Census-Style Spiced Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Asian noodle dish inspired by the diversity of U.S. cultures, featuring a tangy tamarind glaze and toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs ramen noodles, vegetable broth, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz ramen noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup cooked noodles and 1/4 cup water. Stir to coat, then pour in the tamarind- soy sauce mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Top with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Census-Style Spiced Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Census-Style Spiced Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ramen noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Census-Style Spiced Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Census-Style Spiced Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Census-Style Spiced Noodles?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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