When it comes to quick and delicious meals, the Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl stands out as a perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and flavorful sauces, creating a medley of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this noodle bowl is not just appealing but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why We Love This Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe
This recipe brings together convenience and flavor like no other. You will love how easy it is to prepare this dish, especially on busy nights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to devote hours to cooking. The combination of succulent chicken, colorful vegetables, and the nutty aroma of sesame oil creates a beautiful, mouthwatering experience in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your taste buds and dietary preferences, allowing you the freedom to experiment without losing the essence of this amazing bowl.
Ingredients about Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
- 2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 (10 ounce) package Chinese egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 0.25 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 0.5 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 0.5 medium poblano pepper, sliced
- 3 stalks green onions, white parts only, chopped
- 0.5 cup snow peas
- 4 mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chile paste
- 0.5 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl Directions
To create this delightful bowl, you begin by seasoning the chicken with the Chinese five-spice powder. This aromatic blend is the secret to infusing your chicken with rich flavors. Then, in a cast iron skillet heated with grapeseed oil over medium-high heat, you’ll add the chicken. Cook and stir the chicken until it is golden brown and no longer pink in the center, which should be about 7 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and slice it into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot filled with lightly salted water to a boil. Add the Chinese egg noodles into the effervescent water and let them boil until they are al dente, usually around 7 to 9 minutes. Once they are cooked to perfection, drain them and set aside.
Now, for the vegetables! In a wok, heat some sesame oil over medium-high heat. Start by adding the sliced red cabbage and shredded carrot, stirring them together for about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, introduce the bell pepper, poblano pepper, and chopped green onions into the mix and continue to stir. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will start to shine during this stage. Don’t forget to add the snow peas, mushrooms, minced garlic, and fresh ginger; all these ingredients together make a fragrant and colorful stir-fry.
After everything is well mixed and the vegetables begin to soften, it’s time to combine your previously drained noodles and the chicken pieces you set aside. Toss them all together in the wok to ensure the noodles and chicken soak up the delightful flavors.
For the sauce, grab a large bowl and combine the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, chile paste, and Sriracha. Whisk these ingredients together until everything is blended smoothly. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir-fry everything together for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld nicely.
Your Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl is now ready to serve! The mixture of the dish makes it perfect for enjoying right away.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
Serving your Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl is just as important as preparing it. Consider using deep bowls to hold the perfectly blended noodles, chicken, and vegetables. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of each serving. This not only adds to the visual appeal but enhances the nutty taste, which complements the dish wonderfully.
Additionally, you might want to serve this noodle bowl alongside a few lime wedges to squeeze over the top. This will add a refreshing burst of acidity that balances the flavors perfectly. Whether you dine solo, with family, or guests, this noodle bowl is effortlessly enjoyable.
If you want to elevate the dish further, consider pairing it with a crisp salad or a side of crispy spring rolls. This will create a lovely spread that brings vibrant flavors to your dining experience.
Expert Tips: Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
To ensure your Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind. First, make sure not to overcrowd the wok when cooking the vegetables. If the skillet is too crowded, they may end up steaming instead of searing, which can affect the overall texture and flavor.
Second, adjust the spice level to suit your preference. If you like your food with extra heat, consider increasing the Sriracha or adding more chile paste. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of these spices in the sauce.
Third, you can experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas are fantastic additions if you want to try something different. Lastly, remember that fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste, so opt for the freshest chicken and vegetables available.
How to Store Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
Storing your leftover Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl properly is essential for maintaining the dish’s flavor and texture. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture build-up, which could make the noodles soggy.
You can store your noodle bowl in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in a microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help revive their texture.
Freezing is another option if you plan to save them for a longer duration. Simply place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the same reheating steps mentioned earlier.
Variation of Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
While the classic Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl is delicious on its own, you can explore various variations to keep things interesting. One delightful twist is to substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu, offering a different flavor profile while still providing plenty of protein.
Another option is to change up the noodles. Instead of Chinese egg noodles, consider using rice noodles or whole grain spaghetti, both offering unique textures that work well with the other ingredients.
For a refreshing version, you might like to add more herbs like cilantro or basil for bursts of freshness. Including different sauces, such as teriyaki or hoisin, can also add a fun twist to the classic flavors. You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels based on your cravings, making it your very own signature dish.
FAQ Section
What is a Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl?
The Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl is a culinary delight combining tender chicken breast, colorful vegetables, and savory egg noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sesame-infused sauce.
How long does it take to make the Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl?
From start to finish, you can prepare this noodle bowl in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.
Can I make Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and store the noodles and chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the components separate for the best texture until you’re ready to eat.
What can I serve with a Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl?
To complement your noodle bowl, you can serve a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crispy spring rolls for a delightful meal experience.
Is it possible to make Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and replace the egg noodles with a plant-based noodle option to enjoy a delicious vegetarian version.
Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil for cooking
For the Noodles and Vegetables
- 1 package (10 ounces) Chinese egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil for stir-frying
- 0.25 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 piece carrot, shredded
- 0.5 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 0.5 medium poblano pepper, sliced
- 3 stalks green onions, white parts only, chopped
- 0.5 cup snow peas
- 4 pieces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
For the Sauce
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chile paste
- 0.5 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken with the Chinese five-spice powder.
- In a cast iron skillet heated with grapeseed oil over medium-high heat, add the chicken.
- Cook and stir until golden brown and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the Chinese egg noodles until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the red cabbage and shredded carrot, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add bell pepper, poblano pepper, and green onions, stirring until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Incorporate snow peas, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Combine the drained noodles and sliced chicken in the wok, tossing to mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chile paste, and Sriracha. Whisk until blended.
- Pour the sauce into the wok and stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes.
Serving
- Serve in deep bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
- Consider adding lime wedges for a burst of acidity.
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