Imagine a dish that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Japan with just one bite - our Spicy Udon Pasta Salad is that culinary adventure! This isn't just another boring salad; it's a symphony of textures and heat that will transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors and a kick of spice, this recipe promises to be your new obsession that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz udon noodles
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until they are tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Peel and shred the carrots using a grater or a food processor. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil. Whisk together until well blended. This mixture will serve as the dressing for your salad.
- Once the udon noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This will also help to remove excess starch and prevent the noodles from becoming gummy.
- Add the cooled udon noodles to the bowl with the sliced bell peppers and shredded carrots. Pour the dressing over the noodles and vegetables.
- Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break the noodles while mixing.
- Finally, add the chopped scallions and sesame seeds to the salad. Toss again to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or chili oil according to your preference.
- Serve the Spicy Udon Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together. This dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Noodle Perfection: Always rinse udon noodles in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chili oil quantity to match your personal spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution of flavors and a visually appealing dish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Optional Protein Boost: Consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest vegetables possible for maximum crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
