Sesame Noodles (Good Luck Noodles)

This started out as something small, a pin from Pinterest. I thought I would make sesame noodles, steam some broccoli and have a little salad for dinner. Well, the noodles I made were DISGUSTING. The Lil Man could see how upset I was and asked for seconds. "They are actually pretty good mom!" Ugh. He is so sweet, I love that kid. These could be better. They HAD to be better.


For three days, I tried new variations. BLECH blech and more b l e c h. They just weren't doing it for me and at this point, I was looking for something easy. You know those days that you are yearning for some kind of Asian flavor KaPow for your palate, but you don't want to head into the store with an ingredient list half a mile long?


Finally, today, I started thinking about how I wanted them to taste. How I wanted them to be simple.


Then it hit me...ramen. soy. sesame. ginger. fish sauce. garlic (of course). heat. Yes.


I whipped it together in 7 minutes...no lie. Lil Miss chowed on these. She was grabbing them off of the chopsticks and shoving them into her mouth as fast as she could. I started thinking of the possibilities. Add your favorite variety of steamed veggies, some caramelized tofu and this is a simple and healthy dinner. Under 15 minutes. 

Our house was filled with the smell of the sauce and a friend came over and commented on the pungent smell of the garlic, pre-lunch. "I was working on a project, " I told her. 


To emphasize Lil Miss's love for these noodles, I give you the following scenario (and the photos to the right). After we finished off the bowl of noodles, she went missing. I looked around and found her on all fours underneath the table with her face right next to the floor. What?!? She had found a noodle that got away and was shoving it into her mouth. Apparently they are that good. Lick them off the floor good.


These noodles alone do not make a well-rounded meal, but they are excellent for an Asian side, or accompanied by veggies, tofu or your meat of choice. Most of all, they kick the craving. 


I made them with a package of ramen I found in the back of the pantry. I was having a bit of a temper tantrum with the rice noodles all week and needed to change it up. As a result, this recipe is written for a single serving. 


Make it. Try this one and you will thank me. I am going to make sure that we keep these ingredients on hand. 


Let me know what you add to it to make it a complete meal. Enjoy the joy of good "fast food" from your stove top and the smells that will envelope your house. The neighbors just might come a-knockin'. 

Sesame Noodles

1 serving

Ingredients

• Ramen noodles 3 oz
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Siracha to taste
• Sesame seeds

Directions
**helpful hint** While the water is boiling, prepare garlic and ginger in one small bowl / ramekin and fish sauce, honey, soy sauce and Siracha in another. This will make the preparation of the sauce go much smoother.**

1) Boil water in a small saucepan. Add ramen noodles and cover for 4 minutes. Drain in a strainer and pour cold water over the noodles to stop the cooking process. Set aside.



2) In a small frying pan, heat sesame and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir for about 30 seconds. Add fish sauce, honey, soy sauce and Siracha. Mix for 30 seconds. Add noodles and mix to cover noodles in sauce. Serve and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy!