Stir-Fried Noodles with Spicy Citrus and Sesame

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

A lively stir-fry combining tender noodles with a bright, spicy citrus sesame sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. This asian-inspired noodles ready in about 25 minutes pairs rice noodles, sesame oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 8-10 minutes until tender but still firm, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 cup trimmed snap peas to the wok, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the drained rice noodles, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and sauce evenly coats all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Noodles with Spicy Citrus and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Stir-Fried Noodles with Spicy Citrus and Sesame?

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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Noodles with Spicy Citrus and Sesame?

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 Stir-Fried Noodles with Spicy Citrus and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Stir-Fried Noodles with Spicy Citrus and Sesame?

Asian noodles 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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