Fans of Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, know her for delicious, approachable recipes that bring comfort food to your table without complicated steps. Her sesame noodles recipe is a perfect example – incredibly simple to make yet bursting with flavor. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and slightly addictive dish, these Pioneer Woman Sesame Noodles are a must-try. They are light enough for a warm day but hearty enough to be a satisfying meal.
What makes these sesame noodles so appealing is their simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors. Despite being based on pantry staples and readily available ingredients, the resulting dish is far from ordinary. The sesame dressing, the star of the show, is a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and a touch of spice that perfectly coats every strand of noodle.
Crafting the Perfect Sesame Dressing
The heart of these Pioneer Woman sesame noodles lies in its flavorful dressing. To create this delicious sauce, you will need:
- Soy sauce: Provides the savory umami base.
- Sugar: Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Offers a tangy counterpoint and brightens the dressing.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: The key ingredient, delivering that signature nutty sesame aroma and taste.
- Hot Chili Oil: Adds a pleasant kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Grape Seed Oil (or Canola Oil): A neutral oil to bring the dressing together. Using grape seed oil is a slightly healthier alternative.
Simply whisk all these ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add a bit more chili oil for extra spice or a touch more sugar for sweetness.
Noodle Selection and Spice Customization
While the recipe calls for spaghetti noodles, feel free to experiment with other types of noodles. For a more authentic Asian flavor, you could use Asian noodles like ramen or lo mein noodles. However, as the original post mentions, good old spaghetti works surprisingly well and is often readily available. Trader Joe’s spaghetti, known for its slightly thicker texture and good chew, is a particularly good choice if you have access to a store.
Spice lovers will appreciate the flexibility of this recipe. If your chili oil isn’t delivering enough heat, don’t hesitate to add red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize the spice level to perfectly match your taste.
Remember to taste and adjust as you go. The goal is to achieve a balance of sesame flavor and desired spice level. Don’t be afraid to add “a lot” of chili oil and “tons” of red pepper flakes if you crave intense heat, while maintaining that delicious sesame base.
Serving and Enjoying Your Sesame Noodles
These Pioneer Woman sesame noodles are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They are delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a make-ahead lunch. Leftovers are equally enjoyable straight from the fridge for a quick and cold meal, or warmed up in the microwave if you prefer them hot.
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy, no-fuss meals. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful noodle dish, these Pioneer Woman sesame noodles are sure to become a new favorite.
What are your go-to easy noodle recipes? Share your favorites in the comments below!
Pioneer Woman Simple Sesame Noodles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 teaspoons hot chili oil
- 4 tablespoons grape seed oil (or canola oil)
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and grape seed oil.
- Taste the dressing and adjust ingredients as needed to your preference.
- Pour the sesame sauce over the warm, cooked noodles and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss again.
- Serve and enjoy!
