Sesame Tahini Noodles Recipe
Sometimes you just need a cozy bowl of noodles. And these Sesame Tahini Noodles are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again! Brown rice noodles with a garlic ginger tahini sauce that’s lightly creamy and so full of that umami taste. All topped with chives, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for the ultimate weeknight dinner!
RELATED: 100+ Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas (30 Minutes Or Less)
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients for this easy Tahini Noodle recipe!
- Brown Rice Noodles
- Toasted Sesame Oil (divided)
- Minced Garlic
- Grated Ginger
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce/Tamari – Coconut aminos are great, too!
- Rice Vinegar
- Agave Syrup (or honey)
- Chili Paste (Sambal Oelek)
- Tahini
- Chopped Chives
- Sesame Seeds
- Red Pepper Flakes – to taste. This can adjust the spicy level!
Optional Add-In Ideas
Here are a few other vegetables to stir-fry into this Spicy Tahini Noodles recipe:
- Broccoli
- Chopped Bell Peppers
- Snow Peas
- Bok Choi
- Squeeze of Lime Juice
How to Make Tahini Noodles
Making these vegan tahini noodles is SO easy! Here’s how to put this recipe together:
- Cook the noodles according to directions.
- Heat up sesame oil in a saucepan or skillet.
- Saute minced garlic and grated ginger for a couple of minutes.
- Add in soy sauce (or tamari), agave syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili paste, tahini, and water.
- Whisk to combine, then remove from heat and add in the noodles.
- Top with chives, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes!
How to Store This Recipe
While this recipe is best served fresh, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the microwave! When reheating, add 1/2 – 1 Tablespoon of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
Option: Tofu Shirataki Noodles Instead of Brown Rice Noodles
What are Tofu Shirataki Noodles?
Tofu Shirataki noodles are low-calorie, low-carb noodles made from konjac flour (glucomannan) and tofu or soybean curd. They are a popular gluten-free and low-carb alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles! These noodles have a neutral flavor and are often used in various dishes as a healthier substitute.
Tofu Shirataki Noodles vs. Brown Rice Noodles
Tofu Shirataki noodles and brown rice noodles are two distinct types of noodle alternatives with different nutritional profiles and ingredients:
- Tofu Shirataki Noodles
- Ingredients: Made from konjac flour (glucomannan) and tofu or soybean curd, although some versions may not include tofu.
- Calories/Carbs: They are lower in calories and carbs.
- Texture/Flavor: Tofu Shirataki noodles have a unique texture and a neutral flavor, often taking on the taste of the sauces and ingredients they are cooked with.
- Gluten-Free: They’re naturally gluten-free.
- Brown Rice Noodles
- Ingredients: Brown rice noodles are typically made from brown rice flour and water. Some variations may include additional ingredients, but they are primarily composed of rice.
- Calories/Carbs: Brown rice noodles contain more calories and carbs compared to Tofu Shirataki noodles. While they are not as high in carbs as traditional wheat-based pasta, they are not considered low-carb.
- Texture/Flavor: Brown rice noodles have a texture and flavor more similar to traditional wheat-based noodles. They also have a slightly nutty taste and chewy texture!
- Gluten-Free: Are rice noodles gluten-free? Yes! Brown rice noodles are also gluten-free, making them a versatile option.
How to Cook Tofu Shirataki Noodles?
To cook Tofu Shirataki Noodles, follow these steps:
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain and rinse the noodles under cold running water in a colander for a few minutes to remove the natural odor and excess liquid. This step is essential for improving the noodles’ texture!
- Boil or Dry Sautee: You can either boil the noodles for 2-3 minutes or dry sauté them in a non-stick pan over medium heat until most of the moisture evaporates. Dry sautéing helps improve the texture and flavor.
- Toss in Sauce or Dish: Once cooked, add the Tofu Shirataki noodles to the sauce, stir-fry, or dish, and heat them briefly to absorb the flavors. They take on the taste of the ingredients they’re cooked with!
More Healthy Dinner Recipes
- Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls
- Spicy Chicken Ramen
- Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice
- Vegan Spicy Thai Tofu Tacos
Sign up for my email list to get my FREE 7 Meal-Planning Secrets To Making Wholesome Dinners (In 30 Minutes Or Less) course!
Sesame Tahini Noodles
Ingredients
- 12 ounces brown rice noodles (or Tofu Shirataki noodles)
- 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil (divided)
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce/tamari
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons agave syrup (or honey)
- 1-2 Tablespoons chili paste (sambal oelek)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1-2 Tablespoons water (as desired to thin)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, heat a sauce pan or skillet with 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil.
- Add in the minced garlic and grated ginger and saute for just 2-3 minutes.
- Add in all remaining ingredients and whisk to combine.
- Remove from heat.
- When the noodles are done, combine with the sauce, then top with the chives, red pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Leslie Haasch says:
I’m going to have to keep an eye out for those noodles next time I go to the store – this looks so refreshing!
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Nicole | Culinary Cool says:
I’ve tried those noodles and totally love them. Swooning over this recipe, too! Especially loving that it’s meat-free, and all those flavours look fab!
Christine McMichael replied:
That’s so awesome, Nicole! I loved them too. Enjoy!
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale says:
I am always looking for great low carb foods! I can’t wait to try these noodles! The Sesame Tahini Noodles with roasted veggies looks AMAZING!
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes! It’s so good. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade says:
I’ve tried similar noodles before, but never this type. They look good and super simple. And this dish looks absolutely mouthwatering! I’ll need to give these a try
Christine McMichael replied:
I hope you enjoy the recipe, Karyl! 🙂
Amelie says:
Congratulations on the great news! I was sick with my three pregnancies, so I can totally relate. The only thing I could eat back then without getting sick were dishes with tomatoes (meatballs, pasta sauce, etc. ). No way I would have eaten anything involving sesame, haha. But now nausea is far behind me and I’d love to try this recipe! Thanks and good luck!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks so much, Amelie! We are so excited 😉 Ah, it’s not fun at all being sick during pregnancy! That’s so interesting. I felt that way about sour things! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Kat Jeter says:
This is such a bright, beautiful dish. I love all of the fresh veggies and I can’t wait to give the Shirataki Noodles a try.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Kat! Enjoy!
Amy Nash says:
Those noodles sound really yummy and easy to make! And I love the flavors of the sauce that you have paired with them. Sounds so good with the crispy radish slices!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Amy! They were delicious!
Claire says:
What a great way to way to swap out traditional noodles. Tofu noodles sound delicious and so interesting.
I totally agree about those smells and first trimester illness. I was sick for all 42 weeks of my first pregnancy!!!
Luckily the second one I had almost no sickness at all! Go figure!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Claire! Oh my goodness, that sounds TERRIBLE. So glad your second one was better! That’s not fun at all, haha!
Jennifer says:
Congrats Christine!!! Glad to hear that you’re out of the first trimester and finally able to eat and smell food again without getting sick! It’s rough. I had an aversion to while pregnant with my son and even now, almost two years later, I only eat chicken sparingly! lol! Your Sesame Tahini Noodles look wonderful…love the video too!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you! Ahh, those aversions are terrible. I hope I can be ok with opening the refrigerator for more than a second in the future, haha. Thank you! Enjoy the recipe!
Ben Myhre says:
Well, congrats on expecting and not-congrats on getting sick. These noodles look so yummy. I am always down for a noodle bowl… seriously.
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha thank you, Ben! 🙂 Yes, same. So good!
Alisa Fleming says:
I love the House Foods brand but haven’t bought their noodles in ages! Thanks for the reminder and the awesome recipe 🙂
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes! Me too!! Enjoy the recipe 🙂
Stephanie McKercher says:
What a beautiful spring dish! I’ve been meaning to try these tofu noodles so this is perfect timing.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Stephanie!
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says:
These noodles look so tasty… now I’m craving noodles! haha I really love that they are Gluten-free as well!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Dominique! They are sooooooo good!
Jessica Robinson says:
Congrats on your expecting bundle of joy! Those smells should eventually get better. This sesame noodle dish looks so delicious and hearty! Cannot wait to try!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you so much, friend! 🙂 We are thrilled!
Katherine says:
I love the idea of mushroom noodles!
Christine McMichael replied:
They are SO delicious!