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Asian High Protein Sesame That Make Weeknight Meal Prep Feel Easier for Weeknight Dinners


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  • Author: James Carter
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Streamline your weeknights with these delicious Asian High Protein Sesame Noodles. Packed with flavor and goodness, this recipe is designed for easy meal prep, making dinners a breeze. Perfect for busy schedules!


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Noodles & Protein:
  • 12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti or ramen noodles (or your preferred noodle)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (or 1 pound firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or 1 pound edamame, shelled)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil, for cooking protein
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the Sesame Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 12 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup hot water, plus more as needed to reach desired consistency
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce for a little heat
  • For the Vegetables:
  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • Optional additions: snap peas, snow peas, edamame, chopped scallions, sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water; toss with a tiny drizzle of sesame oil if meal prepping.
  2. 2. Prepare protein: If using chicken, season and cook in a skillet with oil until browned and cooked through; set aside. If using tofu, press, cube, and pan-fry until crispy; set aside. If using edamame, cook according to package directions.
  3. 3. Make sesame sauce: Whisk tahini, soy sauce/tamari, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and hot water until smooth. Add more hot water to reach desired consistency. Stir in sriracha if using.
  4. 4. Cook vegetables: In the same skillet (wiped clean if needed), sauté broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots for about 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. 5. Combine: Add noodles, cooked protein, and vegetables back to the skillet. Pour about two-thirds of the sesame sauce over the mixture and toss to coat. Add more sauce as needed.
  6. 6. Serve immediately or portion into airtight containers for meal prep. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out. For best texture, consider storing sauce separately.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Estimate: ~550-650 kcal (depending on protein choice and portions)
  • Sugar: Estimate: ~10-15g
  • Sodium: Estimate: ~700-900mg (using low-sodium soy sauce)
  • Fat: Estimate: ~25-35g
  • Carbohydrates: Estimate: ~50-60g
  • Fiber: Estimate: ~8-12g
  • Protein: Estimate: ~30-40g