Spiced Sesame Noodles
Keep this recipe where you can access it quickly because it is THAT good. These noodles have become a staple in my house over the last year. Reminiscent of Dan Dan Noodles, these are noodles are meaty, hearty, and spicy. Like most things, this recipe started as one thing and evolved with time into its present version. Don’t be afraid of the amount of chili paste this recipe calls for, though it does pack some heat, the other spices, and sugar mellow out the fire so it lingers gently without burning your head off.
Spiced Sesame Noodles
Ingredients
¼ cup sambal oolek
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced ginger
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Fish sauce
2 tablespoons Brown sugar
2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, minced
1 shallot, minced
8 oz dry spaghetti
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the sambal oolek, through the balsamic vinegar. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and set aside.
Add the beef to a large, nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and shallot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant - about 30 seconds. Add the sambal mixture and stir well.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta as instructed on the box. Reserving some of the pasta water before draining. Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and toss until well mixed. If necessary, use the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce so it coats everything.
Cover the noodles and cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes. To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over the top.
