Crispy Broccoli Sweet and Spicy Sesame Tahini Noodles Recipe
This recipe features crispy broccoli paired with sweet and spicy sesame tahini noodles. The dish combines a creamy tahini-based sauce with a balance of sweetness, heat, and umami, complemented by tender yet crisp broccoli florets and perfectly cooked rice noodles. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and optional red pepper flakes, this flavorful and satisfying meal is ideal for a quick vegetarian dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup tahini (we use Soom)
- 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (or substitute coconut sugar or honey)
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 2-4 tablespoons water, to thin the sauce
Broccoli
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil)
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets (about 4-5 cups broccoli florets)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Noodles
- 10 ounce rice noodles (or substitute spaghetti or linguine)
For Serving
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra spice
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, tahini, brown sugar (or chosen sweetener), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and hot chili paste. Add 2-4 tablespoons of water gradually to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your preference.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped broccoli florets, seasoning with freshly ground salt and pepper. Sauté the broccoli until it turns bright green and develops some crisp edges, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Prepare the noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside.
- Combine noodles and sauce: In a large bowl or back in the skillet, toss the cooked noodles with the prepared sweet and spicy tahini sauce until evenly coated. Adjust the sauce quantity as needed for your taste.
- Assemble the dish: Add the sautéed broccoli to the noodles and toss gently to combine. If desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes to enhance flavor and heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor, regular sesame oil works as a substitute but is less aromatic.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste and red pepper flakes based on your preferred heat level.
- Substitute rice noodles with spaghetti or linguine if rice noodles are unavailable.
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup or coconut sugar as sweeteners instead of honey.
- Make sure not to overcook broccoli to maintain its crisp texture and nutritional value.
