Save It This Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful main dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty noodles, and crisp vegetables in a delicious sweet-savory sauce. Easy to prepare and Asian-inspired, it is the perfect solution for a satisfying 35-minute weeknight dinner.
Save It The secret to this bowl's incredible taste lies in its sweet-savory sesame sauce, a balanced blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, and garlic. A touch of toasted sesame oil and rice vinegar adds depth, while an optional bit of cornstarch ensures the sauce glossily coats every ingredient.
Ingredients
- Protein: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- Noodles: 250 g (9 oz) dried udon, soba, or rice noodles
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 1 medium carrot (julienned), 100 g (3.5 oz) sugar snap peas (trimmed), 2 spring onions (sliced)
- Sauce: 60 ml (4 tbsp) low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
- Garnish: 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, fresh chopped coriander or cilantro, lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Step 2
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch if using. Set aside.
- Step 3
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil.
- Step 4
- Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 4–5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 5
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Step 6
- Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything to coat. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 7
- Add the cooked noodles and spring onions. Toss well to combine and heat through.
- Step 8
- Divide among bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh coriander, and lime wedges if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a large skillet or wok to give the chicken and vegetables plenty of room to sear. You can adjust the brown sugar for your preferred sweetness or add chili flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. Be sure to have your mixing bowls and tongs ready before you start stir-frying!
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly customizable. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with tofu. You can also add other favorite vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms to the mix. For a gluten-free version, use tamari and your favorite gluten-free noodles.
Serviervorschläge
Divide the noodles into bowls and top with plenty of toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander. Serving with lime wedges on the side adds a bright, acidic finish. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Save It With 420 calories and 30g of protein per serving, this Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl is a wholesome and balanced meal. Whether you are cooking for family or prepping for the week, it is a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice the vegetables up to a day in advance. Cook the noodles and stir-fry just before serving for the best texture.
- → What noodles work best?
Udon noodles offer a satisfying chew, soba adds a nutty flavor, and rice noodles keep it light. Choose based on your preference or what you have available.
- → How can I add more heat?
Add sliced fresh chili peppers during the stir-fry, or incorporate sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the sesame sauce. Red pepper flakes also work well.
- → Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or cubed tofu all work beautifully with the sesame sauce. Adjust cooking time accordingly for your chosen protein.
- → Is this gluten-free?
With simple substitutions—tamari instead of soy sauce and certified gluten-free rice noodles—this becomes a completely gluten-free meal.