The Secret Ingredient (Ginger Jam): Ginger Sesame Noodles Recipe
This recipe delivers a quick and flavorful sesame noodle dish, highlighted by the unique addition of ginger jam. Combining wide lo mein noodles with a savory, sweet, and spicy peanut sauce, it's a versatile dish perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side, ready in just 10 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling noodles
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For whisking sauce and tossing noodles
- 1 Whisk To ensure a smooth sauce
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups For precise ingredient measurements
- 1 Colander For draining cooked noodles
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound wide lo mein noodles
- 6 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon boiling water
- 3 tablespoon ginger jam
- 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 4 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 scallions chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the wide lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- While the noodles cook, prepare the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, boiling water, ginger jam, dried red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients vigorously until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of peanut butter.
- Drain the cooked noodles in a colander. Briefly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, then shake off excess water.
- Add the drained noodles to the large mixing bowl with the prepared sauce.
- Using tongs or a spatula, toss the noodles thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add most of the chopped scallions to the noodles and toss again to distribute.
- Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately or chill and serve cold for a refreshing alternative.
Notes
The ginger jam is indeed the 'secret ingredient'; its sweet and spicy notes add exceptional depth to the sauce. For best results, use a good quality smooth peanut butter, and ensure the boiling water is truly hot to help emulsify the peanut butter into a smooth sauce. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. For an elevated presentation and texture, consider garnishing with crushed roasted peanuts or fresh cilantro. These noodles are excellent served immediately or chilled for a refreshing twist. A quick rinse with cold water after draining helps prevent the noodles from sticking together.