Lemon Sesame Noodles
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly savory, Lemon Sesame Noodles are a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight meals or light lunches. This dish combines tender spaghetti or wheat noodles with a vibrant sauce made from toasted sesame oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup for a vegan twist. Fragrant garlic and ginger give the sauce a bold kick, while sesame seeds and scallions provide a delightful crunch and garnish. Ready in just 20 minutes, these noodles are perfect served warm or chilled, and you can customize the spice level with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Whether you're seeking a refreshing side dish or a simple main course, this recipe is a flavorful, satisfying option that effortlessly balances tangy, nutty, and umami-packed flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 g spaghetti noodles (or thin wheat noodles)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as a vegan option)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 tbsp water (reserved from boiling noodles)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the cooking water, then drain and set the noodles aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the reserved noodle cooking water and whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the sauce mixture and allow it to heat through, stirring occasionally, for about 1–2 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce until they are evenly coated and heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sesame seeds.
Transfer the noodles to a serving dish. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
810 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.1 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1740 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.5 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.3 g | ||
| Protein | 21.8 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 150 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 474 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
