such as bok choy, kale, or even baby broccoli. Feel free to customize according to your preference or what you have on hand.
- How Should I Store Leftover Sesame Noodles with Wilted Greens?
- To store leftovers, place the noodles and greens in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. It’s best to prepare a fresh egg each day. Reheat the noodles and greens in a microwave, and if you’re taking the dish to work, consider using a hard-boiled egg instead.
- What Additional Ingredients Can I Incorporate into the Dish?
- This dish serves as a versatile base for various additions. Consider enhancing it with ingredients like Honey Sriracha Tofu, avocado, edamame, shredded carrot, or Sticky Ginger Soy Glazed Chicken for extra flavor and texture.
- How Do I Identify Toasted Sesame Oil for the Dressing?
- Toasted sesame oil is essential for its rich, nutty flavor. It is typically dark brown and sold in smaller bottles, unlike regular sesame oil, which is lighter in color. You can usually find toasted sesame oil in the International foods section of most major grocery stores.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sesame Oil: Opt for toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil to achieve a rich, nutty flavor. Look for a dark brown color and smaller bottles in the international foods aisle of your grocery store.
- Customize Your Greens and Proteins: Experiment with various greens like bok choy, kale, or baby broccoli if you don’t have spinach on hand. For protein, feel free to substitute the egg with crispy tofu, roasted chicken, or even edamame for a vegetarian twist.
- Make Ahead and Store Properly: Prepare the noodles and greens in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Cook the egg fresh each day for the best texture, or use a hard-boiled egg for convenience if you’re taking the dish to work.
- Enhance with Extra Toppings: Boost the dish’s flavor and nutritional value by adding toppings like avocado, shredded carrots, or spicy Honey Sriracha Tofu. These additions can transform the meal into a more filling and flavorful experience.
Equipment
- Large Pot – For boiling pasta.
- Colander – For draining the pasta.
- Large Skillet – For sautéing garlic and wilting greens.
- Small Bowl – For mixing the sesame sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For measuring ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
