Sesame Chicken and Soba Noodle Delight: A Flavorful Fusion Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meal? Look no further! This Sesame Chicken and Soba Noodle recipe is a vibrant fusion of Asian flavors, combining the savory goodness of sesame-coated chicken with the nutty undertones of soba noodles and a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a packed lunch, or even a light and satisfying weekend meal.

This dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The tender chicken, coated in a crispy sesame crust, pairs beautifully with the slightly chewy soba noodles. The addition of colorful vegetables not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a refreshing crunch. And the flavorful sesame-ginger sauce ties everything together in perfect harmony.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the level of spice to your liking, or swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or pescatarian option. The possibilities are endless!

## Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken and Soba Noodle Recipe

* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of sesame, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible umami-rich flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Quick and Easy to Make:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is a balanced and nutritious meal.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This dish holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

**For the Sesame Chicken:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 cup sesame seeds
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking

**For the Soba Noodles:**

* 8 ounces soba noodles
* 4 cups water, for boiling

**For the Vegetables:**

* 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
* 1/2 cup broccoli florets
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
* Optional: 1/4 cup edamame (shelled)

**For the Sesame-Ginger Sauce:**

* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
* Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a touch of spice)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or wok
* Large pot for boiling noodles
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Sesame Chicken and Soba Noodle masterpiece:

**Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Chicken**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This marinade will infuse the chicken with delicious flavor.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Ensure that each piece of chicken is well covered in the sauce. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
3. In a separate shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and sesame seeds. This mixture will create a crispy and flavorful coating for the chicken.
4. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch and sesame seed mixture, pressing gently to ensure that the coating adheres well. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated on all sides.

**Step 2: Cook the Soba Noodles**

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the soba noodles.
2. Cook the soba noodles according to the package directions, usually around 6-8 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately in a colander. Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this will help the chicken to brown properly.
2. Add the sesame-coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning evenly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Prepare the Sesame-Ginger Sauce**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water. If you like a little spice, add the red pepper flakes.
2. Pour the sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits will add extra flavor to the sauce.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The cornstarch will help to thicken the sauce to a glossy consistency.

**Step 5: Combine and Serve**

1. Add the cooked soba noodles, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrot, broccoli florets, and edamame (if using) to the skillet with the sesame-ginger sauce. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Add the cooked sesame chicken to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the chicken to lose its crispy coating.
3. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and additional sesame seeds, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

## Tips and Variations

* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables for the ones listed in the recipe. Some other great options include snow peas, snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms, or zucchini.
* **Protein Variations:** If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute tofu, shrimp, or even beef in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
* **Sweetness Level:** Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to control the sweetness of the sauce. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sweetener.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your soba noodles are made from 100% buckwheat flour (some soba noodles contain wheat flour).
* **Make Ahead:** The sesame chicken and sesame-ginger sauce can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet and then combine with the cooked soba noodles and vegetables.
* **Meal Prep:** This dish is perfect for meal prep! Divide the finished dish into individual containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet before serving.
* **Add a touch of citrus:** A squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end adds a bright and zesty note to the dish.
* **Peanut Butter Variation:** For a richer and nuttier flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sesame-ginger sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve as a complete meal on its own.
* Pair with a side of steamed rice for a more substantial meal.
* Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a Korean-inspired twist.
* Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
* Drizzle with a little extra sesame oil for added flavor and shine.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Sesame Chicken and Soba Noodle recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of sesame chicken, chewy soba noodles, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a culinary delight that’s both healthy and incredibly tasty! Happy cooking!