Creamy Sesame Noodles with Steamed Broccoli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky noodles tossed in a savory sesame sauce paired with tender steamed broccoli for a simple, satisfying meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired noodle recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs spaghetti noodles, broccoli florets, tahini (sesame paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 8 oz spaghetti noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While noodles cook, steam 2 cups broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 3 tbsp warm water until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked noodles immediately with the sesame sauce until thoroughly coated.
  5. Step 5: Plate the noodles and top with the steamed broccoli, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 2 tbsp chopped scallions. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Sesame Noodles with Steamed Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Creamy Sesame Noodles with Steamed Broccoli?

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 spaghetti noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Sesame Noodles with Steamed Broccoli?

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 Creamy Sesame Noodles with Steamed Broccoli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.

Is Creamy Sesame Noodles with Steamed Broccoli vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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