Spicy Sesame Noodles

Last week I was feeling overwhelmed in the evenings because I was trying to juggle my work, school, home, and social responsibilities all at once. In the coming months, I am going to be looking to make more quick and easy weeknight meals (someone please tell me why I decided to go back to school...). These spicy sesame noodles are one of my go to meals when I am feeling pressed for time. They are really easy to make, and I usually have all of the ingredients on hand. Another great thing about this meal is that it barely makes any mess and it is ready to eat within 20 - 25 minutes from start to finish. This recipe was passed on to me 2 years ago from a friend/coworker, and it was passed on to her from her mother.  I love the flavors of the sesame oil, honey, and spicy red pepper flakes. It is so good! If you are afraid of spice, make sure to really cut down on the amount of red pepper flakes that you use in the recipe. The recipe makes at least 8 generous servings of noodles. The noodles can be enjoyed hot, warm, or cold. Make sure to top each serving with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. Enjoy!

Recipe for Spicy Sesame Noodles 

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup of corn oil
1/4 cup of sesame oil
1 Tbsp. of chili oil (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. to 1 Tbsp. of crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. of dried onion flakes
5 Tbsp. of honey
3 Tbsp. of soy sauce
1 tsp. of salt
1 16-ounce package of spaghetti noodles
3 Tbsp. of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

DIRECTIONS:
Put a large pot of water on the stovetop and set on high to bring to boil (for the spaghetti noodles).

Put the corn oil, sesame oil, and red chili oil in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Add in the crushed red pepper flakes and onion flakes, stir. Let the oil, pepper flakes, and onion flakes cook for about 2 minutes (make sure to watch the pan while the oil is cooking - you don't want the oil to get too hot). Remove the saucepan from heat. Add in the honey, soy sauce, and salt and mix well. Set aside.

Once the water begins to boil, add some salt to the water. Add the spaghetti noodles to the pot of boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain noodles well and then put them into a large bowl. Pour the oil and honey mixture over the noodles and mix. Serve the noodles hot or allow them to cool to room temperature. Top each serving with crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds. Eat with chopsticks, if desired!

To toast the sesame seeds: Scatter the sesame seeds in an even layer on a toaster oven baking pan. Toast in the toaster oven for 5 - 7 minutes. This can be done before you begin making the meal, or it can be done while the spaghetti is cooking.

Recipe Adapted from: Cathy Holcombe (this may be my friend's mother...or it is the 
person my friend's mother got the recipe from)

COMMENTS:
I know we all have busy schedules. Would you like to share your favorite quick & easy weeknight meal? If so, please leave a comment on this post! Thank you.

*Are you looking for more tasty noodle meals? Check out the recipes for cilantro-peanut pasta salad and soba noodle salad. Both recipes are easy to make & they are delicious!*