If you’re craving a vibrant bowl of goodness that brings together creamy, nutty, savory, and fresh flavors, this Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds recipe definitely deserves a spot at your table! Perfect for busy weeknights, hot summer lunches, or your next meal prep plan, this colorful dish combines tender noodles, crisp-tender broccoli, and a heavenly sauce made with almond butter and a hit of gingery zing. Topped with toasty sliced almonds and flecks of green onion, every bite has that addictive, slurp-worthy combination you’ll want to make on repeat. You’ll see why Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds is my not-so-secret dinner obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds is probably already lurking in your pantry or fridge, and each one adds something special, whether it’s texture, vibrant color, or that craveable Asian-inspired flavor. These simple ingredients are truly the magic behind this dish!
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles: Your canvas! Use what you love—rice noodles for a gluten-free option or classic spaghetti for a toothsome bite.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and a flash of green that turns this meal into a nutritional powerhouse.
- 1/4 cup almond butter: Creates a creamy, nutty sauce that hugs every noodle perfectly (and it’s great for those peanut-free homes!).
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers salty depth and umami-rich flavor to balance the sweet and tangy notes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a subtle tang that cuts through richness and brightens the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For irresistible toasty aroma and a finish that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Lends a hint of natural sweetness to round out the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Zingy freshness that wakes up your palate and keeps the sauce lively.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds unmistakable depth and a subtle kick that melds beautifully into the sauce.
- 1–2 tablespoons water: Just enough to thin the sauce for easy tossing and the perfect glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted): For crunch, nuttiness, and a golden finish—don’t skip these!
- 2 green onions (sliced): Sprinkled on top for color, freshness, and just a hint of mild onion bite.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Their gentle crunch and pretty pop make your noodles absolutely inviting.
How to Make Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds
Step 1: Cook the Noodles and Broccoli
Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil and cook your noodles according to the package directions. About two minutes before the noodles are done, toss in those broccoli florets—this clever trick ensures you get perfectly cooked noodles and bright green broccoli at the same time! Once they’re both just tender, drain and give them a quick rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking and keeps everything vibrant and fresh.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk up the almond butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a splash of water. If you like your sauce extra creamy, start with a little less water and add more if you want it looser. Taste and adjust until you have a sauce that makes you want to dip your spoon in again and again—it should be savory, a touch sweet, and full of that nutty, sesame aroma.
Step 3: Toss Noodles with Sauce
Add the noodles and broccoli to a large mixing bowl. Pour that glossy, fragrant almond-sesame sauce all over and use tongs (or your hands, if you’re feeling bold) to toss until everything is well coated. Every noodle and broccoli piece should glisten with flavor, so don’t be shy about tossing until you get there!
Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings
Transfer your lovely Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds to a serving dish or individual bowls and shower them with toasted sliced almonds, plenty of green onions, and a big sprinkle of sesame seeds. These garnishes deliver crunch, color, and that little extra touch that makes every bowl irresistible.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Right Away
You can dig in immediately while the noodles are at room temperature or pop them in the fridge to chill. This dish is super flexible—perfect whether you love it cool or just slightly warm.
How to Serve Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of finishing touches! A scatter of extra green onions, an added pinch of sesame seeds, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can elevate your Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds from delicious to unforgettable. For even more color and zing, toss on a few sprigs of cilantro or a slice of fresh red chili.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with light, crunchy sides like cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or quick-pickled carrots. For a more filling spread, add some grilled tofu or shredded rotisserie chicken if you want extra protein alongside your Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the noodles into a cheerful noodle salad bar for gatherings: set out bowls of toppings (different nuts, fresh herbs, roasted peppers, shredded carrots), and let guests build their own masterpiece. Or, swap out regular bowls for pretty takeout-style cartons and chopsticks for a fun, interactive meal with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds is the ultimate make-ahead lunch or dinner. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen as they sit, making your next bowl possibly even better than the first!
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this dish, the sauce texture may become a bit grainy and the broccoli less bright. If you do freeze it, pack individual portions tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. For ultimate freshness and crunch, this recipe is happiest served within a few days of making.
Reheating
If you prefer your Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds warm, simply microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen. Stir well, and sprinkle with fresh garnishes to perk everything up.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter or cashew butter work beautifully if almond butter isn’t your thing or you have an allergy. Each creates a subtly different but equally creamy, nutty sauce for your Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds.
What kind of noodles work best?
Spaghetti is easy and widely available, but rice noodles, soba, or even udon are fantastic! Just cook according to their package directions, and keep the noodles al dente for best texture.
How can I add more protein?
Stir in cubes of grilled tofu, slices of baked tempeh, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make this meal even heartier. Toss them in with the noodles right before adding the sauce.
Can I serve it hot or cold?
Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds are wonderful either way! Serve straight from the fridge for a chilled noodle salad, or just wait for the noodles to come to room temperature for a cozier feel.
Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?
As written, the dish is vegan. For gluten-free Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds, simply use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and grab your favorite rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a nourishing, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, give Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds a go! This recipe is endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to satisfy cravings for something fresh and comforting, any day of the week. Trust me—after one bite, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Print
Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with these Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Almonds. This Asian-inspired dish combines tender noodles and crisp broccoli, tossed in a creamy almond butter sauce. Topped with toasted almonds and green onions, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin sauce as needed)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the noodles. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and water until smooth and creamy.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the noodles and broccoli with the sauce until well coated. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Top with toasted almonds, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled tofu or shredded chicken.
- Substitute almond butter with peanut or cashew butter if preferred.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be served cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
