Speed cooking. Like speed dating, but probably a lot better. I work full time at a university and have a 30 mile commute home each night. After kid pick up, I feel great if I get in the door by 6 pm. For one likes to cook, weeknight meals can be a challenge when we add in after school events, homework, and the time needed to plan, prepare, enjoy, then clean up after a meal. Ahhh. The pressure.
So, if your life is anything like mine, try these noodles. 17 minutes from pantry to table. Not kidding. I have the pics to prove it! These are not fancy or amazing, but are tasty and quick for those nights that you just need both of those things in your life.
Sesame Ginger Noodles
What you need:
12 oz spaghetti, soba or other asian noodles. I used soba.
2 T sesame seeds, lightly toasted
Sauce
4 whole scallions, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 T minced ginger (can use ground ginger too)
2 cloves minced garlic
3 T sesame oil
1 t hot chili oil (more if you want a bigger kick)
4 T soy sauce
2 T rice wine vinegar
2 T honey
1 t black pepper
salt if you need it (soy sauce may preclude need for more salt)
What you do:
Prepare noodles as directed on package. Prepare sauce while waiting for water to boil. Let sauce sit while noodles cook so flavors can mingle a bit. Drain noodles, then toss to coat with sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. If you’d like, you can add thinly sliced julienned cucumbers, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Mmmmmm. Even the clean up is easy! Really in a hurry? Make the sauce the night before, but reserve the scallions and cilantro. You can probably shave the time down to 10-12 minutes!
Answer: Citius, Altius, Fortius (Latin for Faster, Higher, Stronger)
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Rantings of an Amateur Chef 
I loved it. I have a similar recipe and I often throw in red peppers, snow peas, etc. You can’t miss with this one. Thanks for sharing.
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This looks amazing! I read a lot of recipes but, like you am a busy working mom so I don’t try too many. This one has all of the right ingredients for me: quick, vegetarian and my kids love sesame noodles. Thanks!
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Looks delish!
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will try this one this week, thanks kindly 🙂
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Leftover tip: A quicky stir-fry in a super hot wok pan with a bit of oil adds a nutty flavor. Way better than sticking them in the microwave. This way you could actually make the whole dish the night before and simply stir fry before serving. Not much better than stir fried noodles!
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Looks fantastic! Is there some protein in there that I’m missing? Something beyond the carbs that’ll make it stick? I wonder if some seared tofu might not do the trick… or pan seared chicken breast, if you’re not a veggie.
I’d probably also throw in some fresh spinach, but then, I have a little bit of an obsession with fresh spinach.
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Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.
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will just print this for my fiancé and add into the “to do list” of the week! thanks for sharing…!
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perfect! I had leftover pasta sauce last night and asked my boyfriend to boil some noodles before I got home from work. came home and found thai rice sticks nearly finished so I need to use them today. perfect timing, thanks!
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Great flavours there, and no I hadn’t a clue about the olympic motto – roll on London 2012 🙂
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These look SO yummy! I’ve always wanted to try Soba noodles 🙂
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I have such a similar recipe! I loveeee it, sooo good. Does yours taste better the day after too?
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Looks great! The clock shots are classic!
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Lovely.
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I love sesame oil. I love the smell of it too! this looks good.
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This looks good! I’ll take some time to try it college students love noodles LOL
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Mmm, sesame oil! Wonderful post.
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Look amazing! Can’t wait to try this one!
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This looks so good, now I know what to fix Sunday 🙂
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Yum! This looks so good. Can’t wait to try it! 🙂
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Got this bookmarked, and making the list for the grocery store!
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Reblogged this on stevoscafe and commented:
This is a great idea!
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I am honored! My first re-blog! Thanks Stevo and Pat!
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Love fast and delicious recipes and this looks like a winner. 🙂
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This looks delicious and easy! Thanks for the heads up.
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This looks delicious! I happen to have everything on hand to try these out! Thanks for the quick dinner inspiration!
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I love all the additional ideas in the comments. Just ate dinner and now I’m hungry again!
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Can’t wait to try this one, too!
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Yum – great photos – I like how you describe the steps so well – something that is missing in so many blogs.
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Mm! I’ve never made my own noodle sauce before, but this sounds delicious!
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Must find gluten-free noodles!
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This is delicious! Thanks for posting it!
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Reblogged this on Musings.
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i love eating but cooking for myself is not as fun. this seems flavorful and quick – perfect combo. thank you for sharing:)
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Yum! Added you to my ‘regular reads’ on my blog! Looking forward to some tasty recipes. Thanks!
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