Sesame Almond Noodles

Sesame almond noodles is a simple vegan dish you can prepare in minutes! Enjoy these noodles warm, room temperature, or chilled!

Almond Butter Spaghetti

The best thing about running long distance: getting to eat carbs the night before! This has become my go-to pasta dish before running half-marathons.

This super simple pasta dish only takes minutes to put together.

Eat the pasta as is, or bulk it up with your protein of choice. It’s wonderful with grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp. It’s also great alongside roasted cauliflower, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Best thing about this pasta, you can easily buy all the ingredients at Trader Joe’s! Customize these sesame almond noodles to your liking. Make it gluten-free free by substituting tamari in place of soy sauce and using an alternative pasta like banza chickpea pasta.

• Creamy Almond Butter: I recommended using unsalted almond butter. For the best flavor, use almond butter simply made with almonds (no other ingredients!). For a sweeter version, use a sweetened almond butter. This recipe also works with peanut butter.
• Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: I use “Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce.” Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
• Sesame Oil: You can use regular sesame oil or toasted sesame oil. Regular sesame oil is made from raw sesame seeds. Toasted sesame seed is made from toasted seeds. The toasted version has a richer, warmer flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Use plain, unseasoned rice vinegar. This is usually used for marinades, pickles, and dressings. Plain rice vinegar is different from “seasoned rice vinegar” which is much sweeter and less acidic. If you really cannot find rice vinegar, sub in half the amount with apple cider vinegar.
• Spaghetti: Spaghetti, fettuccine, and linguini are the best options. They easily absorb and hold on to the creamy sauce. Of course, you may sub in your choice of pasta noodles or pasta shapes. You may also use any gluten-free pasta alternatives. Or, simply toss the sesame almond butter sauce with vegetables!
• Garnishes: Garnish the sauced pasta with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Pasta versus Udon and Japanese Buckwheat

I prefer to use spaghetti pasta instead of Japanese buckwheat or udon. Spaghetti is a stronger noodle and it is less likely to break when you toss the sauce in. Spaghetti is also readily available, making this recipe very easy to replicate.  

Udon and soba noodles can get pretty sticky once cooked, especially if you are trying to coat them in a creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Instructions  

To bulk up the sesame almond noodles, toss in shredded carrots, julienne cucumbers, and bean spouts. During the grilling season, serve these noodles with grilled tofu or grilled chicken.

These noodles may be served warm, chilled, or room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. These noodles may be served warm, chilled, or room temperature.