Spicy Tahini Noodle Bowl

Name: Spicy Tahini Noodle Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: other
Ingredients: 400 g udon noodles (fresh or frozen); 4 tbsp tahini (well stirred); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp maple syrup; 2 tsp chili oil (adjust to spice preference); 2 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 inch ginger (peeled and grated); 3 tbsp water (warm, to thin sauce); 1 pinch salt (for the sauce); 1 pcs cucumber (small, julienned); 1 pcs carrot (medium, julienned); 3 pcs scallion (thinly sliced); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Chewy noodles tossed in a luscious, creamy tahini sauce with a bold kick of chili heat. This quick noodle bowl comes together in under 20 minutes and balances nutty sesame richness with a tangy, spicy finish that keeps you coming back for more.

PREP

10m

COOK

SERVES

1 CUP

296 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 5 STEPS

boil · ~4 min
Boil the noodles.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the udon noodles according to package directions until tender but still chewy, about 3 to 4 minutes for fresh noodles. Drain well in a colander.
TIPDo not overcook the noodles — they should have a slight bite to hold up when tossed in the thick sauce.
mix · ~2 min
Make the spicy tahini sauce.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
TIPThe sauce will seize up at first when you add liquid — keep whisking and it will loosen into a silky consistency.
mix · ~1 min
Toss the noodles in the sauce.
Add the drained noodles to the bowl with the tahini sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure every strand is well coated.
assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the bowls.
Divide the sauced noodles among serving bowls. Top each bowl with julienned cucumber, carrot, and sliced scallions. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the top.
serve
Serve immediately.
Serve the noodle bowls at room temperature or slightly chilled. Drizzle extra chili oil on top if you like more heat.
TIPThese noodles taste even better after sitting for 10 minutes as the sauce gets absorbed.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Stir your tahini vigorously before measuring, as the oil separates on standing and will yield a gritty sauce if not re-emulsified.
2
Use warm water (not cold) when thinning the sauce to prevent the tahini from seizing and clumping.
3
Cook fresh udon just until tender with a slight chew—overcooking makes them mushy and they won't hold the thick sauce well.
4
Julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin matchsticks for a delicate crunch that doesn't overwhelm the noodles.
5
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, shaking often, to deepen their nutty aroma.
6
Let the finished bowl rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so the noodles absorb the sauce and become extra flavorful.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

high protein

High-protein

Add shredded cooked chicken, crispy tofu, or a soft-boiled egg on top to turn this noodle bowl into a more substantial, protein-packed meal.

low oil

Low-oil

Replace chili oil with chili flakes or a dash of sriracha, and reduce tahini to 3 tablespoons thinned with extra warm water for a lighter sauce.

vegan & gluten free

Vegan & gluten-free

Use brown rice noodles or soba noodles and swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free while keeping it fully vegan.

extra crunchy

Extra crunchy

Top with crushed peanuts or roasted edamame and add a handful of fresh bean sprouts for textural contrast against the soft noodles.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Healthy Fats

Tahini, made from sesame seeds, provides unsaturated fats that support heart health and help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

✓

Good Source of Plant-Based Iron

Tahini and soy sauce both contribute iron, which is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, especially beneficial in a plant-forward dish.

✓

Contains Anti-Inflammatory Ginger & Garlic

Fresh ginger and garlic offer natural anti-inflammatory compounds that may support immune function and digestive comfort.

✓

Low in Added Sugar

With only one teaspoon of maple syrup across the entire dish, this noodle bowl keeps added sugars minimal while still balancing the tangy and spicy flavours.

QUESTIONS?