PW's Sesame Noodles

I've made these noodles a few times now, after my mother-in-law recommended them to me.

The first time I made them, the kids were raving over the aroma of them. They continually asked, "When is dinner, mom?" And, "What are you making???" I believe this is the night that my middle child announced that she wants to be a 'cooker' when she grows up, just like me.

Then we sat down to eat.

My oldest loved them. I mean, looooovvveed them. Like, face-to-plate, sucking these noodles down.

My middle-est, not so much. She took one look at those scallions and decided it was gross.

My youngest thought they were ok. She ate a few bites, picking all green things out, and announced that she did NOT, after all, like these noodles.

Sigh. Most nights, though, are like this.

I decided to be brave and try them again. This time, not so much chili oil (the spice was too much for them) and put some aside sans scallions for the girls. But, again, the girls wouldn't eat them because they had already 'tried' them and the verdict was already in.

Jayden devoured his. And theirs.

But most nights are like this. It's always a fun-filled evening of, "Sit down and EAT!!"

So, after giving you all of that information, I have to tell you that I loved them. I think they are light and flavorful and such a great way to get the whole wheat noodle a spin. And most people who know me well, know that I am not a huge fan of asian cuisine. I mean, I like PF Changs, Pick Up Stix, Pei Wei, you know, the American-ized versions of these dishes. I enjoy making a stir fry every once in awhile. And I like white rice with soy sauce. Does that count? I liked fried rice, til I found out they put an egg in it. I liked egg-drop soup til I found out that it, too, has an egg actually dropped in it. (By now you are thinking, "Why is she surprised her kids don't like this?")

So, anyway, I knew I wanted to post this recipe as soon as I could smell them cooking. I knew it again, when it took like 5 minutes to throw together. And I knew it again when they looked so amazing sitting next to my oriental veggies and the skirt steak I prepared to go with it. And, finally, I knew it when I tasted them and their spicy, savory delicious-ness.

So, here it is (my notes are in parentheses & italicized):

PWs (Pioneer Woman's) Simple Sesame Noodles

• Ingredients
• 12 ounces, fluid Thin Noodles, Cooked And Drained (I used whole wheat angel hair)
• ¼ cups Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons Pure Sesame Oil
• ½ teaspoons Hot Chili Oil (This is where I held back the 2nd time. It didn't seem like a lot when at the time, but it was...)
• 4 Tablespoons Canola Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Hot Water
• 4 whole Green Onions, Sliced Thin

(I had some sesame seeds that I toasted, just for kicks.)

Preparation Instructions

Whisk all ingredients (except noodles and green onions) together in a bowl. Taste and adjust ingredients as needed.
Pour sauce over warm noodles and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with green onions (and sesame seeds!) and toss.
Serve in a bowl with chopsticks. Yummy!