Description
Sesame kale noodles bring together a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired flavors and nutritious ingredients. Hearty greens and silky noodles create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) noodles (ramen, soba, rice noodles, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tahini or peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Extra sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Noodle Preparation: Immerse noodles in a generously salted water bath, cooking until achieving a perfect al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water, then delicately toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Aromatics Ignition: Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame, introducing a whisper of sesame oil. Quickly sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing their essence to bloom and permeate the cooking environment for a quick 30-second infusion.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold chopped kale into the aromatic skillet, stirring until the leaves transform into a tender, vibrant emerald landscape.
- Sauce Orchestration: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, tahini, maple syrup, grated ginger, and sesame seeds until the mixture becomes a harmonious, silky elixir.
- Flavor Fusion: Cascade the noodles into the kale-laden skillet, then pour the meticulously crafted sesame sauce over the ingredients. Gently toss to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over low heat.
- Plating Finale: Artfully distribute the noodles among serving vessels. Garnish with a flourish of sliced green onions, an additional sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a crunchy crown of crushed peanuts. Complete the dish with a vibrant lime juice accent, serving immediately while the flavors remain at their peak warmth and intensity.
Notes
- Prevent Noodle Sticking: Rinse noodles with cold water and coat with sesame oil to stop clumping and keep them separated after cooking.
- Manage Kale Texture: Stir-fry kale quickly to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it bitter and lose nutritional value.
- Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, even blend that coats noodles perfectly without being too thick or thin.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce for tamari to make gluten-free, use maple syrup alternatives like agave for different sweetness, or replace tahini with almond butter for nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg