Spicy Sesame Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles

This vibrant stir-fry noodles dish combines traditional Asian flavors with a creative twist of sesame and a hint of spice. Featuring colorful vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles, it's a deliciously balanced meal that respects culinary traditions while offering a fresh and modern taste. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.

Ingredients:

• 200g rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 100g snap peas
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Stir in the cooked noodles, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Toss everything together and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.