08 Jul 2020

Sesame Noodles

Creating meals that both nourish and bring joy to people I love is my favorite thing. But let’s be real. When it comes to kids, it’s hard. Some days the joy is just not there.

Thanks goodness for experts like @kids.eat.in.color, who strengthen me with tips on healthy eating habits for kids, while not judging the PB&J nights. I’ve been rolling the dice at our table for years, figuring out what works, and noting the patterns and threads. Here are two I’ve noticed lately…

  1. POWER. I’m not taking orders for dinner. But there are ways to create freedom within the framework – to provide choice and a sense of control. When I do this, we’re all a little happier at the table. There are small ways to accomplish this, like eating family style. They decide how much to put on their plate. Or creating options (that aren’t a lot of work), like this recipe.
  2. THREE SECOND RULE. When they approach the table, I have three seconds for my kids to decide if they are IN or OUT. The OUT scenario is hard to recover from. They need to lock eyes with at least one thing they recognize and like, or I’ve lost them. Sometimes you need the bait. Will I throw a random bowl of blueberries or piece of toast on the table to lure them into something new I’ve created? Heck yes, I will.

This recipe is born out of these learnings. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure spread that let’s our little humans create their own colorful plate. It is also a delight for adults. I love it and crave it on the regular.

The toppings are meant to be a fresh, crunchy, vibrant rainbow of whatever you have in your fridge. Peppers, cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, and scallion are popular here. After noodles and sauce come together, simply lay out the toppings for a make-your-own-bowl situation.

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Sesame Noodles

  • Author: Leah Wilson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

These noodles deliver the goods, every time. Endlessly riffable and on the table in 30 minutes. Sweet, salty, nutty umami-ness that’s utterly addictive. A rainbow of vegetable that delight my kids, even on their pickiest days. Delicious cold, room temperature or a little warm right after the noodles cook (my personal fave). Leftovers are a dream. Save that extra dressing for…well, anything. 

Scale

Ingredients

SAUCE

  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons tahini or sesame paste (or use all peanut butter)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (white wine vinegar or lime juice works, too)
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, maple syrup or honey (to taste)
  • 1 inch long piece of fresh ginger, grated (to taste)
  • 1 medium clove garlic, grated (to taste)

NOODLES & TOPPINGS

  • 1 pound noodles (Chinese egg noodles, spaghetti, linguine, rice noodles, soba, ramen – it’s all good)
  • Splash of toasted sesame oil
  • Various chopped raw vegetables (any combo works here – radish, cucumber, scallions, carrot, peppers, tomato, fennel, cilantro)
  • Chopped peanuts & lime wedges (optional)
  • Chili Crisp, Chili Paste or Chili Oil (for adults)

Instructions

  1. SAUCE: Whisk together peanut butter, tahini/sesame paste, soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar in a bowl. Season to taste with grated garlic and ginger. Or leave out if you don’t have it. Finally, sweeten to taste with a tablespoonish of brown sugar, maple syrup or honey. 
  2. NOODLES: Cook according to package directions. Drain well and toss with a splash of sesame oil to keep from sticking.  
  3. TOPPINGS: Prepare your selection of vegetables, herbs, and toppings. I like to slice the crunchy veggies into thin matchsticks, not too long, for ease of grabbing with a fork or chopsticks and shoving into little mouths. Grab a spare cutting board and arrange your toppings into colorful mounds, or place into small bowls. Remember, kids eat with their eyes – make it fun!
  4. SERVING: Lightly dress the noodles in sauce, saving the rest for topping. Mound noodles into individual bowls and serve. Let everyone choose their toppings. Drizzle a little more sauce on top, if desired.   
  5. ADULTS: A touch a spice makes this dish. Add your favorite chili condiment. A staple in our house is Lao Gan Man. Don’t be discouraged by the grumpy lady on the bottle. Apparently this condiment has made her a self-made billionaire, so she’s doing just fine. You can find it at your Asian market or Amazon.   

Notes

  • If you have a peanut allergy, try using all tahini or sesame paste.Â