Description
This Crispy Broccoli Sweet and Spicy Sesame Tahini Noodles recipe combines tender yet crispy broccoli with chewy rice noodles, all coated in a flavorful homemade sweet and spicy sesame tahini sauce. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick vegetarian meal packed with Asian-inspired flavors and a lovely balance of heat, sweetness, and nuttiness.
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 ounces rice noodles (or substitute spaghetti or linguine)
For Serving
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra spice
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the sweet and spicy sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, tahini, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, hot chili paste, and water. Adjust water to reach a pourable, salad dressing-like consistency. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet still crisp, with some charred, golden, and crispy spots.
- Prepare the noodles: While the broccoli cooks, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and serve: Once the broccoli is cooked, add the drained rice noodles to the pot. Pour the prepared tahini sauce over the noodles and broccoli. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if a spicier dish is desired. Serve immediately. Yields 4 servings.
Notes
- Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a natural sweetener alternative.
- Adjust the amount of hot chili paste and red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Rice noodles can be replaced with gluten-free or regular wheat pasta like spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
- Use toasted sesame oil for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- For a protein boost, consider adding tofu or cooked chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
