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Switching up the average weeknight meal with these 30 Minute Spicy Sesame Noodles with Ginger Chicken. Szechuan style noodles in a soy-pomegranate sauce and tossed with gingery ground chicken and plenty of vegetables. Finish these saucy noodles off with the most addicting toasted sesame and peanut chili oil spooned over top. These quick and healthy vegetable-filled noodles can be made and ready in just about 30 minutes. Not only are they healthier, these spicy noodles taste just like your favorite take out.
It’s true what they say, homemade is always better, and that’s definitely the case with these noodles. I’ve mentioned this before, but something about this time of year always inspires me to stay cozied up inside. Making homemade Asian inspired recipes are always so warming and comforting. Making saucy Asian noodles along with plenty of pies and cookies… Well, that’s one of the best indoor cold-weather activities there is!
Yes, all this cold weather makes it that much easier to stay inside and cook all day long.
It might be cheesy, but nothing is better than cooking and baking on snowy days. This is going to sound odd, but when it snows in November and December, I just seem to have better days. There’s something really special about the snow falling and the feeling of being cozy in the kitchen. I love it. Clearly.
Anyway, finishing up all the rambling here and getting right into the details.
I made these spicy, saucy noodles on a whim last week using the contents of my fridge. I wanted to be able to create a quick dinner with what I had on hand. Sharing the recipe was never part of the plan. But then, I ended up loving this meal so much that I recreated it the following day to photograph it and work out the kinks.
Turns out the simplest meal really can be so delicious. Somehow these always end up being my favorites.
Making these noodles is fast and simple.
It all starts with that peanut chili oil. It’s key for adding in a little spiciness and nutty crunch with every bite. Simmer the sesame oil and salted peanuts together until the nuts are golden and toasted. Add a good amount of red pepper chili flakes (or use to your taste) and a few strips of orange rind. Now, I know the orange rind might sound odd, but trust me here. It adds a very subtle citrus punch that brightens these noodles up with a zingy flavor.
Once the oil is made. Start cooking the noodles and browning the chicken. You can really use any kind of noodle, but a good egg noodle or fresh ramen noodles (no seasoning packet) are probably best. If you’re gluten-free, use your favorite rice noodles. Those will be great too!
While the noodles are boiling, caramelize the chicken and mushrooms in the sauce. My tip here? Finely chop the mushrooms, as they add not only a vegetable, but also great flavor. You don’t even realize they’re there, but they add so much to these noodles.
Once the sauce coats the chicken, let the chicken get a little crisp in the skillet and begin to caramelize around the edges. Then just toss in the noodles and a couple of spoonfuls of the oil.
Then find chopsticks…or a fork and ENJOY.
They’re a little spicy, and a touch tangy, but with a subtle sweetness and a crunch from those peanuts. All things delicious!
If you’re looking for something fresh and healthy…ish for dinner this week, make these noodles.
My idea? Invite your quarantine crew over for a take out style dinner at home. Make these noodles, maybe add potstickers or dumplings into the mix, and have fun cooking together while enjoying your favorite drink. A Netflix, friends, and noodles kind of night. AKA…my kind of night!
Looking for other Asian recipes?? Here are my favorites:
Ginger Peanut Chicken Noodle Soup
Chinese Mushroom Dumplings with Sweet Chili Ginger Sesame Sauce
Lastly, if you make this 30 Minute Spicy Sesame Noodles with Ginger Chicken, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
30 Minute Spicy Sesame Noodles with Ginger Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup, plus 2 tablespoons peanut or sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup raw peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2-3 strips orange or clementine peel
- 8 ounces Chinese egg noodles or ramen noodles
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate juice, (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
- 3/4 pound ground chicken
- 3 cups shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 cups roughly chopped kale or green cabbage
- green onions and pomegranate, for serving
Instructions
- 1. To make the chili oil. In a large skillet, heat 1/3 cup peanut or sesame oil, and the peanuts over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the peanuts turn golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and very carefully transfer the oil to a heatproof bowl or glass jar. Stir in the red pepper flakes and orange peel. 2. Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce, pomegranate juice (if using), honey, and 1/3 cup water. 3. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.4. Place the skillet used to make the chili oil, over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons peanut or sesame oil and the chicken. Season with black pepper and brown all over, breaking the chicken up as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, ginger, and garlic, and cook another 2-3 minutes. Slowly pour in 1/2 of the soy sauce mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce coats the chicken and the meat begins to caramelize and get crispy, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining soy sauce mixture, the greens, and sesame seeds. Bring the mixture to a simmer.5. Stir in the noodles and 2 tablespoons chili oil. Remove from the heat. Serve the noodles warm, topped with additional chili oil and green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
I made this last weekend and it was so good. Delicious the next day cold too! One question – my chicken did not really ever caramelize – I used my cast iron pan. Any tips? Thanks so much!
Hey Hill,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am glad you enjoyed it! So sorry your chicken did not caramelize. Was there anything that you may have adjusted? I usually find my cast iron helps with this! xTieghan
Made this recipe last night and loved it! I recently discovered HBH and must say I’m impressed with the dishes I already tried. Will definitely use more of your recipes in the future!
Hey Rani,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious!! Note – definitely use low-sodium soya sauce. It makes a big difference. Great recipe!
Hey Alanna,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving the recipe a try! xTieghan
LOVED THIS! Will definitely make again and tell everyone about it. A true 30 minute dinner! And clean up was super easy. The flavor in this was amazing. We did more greens that it called for and glad we did because the kale cooked down a lot. A sneaky way to get vegetables in!
Hey Natalie,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Made this for dinner tonight! It was perfectly spiced and so hearty! I served it with steamed green beans.
Hey Megan,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Easy and delicious!! This will for sure become a staple in our house.
Hey Maria,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
This recipe was incredible! Rich in flavor but super quick and great for a weeknight.
Hey Adrienne,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Awesome, what a great recipe. This is the 2nd time making it and I added broccoli this time and it was delicious!!
Hey Rich,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I love to cook Asian food and stir fries. My husband said this was the best Asian dish I’ve ever made. I followed the recipe fairly close except I did not have pomegranate juice or honey and I used shredded brussel sprouts for the greens. I substituted 2 tbsp of Mirin and 2 tbsp brown sugar for the honey. it was delicious, easy and ready in about 20mins. Thank you!
Hey Kara,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Just made this for dinner! Super tasty, husband and 1 year old approved ??
Hey Savannah,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
First, I love alllll your recipes- especially the Asian inspired dishes. I have a no mushroom eater in the family. While I firmly believe this is just incorrect, I’m hoping you have a suggestion for a substitute. What do you think?
Hey Lisa,
I really think any other veggie you like will work here. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
So yumm. thanks for sharing the recipe.
You bet!
This was a fabulous meal. Easy to improvise as well, as we used bok choy and broccoli in place of the kale/cabbage. Also used sliced chicken breast instead of ground chicken. A tad spicy with 2 Tbsp. of red pepper flakes, so I would use a bit less next time. Overall, a fantastic recipe. Thanks so much!
Hey Dorothy,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
We made it Veggie by adding chopped oyster mushrooms instead of ground chicken. Loved the chili oil!
Hey Gail,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
We loved this quick and easy dish. I used farmers-style spaetzle egg noodles. They are rustic with a good chew to them. A great compliment to the chicken and sauce.
Hey Carina,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan