Next Post
Salted Rosemary Popovers with Honey Butter.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
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
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 543 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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!
This post was originally published on November 17, 2020
I just finished making this and it’s delicious. I didn’t have ground chicken so I substituted ground pork. Also subbed cranberry juice for the pomegranate, but everything else was the same . Soo good! Thank you for the recipe!
I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you, Lori! Thank you! xTieghan
You don’t include any directions about when to add he mushrooms or kale. When are we supposed to do that?
Hey Rachel,
Those are both included in step 4:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Would pomegranate molasses be a good sub for the Pom juice?
Hey Kate,
Sure, I think that would work well! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Just made this last night and I’m already looking forward to eating the leftovers for lunch. I love how your recipes are truly unique, and you add something extra to take it to the next level. Like the addition of the citrus peel-laced sesame/peanut and chili oil mixture in this recipe. Your recipes truly stand out from all the other food bloggers out there, and thats why I keep coming back here. I have hundreds of your blog recipes printed out and preserved in sheet protectors. I started cooking your recipes 5 years ago, I love both of your cookbooks, and I cant wait to see what you’ve come up with for all the holiday meals this year!
You are so sweet! I am so happy this recipe turned out so well for you, Kendra! Thank you so much for trying this and so many others of mine! xTieghan
Looks fabulous! When you say raw peanuts do you mean green peanuts or ones that are just not roasted ? Thanks, can’t wait to try this.
Hey Judith,
You want to use peanuts that are not roasted. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can’t wait to try this out! I can already imagine the smell and taste ? what can I sub pomegranate juice with?:) thanks so much!
Hey Camille,
Cranberry juice would work or you can just omit the pom juice. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi, I am vegetarian but this looks so good. Is there anything I should sub the chicken with? How should I prepare? Thanks!
Hey Lacey,
You could use extra veggies like broccoli and carrots your you can use tofu, follow the recipe as is. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
The recipe looks delicious !
Unfortunately, my boyfriend has a peanut allergy. Are there any other nuts you think will be a good substitute?
Thank you !
Hey Jenn,
I think cashews would work well here! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This looks great! when do you add the cabbage in?
Hey Jeanna,
The cabbage is added in step 4. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This looks so good but my husband doesn’t like mushrooms. Any good substitutes?? Thank you!
Your Asian inspired recipes are some of my favorite of yours and are a staple in our weeknight rotation. Can’t wait to try this one!
Thank you so much Val! I am really happy this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Deliciousness for this weekend. Great flavors.
Thank you so much Joyce! xTieghan
You take the most beautiful pictures of all of your delicious food ?
Everything you post I want to make immediately!!!
You are so sweet! I am really glad you have been enjoying my blog and recipes, Chrissy! I hope you love all of the ones you try! xTieghan
Thank you for sharing this quick and easy recipe. I’ve not had noodles for a while and I was stuck on what to cook for dinner this evening. This looks delicious 🙂
Thank you so much Colleen! xTieghan
Ginger chicken always tastes heaven……… going to try thanks
Thank you! I hope you love this one! xTieghan