A vibrant bowl of whole wheat spaghetti tossed with bright green edamame, crisp stir-fried cabbage, toasted sesame seeds, and a rich, light peanut sauce.

Delicious & Easy Sesame Noodles with Edamame: Your Go-To Meatless Meal

Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than these mouth-watering sesame noodles with edamame! This recipe transforms humble whole wheat spaghetti into an exciting Asian-inspired dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want something nourishing and delicious. It’s a delightful medley of textures and tastes, combining tender pasta, protein-packed edamame, and a colorful array of crisp stir-fried vegetables, all generously coated in a luscious, light peanut sauce and finished with a sprinkle of aromatic sesame seeds.

Forget takeout! This homemade version not only rivals your favorite restaurant dish but is also packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy and satisfying meatless meal. The nutty notes of the peanut sauce, the subtle sweetness of the carrots, the mild crunch of cabbage, and the zest of scallions create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to add this quick and easy sesame noodle recipe to your regular dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love These Sesame Noodles

Effortlessly Quick: From pantry to plate in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Bursting with Flavor: A harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and a touch of spicy from the irresistible peanut sauce.
Wholesome & Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein from edamame and whole wheat pasta, plus a generous serving of fresh vegetables.
Meatless Marvel: A truly satisfying vegetarian meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, proving that meat-free can be utterly delicious.
Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly: Made with accessible and affordable ingredients, it’s a meal that’s kind to your wallet.

A bowl of whole wheat spaghetti tossed with edamame, stir-fried cabbage, sesame seeds and a light peanut sauce.

Sesame Noodles with Edamame

By Lynne Webb

This quick variation on sesame noodles uses wholesome whole wheat spaghetti combined with protein-rich edamame, crisp stir-fried cabbage, aromatic sesame seeds, and a light, flavorful peanut sauce to create an easy, delicious, and meatless meal.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

For the Noodles and Vegetables:

1-1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame
10 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 medium head of cabbage, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced or julienned
1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated, for garnish)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (for finishing)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, a combo of white & black recommended (for garnish)

For the Creamy Peanut Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (all-natural preferred)
2 teaspoons sugar (or maple syrup/honey for alternative sweetness)
1 teaspoon sriracha, or more to taste (for a spicy kick)

Instructions

Prepare Edamame and Noodles: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the frozen shelled edamame and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender and bright green. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked edamame to a bowl and set aside. Return the same pot of water to a vigorous boil.
Cook Spaghetti: Add the whole wheat spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. While the spaghetti cooks, you can start preparing the sauce and vegetables to save time. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly once cooked. Return both the drained noodles and the cooked edamame to the large pot.
Whisk the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, peanut butter, sugar, and sriracha. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined. For an easier whisking experience, you can microwave the peanut butter separately for 15 to 20 seconds on 80% power before adding it to the other sauce ingredients. This will soften it and prevent clumping.
Dress the Noodles: Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cooked spaghetti and edamame in the pot. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every strand of noodle and piece of edamame is coated in the delicious sauce. Set aside while you prepare the stir-fried vegetables.
Stir-fry Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan over high heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped cabbage to the hot oil and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp and lightly golden at the edges.
Add Remaining Vegetables: To the wok, add the thinly sliced carrots, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes. The vegetables should remain vibrant and have a slight crunch.
Combine and Finish: Finally, add the sliced scallions (reserving some green parts for garnish if desired), the remaining 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to the stir-fried vegetables. Cook for just an additional 30 seconds to warm through and release their aromas.
Toss and Serve: Transfer the entire stir-fried vegetable mixture into the pot with the dressed noodles and edamame. Toss everything together thoroughly one last time, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.
Plate and Garnish: Plate individual servings. For those who enjoy an extra kick, offer additional sriracha at the table. Garnish with any reserved green scallion tops and extra sesame seeds for an appealing presentation. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 582

Total Fat: 26g

Sodium: 861mg

Carbohydrates: 73g

Fiber: 7g

Sugar: 8g

Protein: 22g

Nutrition information is an approximation calculated automatically and should be used as a general guide.

Tips for Perfect Sesame Noodles Every Time

Mise en Place is Key: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped, chopped, and measured. This dish comes together quickly, so having everything ready will prevent overcooking and ensure a smooth process.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Whole wheat spaghetti can become mushy if overcooked. Cook it to al dente, where it’s firm to the bite, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the warm sauce and vegetables.
Achieve Crispy Stir-fry: Use a hot wok or a large frying pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan with vegetables; if necessary, stir-fry them in batches to ensure they get a good sear and maintain their crispness rather than steaming.
Taste and Adjust the Sauce: The peanut sauce is the star! Always taste it before tossing with the noodles and adjust the sweetness, saltiness (soy sauce), tanginess (vinegar), and spiciness (sriracha) to your liking.
Soften Peanut Butter: The microwave tip for softening peanut butter is a game-changer, especially for natural peanut butter which can be thick. It ensures a silky-smooth sauce without lumps.

Variations & Customizations to Explore

This sesame noodle recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Add Extra Protein: While edamame provides a great plant-based protein boost, feel free to add cooked and shredded chicken, pan-fried tofu cubes, grilled shrimp, or even tempeh for a more substantial meal.
Vegetable Medley: Experiment with other crisp-tender vegetables. Broccoli florets, snap peas, sliced mushrooms, baby spinach (added at the very end), or thinly sliced bell peppers of different colors would all be delicious additions.
Nut-Free Option: If you have a peanut allergy, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor. Adjust sweetness and seasoning as needed.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti (rice noodles work wonderfully here too!) and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat. For more fiery noodles, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry or an extra dash of hot sauce to the peanut sauce. For a milder version, omit sriracha or use a tiny amount.
Herbaceous Twist: Fresh cilantro or mint, chopped and added just before serving, can provide a wonderful fresh aroma and flavor contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These sesame noodles with edamame are a complete meal on their own, offering a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. However, they also pair beautifully with a few complementary dishes:

Serve alongside a light and refreshing cucumber salad.
Accompany with spring rolls or potstickers for a more elaborate Asian feast.
Enjoy with a side of steamed bok choy or blanched asparagus.
For a refreshing beverage, consider a cold green tea or a sparkling water with lime.

Storage and Meal Prep

One of the best things about these sesame noodles is how well they keep, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping!

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the noodles in a microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce/sesame oil if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. They can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad!
Meal Prep Tips: The peanut sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also chop all your vegetables ahead of time. Cook the noodles and edamame, and then combine everything when ready to serve, or assemble individual portions for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

This Sesame Noodles with Edamame recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of Asia, delivered right to your kitchen. With its satisfying blend of textures, rich peanut sauce, and wholesome ingredients, it promises to be a delightful experience for both novice cooks and seasoned foodies. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite meatless masterpiece!

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