15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls Recipe
If quick, colorful, and utterly crave-worthy meals are what you’re after, look no further than these 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls! Each forkful is a mashup of slurpable noodles, creamy sesame sauce, crisp veggies, and hearty protein, making it perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute get-togethers. Whether you enjoy them cold from the fridge or warmed up for comfort, these bowls bring a vibrant, crowd-pleasing twist to classic meal prep. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation every single week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these bowls lies in their simple, but thoughtfully chosen, ingredients. Every item not only plays up flavor and texture, but also brings its own pop of color and nutrition, making this meal as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Sesame paste (or tahini): Adds luscious creaminess and a rich, nutty flavor that anchors the dressing — don’t skip it!
- Warm water: Helps thin out the sauce so it coats every noodle strand beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Provides that deep umami punch and salty backbone you expect from Asian-inspired noodles.
- Sesame oil: Brings irresistible toasty notes — a little truly goes a long way here.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a tangy brightness that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic (grated): Just one clove packs a major punch of flavor — grate it finely for the best distribution.
- Sriracha and sugar (to taste): Add some heat and a gentle touch of sweetness; adjust both to fit your mood.
- Stir fry noodles, Chinese egg noodles, or linguine: Use whatever noodle you love or have on hand; even linguine works in a pinch!
- Edamame (cooked): These little green gems amp up protein and add a satisfying tender bite.
- Cucumbers (diced): Crisp, fresh, and hydrating — they keep these bowls feeling light and refreshing.
- Chicken breast (cooked and diced): Completely optional, but perfect for those who want a little extra heartiness.
- Sesame seeds: A classic final flourish; they add crunch and a lovely visual pop.
How to Make 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls
Step 1: Whisk the Sesame Sauce
Start by combining the sesame paste, warm water, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated garlic in a bowl. Add sriracha and sugar according to your taste preference — a bit of heat and sweetness can really make this sauce pop! Whisk until it’s completely smooth and emulsified. If you want to save a few extra minutes or really work out any stubborn clumps, feel free to blend it in a food processor or shake everything together in a jar.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles a couple minutes less than the package suggests. Slightly undercooked noodles hold up better for leftovers and soak up every bit of sauce without turning mushy. If your noodles seem extra sticky after draining, give them a quick rinse under cold water to break up any clumps. Toss the noodles with about half of your sesame sauce right away so they don’t stick together.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the saucy noodles evenly among your meal prep containers. Top each with a heaping scoop of edamame, a sprinkling of diced cucumber for crunch and freshness, and a portion of chicken breast if you’re including it. Finish with a good drizzle of the remaining sesame sauce and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. The result: a collection of gorgeous, ready-to-go 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls that look as good as they taste.
How to Serve 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls
Garnishes
For a final touch, don’t hold back on the garnishes! Sesame seeds are a must for crunch, but you can also toss in sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or even a scatter of crushed peanuts for extra texture. A wedge of lime on the side brightens up every bite, and a drizzle of extra sriracha is perfect for spice seekers. These details take your 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls from everyday to extraordinary.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bowls is a breeze. They’re already packed with veggies and protein, but feel free to serve alongside steamed dumplings, a crisp Asian-style slaw, or even some roasted broccoli for a feast. A miso soup starter makes the meal complete and comforting — especially if you’re sharing with friends or family.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try arranging everything family-style so everyone can build their own noodle bowl masterpiece. Layer the ingredients in jars for an Instagram-ready picnic, or nest the bowls on a platter with all the toppings arranged artistically on the side. However you showcase them, 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls are guaranteed to turn heads and invite compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bowls are perfect for meal prep — simply portion them into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making them a reliable choice for lunches, dinners, or a quick snack. If possible, keep garnishes like herbs or extra sauce on the side to add fresh just before serving.
Freezing
While these noodles are best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, you can freeze portions if absolutely necessary. Store the sauce and cooked noodles separately, if possible, to help preserve the texture. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving cold.
Reheating
One of the best things about 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls is their versatility — they’re equally delicious chilled or lightly warmed. If you prefer them warm, sprinkle a few drops of water over the noodles and microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, just until heated through. Add garnishes after reheating for that fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these bowls completely vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the chicken and add extra edamame or toss in some baked tofu for more protein. The sesame sauce packs so much punch that plant-based eaters won’t miss a thing.
Which noodle works best for 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls?
Any noodle you love or have on hand will do! While Chinese egg noodles are classic, stir fry noodles or even linguine create wonderfully slurpable bowls. Feel free to experiment and use what you’ve got in the pantry.
Can I use peanut butter instead of sesame paste?
You sure can! Peanut butter will create a slightly different flavor profile but still makes for an irresistibly creamy, nutty sauce. It’s a fun swap when you’re in the mood for variety or if sesame paste isn’t available.
How spicy are these bowls?
The heat level is totally in your control. Add as much or as little sriracha as you’d like — start with a small squeeze, taste, and turn up the intensity if you love things fiery!
How long does it really take to prepare?
From start to finish, these 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls truly live up to their name. As long as you have your proteins and veggies ready to go, you’ll have lunch or dinner sorted in record time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a speedy, nourishing, and utterly delicious way to simplify your week, you can’t go wrong with these 15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls. Make a batch, mix and match toppings, and savor every bite — I can’t wait for you to meet your new favorite go-to meal!
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15 Minute Meal Prep: Sesame Noodle Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sesame Noodle Bowls are a perfect meal prep option, ready in just 15 minutes. They feature a flavorful sesame sauce, tender noodles, edamame, cucumber, and optional chicken, all topped with sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/4 cup sesame paste (or tahini)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Sriracha and sugar to taste
Noodles
- 6–8 ounces stir fry noodles, Chinese egg noodles, or linguine in a pinch
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups edamame, cooked
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cooked and diced (optional: see notes)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Sauce – Whisk all sauce ingredients together until smooth (or you can run it through the food processor, or shake it up in a jar).
- Noodles – Cook noodles a few minutes LESS than package instructions. If your noodles seem very sticky, rinse them in cold water. Toss noodles with about half of the sesame sauce.
- Bowls – Divide noodles, edamame, cucumber, and chicken into containers. Drizzle with a little extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Eat hot or cold.
Notes
- You can omit the chicken for a vegetarian version or substitute with tofu for added protein.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Sriracha used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Sesame Noodle Bowls, Meal Prep, Asian Noodles, Easy Recipe, Quick Meal
