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These Spicy Sesame Noodles are perfect when you have a craving for Chinese takeout but want a healthier homemade version. The noodles are covered in a spicy creamy tahini & peanut butter sauce and topped with tasty tempeh.

Pasta is a staple in my house. Truth time: I probably have about 10 different kinds of pasta in my kitchen right now. It is so comforting to me because it’s what I ate all the time as a kid.

Even now I have to make pasta at least once a week. Some of my favorites are my Vegan Mac & Cheese and Thai Basil Noodles. My easy One Pot Lemon Pasta is perfect when I’m in a hurry.

Knowing how pasta obsessed I am, you probably won’t be surprised when I tell you I love the cold sesame noodles you can order at Chinese restaurants.

I just can’t get enough of them. There’s just something about the creaminess of the sauce that gets me every time.

Better Than Takeout Noodles

To save some money (I used to order the sesame noodles often), I thought I’d start making my own version. Since I’m also obsessed with spice and hot sauce, I decided to put my own caliente spin on the noodles.

My version, which I call Spicy Sesame Noodles, adds a little heat in both temperature and spiciness.

A few reasons why I love these noodles:

they’re spicy (obviously)

they’re filling (extra protein from the tahini and tempeh)

they’re inexpensive to make

they impress dinner guests

they can be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free noodles

Make it even healthier by adding steamed broccoli or another of your favorite veggies into the pasta.

Spicy Sesame Noodles with Tempeh

To add some protein, I decided to include tempeh. The method I describe in the recipe below is my favorite simple way to cook the tempeh. All you need is some tempeh, olive oil and 5 minutes.

The tempeh comes out browned and tasty! If you’re new to tempeh, check out my Teriyaki Tempeh recipe where I share more info on this interesting food.

If you make these Spicy Sesame Noodles, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.

Spicy Sesame Noodles These Spicy Sesame Noodles are perfect when you have a craving for Chinese sesame noodles but also want a little kick. They’re so easy to make and much healthier than take out! 5 from 2 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 Calories: 174 kcal Author: Mary Ellen Ingredients 12 oz spaghetti or linguine (gluten-free if needed)

1 package of tempeh

1 TB oil or coconut oil

1 TB tamari

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional but tasty!)

2 TB sesame seeds (I used black but white it fine too)

3 scallions chopped Spicy Sauce 1/4 C tamari (or soy sauce if not gf)

3 TB vegetable broth (and more if needed)

2 TB rice wine vinegar (can substitute apple cider vinegar)

1/4 C tahini

3 TB peanut butter (can sub almond butter)

2 cloves of garlic minced (or ¼ tsp of garlic powder)

1 TB maple syrup

1/2 tsp powdered ginger

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 TB sriracha (or other chile sauce) Instructions Cook noodles to package directions.

While noodles are cooking, put tempeh block in a bowl and kind of mash it with a fork until crumbly.

Add oil to large pan. Once heated, add tempeh crumbles and tamari and cook for about 5 minutes until heated and browned.

Add all sauce ingredients to a bowl and stir until smooth.

When noodles are cooked, add them to a large bowl with the sauce. Add in tempeh and mix.

Top with sesame seeds and scallions. Notes To make for a healthier meal: steam some broccoli when the pasta is cooking and add it to the dish. * Please note: Nutritional info does not include pasta because there are so many different kinds available with different nutritional values. Nutrition Calories: 174 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.1 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 12 g | Fiber: 2.3 g | Vitamin A: 775 IU | Calcium: 72.5 mg | Iron: 2 mg Tried this recipe? Mention @v.nutrition or tag #vnutritionandwellness so I’m sure to see it!! Get your FREE Vegan Made Easy Guide! Sign up now!

Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who helps vegans find ways to make mealtimes easier (and healthier). When she’s not creating new recipes for her blog, you can find Mary Ellen doting on her two shih tzus or exploring the world with her husband.